I had the boat Yard Paint the bottom this year, mostly because they wouldn't let me do it. They used Fiberglass bottom coat ACT (or so they say) and it really didnt fare to much better that the West Marine paint I used last year. The weather has been out of the ordinary, in that we got about 2 feet of rain this spring and early summer, and I guess that could affect the slime and other growth. I am in pretty deep water (never come close to bottom) but havent used the boat as much as I would like to this year. Anybody local who has had some real good experience with a particular bottom paint, I would love to hear from. How about prop paint, anybody have a real good experience with one brand or another. All wisdom greatly appreciated.
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Bottom Paint
Practical Sailor tests and reports on antifouling paint every tear and they test some up in New England waters. You can download past articles for a price (http://www.practical-sailor.com). I am always amazed that some of the cheaper store-brand paints performce as well as or better than the very pricey formulations. Any antifouling paint will work on your prop and shaft as long as you use a good primer under the paint. The paint on the prop will wear off as the season progresses but regular use of the boat will keep prop barnacles at a minimum.
Practical Sailor tests and reports on antifouling paint every tear and they test some up in New England waters. You can download past articles for a price (http://www.practical-sailor.com). I am always amazed that some of the cheaper store-brand paints performce as well as or better than the very pricey formulations. Any antifouling paint will work on your prop and shaft as long as you use a good primer under the paint. The paint on the prop will wear off as the season progresses but regular use of the boat will keep prop barnacles at a minimum.
ACT
I've been using Interlux ACT for years and on a number of boats. I think it's a very good bottom paint and have never been disappointed by its performance. I do not, however, follow the directions on the can. Since I haul my boat each winter, I only put on one coat of bottom paint in the spring as opposed to the 2-3 coats they recommend. One coat works fine for one season. I also use a 1/4 inch roller rather than the 3/8inch recommended. Unfortunately IMHO, Interlux just changed the formula of ACT to now include some form of slime fighting agent (Ingarol?) -- which has raised the price significantly. I don't know if the paint itself will continue to perform as well with this new additive. I also believe that West CPP, also a ablative, is about the same quality and may now be the better bargain.
I've been using Interlux ACT for years and on a number of boats. I think it's a very good bottom paint and have never been disappointed by its performance. I do not, however, follow the directions on the can. Since I haul my boat each winter, I only put on one coat of bottom paint in the spring as opposed to the 2-3 coats they recommend. One coat works fine for one season. I also use a 1/4 inch roller rather than the 3/8inch recommended. Unfortunately IMHO, Interlux just changed the formula of ACT to now include some form of slime fighting agent (Ingarol?) -- which has raised the price significantly. I don't know if the paint itself will continue to perform as well with this new additive. I also believe that West CPP, also a ablative, is about the same quality and may now be the better bargain.
vc17 enhanced
we use vc17 enhanced, and have been getting two seasons, with one coat. Our bottom is in good condition and I suspect to switch over to this would require sanding down to the gel coat. We haul annually and sit in cold water most of the year. (it aint cheap tho)
we use vc17 enhanced, and have been getting two seasons, with one coat. Our bottom is in good condition and I suspect to switch over to this would require sanding down to the gel coat. We haul annually and sit in cold water most of the year. (it aint cheap tho)
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