bottom paint basics for a newbie

[Ken Koons]

I've been enjoying the 98 Hunter 240 I bought at the beginning of the season all summer. With the end of the season looming I'm starting to make my list of off season chores I'll need to do. 1st on the list is bottom paint. The boat currently has bottom paint. It is worn and faded in places and possibly sanded by the previous owner preparing to repaint right before I bought her.My question is what are the steps in painting? Is it possible to remove all of the bottom paint and just go with the white bottom? The boat sits on the trailer when not being sailed. Which brings up a second question. How do I get to the areas obscured by the trailer?Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Steven Gautney]

Why paint . . .if it sits on a trailor?

If you keep your boat on the trailer when not sailing, I would not paint. We did not paint my 23.5 until we began leaving it in a wet slip. I personnaly prefer a non painted bottom because it produces less drag. Clean off the old paint, check for hull blisters, and polish the gelcoat to a smooth waxed finish. I recommend having the boat lifted in a sling so you can get under the boat safely . . .check in the trunk where the centerboard swings up for blisters as well. Another issue with many bottom paints is that they require you to keep the boat in the water. It will ruin the paint if not launched with in 30 days. Get a Westmarine catalogue . . .it has usefull information on bottom paint products.

 

[Jim Anzalone]

Steve is right

If you don't keep your boat in the water you don't need to bottom paint. If you keep your boat in fresh water you don't need to either! In fresh water brush it clean every month.Bottom paint does help keep it clean in fresh water.Steve is also right about taking the old bottom paint off! The sell a new stripping process that is works really well. When your done look for blisters! If you have them repair them correctly. Warm fresh water is the worst for creating blister!