OK, I know that the bottom paint issue has been debated in the past (I checked the archives), but I still can't get a definitive answer that can help me decide about my bottom paint. Here's the situation: a) The boat (H23) is in central Florida, moored in fresh water (St. Johns River) while the trailer was being fixed. I hauled the boat three months ago to pressure wash the bottom and found there was no bottom paint left. I had no choice but to put it back in the water after the pressure wash (no trailer nor money for a bottom job). The algae grew back in nothing flat. b) Based on their past experience, the local boatyard recommended Pettit Trinidad (ablative) if the boat was going to remain in the water and a modified epoxy paint if I was going to leave it on the trailer (I got it back last week). I asked about VC-17M, but they have no experience with this paint. After checking the price, they agreed to do the bottom with VC for the same price as Trinidad. Their prices seem to be reasonable. c) I plan to do a fair amount of weekend trailer/cruising in both salt and fresh water. As I understand it (and I am probably wrong), the problem with fresh water is algae and in salt water it is barnacles. I was told that most hard-finish antifoulings cannot deal effectively with both. d) will probably store the boat on the trailer, and it may be out of the water for a couple of months sometimes (pressures of work). However there will also be times when the boat may be left in the water for up to a month. The bottom paint has to be able to stand up to the stress of trailering/launching without flaking off and still provide good antifouling. e) Local sailors have come up with all kinds of solutions. One guy even told me that he got some submarine paint from the base on the coast and it kept critters off like you wouldn't believe. In the relentless search for more boatspeed, some racers have applied high-gloss "secret weapon" finishes which I am not allowed to talk about. Some have also suggested that I not bother with the hassle of bottom paint, just scrub every time I haul. That could become tedious on a Sunday night when the skeeters start to bite and I still have a three-hour drive ahead of me to get the boat home. f) I would certainly go with the VC if it will keep the growth off and stay on the boat for a reasonable amount of time. My other option is Copperpoxy, which uses fine flakes of metallic copper in epoxy resin. The manufacturer claims it will remain effective for up to ten years. Now for my questions: 1) How well does VC really work in warm water (fresh and salt)? 2) How well does it hold up to banging and bruising when trailering? 3) Has anyone used Copperpoxy, or am I about to be the guinea pig? Sorry about the long post, but I tried to provide as much information as I could. Thanks a lot. Peter Suah "Raven"
Bottom paint for trailerables
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Chris
Practical Sailor
There has been a great bottom paint comparison in "Practical Sailor" a while back (if you don't know what that is, its kind of "consumer reports" for sailboats. They don't accept advertisments and test all kind of stuff - great rag!) If I can, I'll try to look it up for you, e-mail me at "ckluczkowski@ato.com" to remind me to dig it up. From what I DO remember, the slick (secret weapon stuff does not work very well, at least for boats that are left in the water) Take care!
There has been a great bottom paint comparison in "Practical Sailor" a while back (if you don't know what that is, its kind of "consumer reports" for sailboats. They don't accept advertisments and test all kind of stuff - great rag!) If I can, I'll try to look it up for you, e-mail me at "ckluczkowski@ato.com" to remind me to dig it up. From what I DO remember, the slick (secret weapon stuff does not work very well, at least for boats that are left in the water) Take care!
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Michael O'Hara
"Copperpoxy" or Ablative
You asked a lot of questions, but I'll address the basics. Based on a LOT of research before painting my freshwater H25, which I store on a trailer in winter, the best "general" paint choice for trailerables is ablative. However, I read in either Cruising World or Sail magazine, about spring of 98, that the copper epoxy paint is the LAST paint job you will ever do. Rats! I had just ordered Micron CSC ablative paint and an epoxy barrier coat! The paint job looks absolutely perfect after two sailing seasons, but I've been swearing that the next time I paint a boat it will be copper epoxy - for the last time! Michael O'
You asked a lot of questions, but I'll address the basics. Based on a LOT of research before painting my freshwater H25, which I store on a trailer in winter, the best "general" paint choice for trailerables is ablative. However, I read in either Cruising World or Sail magazine, about spring of 98, that the copper epoxy paint is the LAST paint job you will ever do. Rats! I had just ordered Micron CSC ablative paint and an epoxy barrier coat! The paint job looks absolutely perfect after two sailing seasons, but I've been swearing that the next time I paint a boat it will be copper epoxy - for the last time! Michael O'
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Dick Leis
Sea Hawk Cukote Antifouling
In the spring of 1998, I had Sailors Wharf in St. Pete, FL apply an exoxy barrier coating, followed by Sea Hawk Cukote antifouling. The barrier to continue the factory warranty on my Hunter 19 and the Cukote to prevent fresh water growth here in central Florida. As like Pete, my boat is in and out depending upon approaching storms, while staying most of the time in a lake. The Cukote, a Florida product is suppose to be good for this periodic drying out as experienced by trailer sailers. I have seen no grown and the bottom looks like the day I brought it home from the Wharf.
In the spring of 1998, I had Sailors Wharf in St. Pete, FL apply an exoxy barrier coating, followed by Sea Hawk Cukote antifouling. The barrier to continue the factory warranty on my Hunter 19 and the Cukote to prevent fresh water growth here in central Florida. As like Pete, my boat is in and out depending upon approaching storms, while staying most of the time in a lake. The Cukote, a Florida product is suppose to be good for this periodic drying out as experienced by trailer sailers. I have seen no grown and the bottom looks like the day I brought it home from the Wharf.
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Tom Adams
VC 17 = Best Trailerable
I have a 1998 h240 that I painted with VC17 and I love it. This was the second season with the bottom paint and it is still in great paint. I keep mine in fresh water for 6 months, and on the trailer for 6 months. I pull my boat out of the marina 3-4 times during the summer from trips. I don't plan on painting it again for awhile. Also, I did all the work myself. It is soooooooooooo easy to work with. Would highly recommend the VC17! Good Luck!
I have a 1998 h240 that I painted with VC17 and I love it. This was the second season with the bottom paint and it is still in great paint. I keep mine in fresh water for 6 months, and on the trailer for 6 months. I pull my boat out of the marina 3-4 times during the summer from trips. I don't plan on painting it again for awhile. Also, I did all the work myself. It is soooooooooooo easy to work with. Would highly recommend the VC17! Good Luck!
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Charlie Kilmer
Bottom Paint
Tom, Two questions: 1. How much Algae do you get and is it hard to wash off, 2. How did you paint the areas under the bunk rails of the trailer and swing keel? H240 has been a great experience for us. Thanks, Charlie "Good Medicine"
Tom, Two questions: 1. How much Algae do you get and is it hard to wash off, 2. How did you paint the areas under the bunk rails of the trailer and swing keel? H240 has been a great experience for us. Thanks, Charlie "Good Medicine"
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Tom Adams
Hey Charlie!
Hi Charlie! I am glad you enjoyed the h240 this year. Sorry we were not around much to see you at the lake. I did a lot of trailering this year. Also, the last race were in, we got hit by 60 mph winds and three boats capsized! It took me a while to get back on the water after that. Anyway, give me your e-mail address and we can keep in touch. My e-mail address is: adamsapp@gwtc.net About the bottom paint. I do not get any algea at all on my bottom. There is some minor "scum" if it is left in all summer. But, just a simple rinse with the garden hose, and it looks like new. I imagine you had some serious "scum" on your nice new white hull? I would not leave mine in the water without a bottom paint, as I learned the hard way with my Catalina. When I first took delivery of my boat the hull was nice and clean. I did all of the work here in my driveway on a single Saturday. I got a cleaner for the hull to remove the "mold" residue from manufacturing. I lightly sanded the hull and put three coats of paint on it. I used the VC17 and it is fantastic to work with. It goes on easy and is very clean. I left the boat on the trailer and just used masking tape around all areas of the bunks. I placed a tarp over the trailer where I was painting. I used a roller brush to apply the paint and it was a breeze to do. I can't remember how much paint I used, but I think it was 8 quarts for three coats. This past spring, I had to add another coat to the areas of the hull that rub on the bunks when I load the boat on the trailer. I never did do the area of the hull that sits on the bunks. I use that as a guide to know when I have the boat on the trailer the correct way. The bottom still looks as good as when I painted it two seasons ago. I do not plan on painting it again next year, just minor touch-up work. I drove by where you store your boat and I noticed you had it all under the tarp for the year. Me too. I did go to the lake yesterday and there are still 10 sailboatss in their slips. It is suppose to snow today. Seems a little cold to me. Keep in touch and We will see on the water next April. Tom Adams "Alrightie Then"
Hi Charlie! I am glad you enjoyed the h240 this year. Sorry we were not around much to see you at the lake. I did a lot of trailering this year. Also, the last race were in, we got hit by 60 mph winds and three boats capsized! It took me a while to get back on the water after that. Anyway, give me your e-mail address and we can keep in touch. My e-mail address is: adamsapp@gwtc.net About the bottom paint. I do not get any algea at all on my bottom. There is some minor "scum" if it is left in all summer. But, just a simple rinse with the garden hose, and it looks like new. I imagine you had some serious "scum" on your nice new white hull? I would not leave mine in the water without a bottom paint, as I learned the hard way with my Catalina. When I first took delivery of my boat the hull was nice and clean. I did all of the work here in my driveway on a single Saturday. I got a cleaner for the hull to remove the "mold" residue from manufacturing. I lightly sanded the hull and put three coats of paint on it. I used the VC17 and it is fantastic to work with. It goes on easy and is very clean. I left the boat on the trailer and just used masking tape around all areas of the bunks. I placed a tarp over the trailer where I was painting. I used a roller brush to apply the paint and it was a breeze to do. I can't remember how much paint I used, but I think it was 8 quarts for three coats. This past spring, I had to add another coat to the areas of the hull that rub on the bunks when I load the boat on the trailer. I never did do the area of the hull that sits on the bunks. I use that as a guide to know when I have the boat on the trailer the correct way. The bottom still looks as good as when I painted it two seasons ago. I do not plan on painting it again next year, just minor touch-up work. I drove by where you store your boat and I noticed you had it all under the tarp for the year. Me too. I did go to the lake yesterday and there are still 10 sailboatss in their slips. It is suppose to snow today. Seems a little cold to me. Keep in touch and We will see on the water next April. Tom Adams "Alrightie Then"
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Joe R.
Hey Charlie 2
this was my 2nd season with a new 240. We used VC17. Not only does it keep the growth in check (just a light scum) but it makes the boat a little faster (more slipery). You need to put it on a sling at a boat yard to paint the entire bottom, swing keel & rudder AND ESPECIALY the bunk runners. You paint the sling areas when its back on the trailer VC 17 is easy to apply several coats in one day as it dries instantly. DONT SAND YOUR BOAT IT VOIDS THE WARRANTY. You must use a de-glosser 1st then do the paint. Going to pull the boat out of the water next week. Am already experiencing withdrawl. Joe R./Skooky 2
this was my 2nd season with a new 240. We used VC17. Not only does it keep the growth in check (just a light scum) but it makes the boat a little faster (more slipery). You need to put it on a sling at a boat yard to paint the entire bottom, swing keel & rudder AND ESPECIALY the bunk runners. You paint the sling areas when its back on the trailer VC 17 is easy to apply several coats in one day as it dries instantly. DONT SAND YOUR BOAT IT VOIDS THE WARRANTY. You must use a de-glosser 1st then do the paint. Going to pull the boat out of the water next week. Am already experiencing withdrawl. Joe R./Skooky 2
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Charlie Kilmer
VC17 sounds
like the way to go!! Joe, I have not had much luck finding a boat yard in Western South Dakota, but I don't want to resort to the Hydrochloric Acid next year. Nasty stuff!! But it did the job. Thanks for your information.... Tom, Don't have e-mail yet, but wife is making me get it at home.... Take care Sailing Withdrawl is no fun.....
like the way to go!! Joe, I have not had much luck finding a boat yard in Western South Dakota, but I don't want to resort to the Hydrochloric Acid next year. Nasty stuff!! But it did the job. Thanks for your information.... Tom, Don't have e-mail yet, but wife is making me get it at home.... Take care Sailing Withdrawl is no fun.....
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Jim and Ellen
A question regarding a different topic
I read all of the responses to the topic addressed, however, one thing bogggles my mind.......it sounds as though most of you do a significant amount of trailering with your boats. Does anyone have any suggestions for an easier way of raising the mast? We take our boat to a lake in April and it stays in the water until October. It is quite a project to raise and lower the mast. We are considering being more mobile next spring, but it is just myself and my husband...we are trying to decide if this is practical for us to attempt. I'd be interested to hear your response. (Our boat is 1986 H-23)..Thank you.... Ellen and Jim
I read all of the responses to the topic addressed, however, one thing bogggles my mind.......it sounds as though most of you do a significant amount of trailering with your boats. Does anyone have any suggestions for an easier way of raising the mast? We take our boat to a lake in April and it stays in the water until October. It is quite a project to raise and lower the mast. We are considering being more mobile next spring, but it is just myself and my husband...we are trying to decide if this is practical for us to attempt. I'd be interested to hear your response. (Our boat is 1986 H-23)..Thank you.... Ellen and Jim
Thanks for all your help
Thanks everyone for your responses to my (lengthy) post. The final verdict is that it will be VC for this go-round and we'll see how it does over the next year or so. The bottom job is scheduled for this coming Thursday. I'll let you know how it turns out. The light and warm water all year round are perfect for weeds and algae and slime. I guess this is the price that we pay for being able to sail in the winter. Don't feel too bad, hardly anybody sails during the summer in central Florida. It's far too hot and the only wind is the strong gusts and downbursts that you get right before the violent thunderstorms in the afternoon. Peter Suah
Thanks everyone for your responses to my (lengthy) post. The final verdict is that it will be VC for this go-round and we'll see how it does over the next year or so. The bottom job is scheduled for this coming Thursday. I'll let you know how it turns out. The light and warm water all year round are perfect for weeds and algae and slime. I guess this is the price that we pay for being able to sail in the winter. Don't feel too bad, hardly anybody sails during the summer in central Florida. It's far too hot and the only wind is the strong gusts and downbursts that you get right before the violent thunderstorms in the afternoon. Peter Suah
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Gary Bridi
VC 17 Question
West sells VC17. There is a notation that the maximum time between painting and the boat going in the water is 60 days. Does anyne know why? What about a boat that is painted in the spring, placed in the water before 60 days, but is taken out for winter storage the next week?
West sells VC17. There is a notation that the maximum time between painting and the boat going in the water is 60 days. Does anyne know why? What about a boat that is painted in the spring, placed in the water before 60 days, but is taken out for winter storage the next week?
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Dakota Jim Russell
Gary re: vc17
Used VC 17 on my boat for 5 years. Hauled it every year and thus it was out of water for 6 months each year. I would paint the top foot of waterline each year as this area seemed to need repainting. Other than that, had no problem having it out of water for an extended period of time. I suspect the reason that it is suggested to put in water within 60 days is that it is probably subject to some weathering from rain, etc. This could possibly cause some erosion prematurely. But I wouldn't get an ulcer over it, at least not from my experiences over the five year period. Do note, it dries very quickly. Need to do it on a cool day, preferably when the wind is not blowing.
Used VC 17 on my boat for 5 years. Hauled it every year and thus it was out of water for 6 months each year. I would paint the top foot of waterline each year as this area seemed to need repainting. Other than that, had no problem having it out of water for an extended period of time. I suspect the reason that it is suggested to put in water within 60 days is that it is probably subject to some weathering from rain, etc. This could possibly cause some erosion prematurely. But I wouldn't get an ulcer over it, at least not from my experiences over the five year period. Do note, it dries very quickly. Need to do it on a cool day, preferably when the wind is not blowing.
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Gary Bridi
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Dakota Jim Russell
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Dan Ulrich
VC 17
Can anyone tell me who manufactures VC17 and can it be applied over an ablative such as Bottomcote (Interlux)
Can anyone tell me who manufactures VC17 and can it be applied over an ablative such as Bottomcote (Interlux)
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