Bottom paint preferences

[Bill]

Getting a new 25.5, our first boat (probably closing deal this week). Bottom is VC tar with no remaining VC17. I'm looking for a bottom paint that will last more than one season, but that will also not require a lot of prep in the future. We are planning to leave the boat in the water (not haul) through the winter. Though VC17 might seem like a decent choice, I'm concerned that it won't last for the length of time we want.In my research, I've found Pettit Horizons and Ultima SR, Interlux Micron Extra and Micron CSC, and West Marine's house brand CPP Ablative.Any comments on these? Any other options?(I know the surface prep involved - sand the remnants of the VC17, but the tar bottom is in pretty good shape. Just needs a little touch up in a couple of spots.)Thank in advance, Bill

 

[Dave Weir]

Bottom Paint

Bill--We put 3 on coats of Petit ACP-50 (the predecessor to Ultima SR) over Interprotect 2000 during the 2001-2002 haulout. The boat was in the water from early May thru November 2002, and from the first week in March 2003 through October. We just hauled--no barnacles and the telltale coat is barely showing in a few spots.I am going to cover with 1-2 coats of Ultima SR, figuring it is similar to ACP-50. We sail on the NJ coast.Dave Weir

 

[Travis]

Just remember

Different bottom paints acts differently depending on your location on the coast (North and south). Ask people in your location which works best for them. The latest Practical Sailor has a great review on how paints tested in northern and southern waters.