Bottom paint

[gary]

I posted this question some time ago and received many good thoughts. I tried to retrieve the thread in the archives, but to no avail. The question: Why do I need to paint the bottom of my boat at all? I do not like the harm some of the bottom paints cause to the environment. The water where I sail - in Maine - is very cold and the boat is only in for three to four months. The growth seems to be minimal. I would like to paint it for protection to the boat - not to inhibit marine growth. Any suggestions --- again?
thanx,
gary

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

There is no rule that says you have to use bottom paint. The worst that could happen if you don't is some growth which will slow down the boat and some extra effort to clean it at the end of the season.

 

[inarathree]

you and always try this:

http://www.ultrasonic-antifouling.com/ultrasonic_antifouling_for_sail_boats.html

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The big question will you get barnacles on the hull in four to five months and if you answwer yes, then you will need some type of protection. I agree with you protecting the envirionment but what is put on depending on the paints will not really hurt. If you do put on paint, then suggest a softer antifouling to include the West marine ccp or the equivalent of that in Interlux as it has less coupourous oxide in it and it will be good in the next season without bottom painting again.

however, I am aware of some waxing solutions that you might try that have up to two month protectiion on the hull.

 

[gary]

Crazy Dave

The big question will you get barnacles on the hull in four to five months and if you answwer yes, then you will need some type of protection. I agree with you protecting the envirionment but what is put on depending on the paints will not really hurt. If you do put on paint, then suggest a softer antifouling to include the West marine ccp or the equivalent of that in Interlux as it has less coupourous oxide in it and it will be good in the next season without bottom painting again.

however, I am aware of some waxing solutions that you might try that have up to two month protectiion on the hull.

I would like to hear more about the waxing compounds you mention. Never heard of them. Where could I get more information. Thanx
gary

 

[MABell]

Is it trailer boat?

I had my H26 (before bottom painting) in a marine environment for a year.
At 6 months, I pulled it out and pressure washed it. Things were starting to attach – but I had a good wax on the hull and everything came right off (the wax was carnauba like you would use on your car). At one year, the boat was coming out anyway, and I pressure washed it again. So it can work. Having said that, there’s no protection against water penetrating the gel coat and causing blisters. That requires a barrier coat then bottom painting.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I never attached wax solutions but go to a West Marine store and they should be able to advise. See the comment above.

As for gel coat solutions, generally, the gel solutions will not allow water to penetrate as they are more in a sense plastic. Gel soltions have come a long way in the past 25 years. On new Hunters, I pretty much did not put barrier coats on unless the owner specified. Rarely did I have blisters to repair which is a testimonial and I have dealt with solutions that did not do the job but Hunter did a good job of the gel soulutions used in the boats.

Dave Condon

 

[gary]

Thanx

I never attached wax solutions but go to a West Marine store and they should be able to advise. See the comment above.

As for gel coat solutions, generally, the gel solutions will not allow water to penetrate as they are more in a sense plastic. Gel soltions have come a long way in the past 25 years. On new Hunters, I pretty much did not put barrier coats on unless the owner specified. Rarely did I have blisters to repair which is a testimonial and I have dealt with solutions that did not do the job but Hunter did a good job of the gel soulutions used in the boats.

Dave Condon

Food for thought. Thanx everyone.
gary