Bottom Paint

[BIOMED BOB]

I am preparing to repaint the bottom of my swing keel cat 25. I plan on trailering a lot, and not keeping her in the water. When it the water it will be inter coastal east coast. Any recommendations on what bottom paint to use since I will be hauling her out on a trailer when not in use in salt water.

Thanks

Bob

 

[fstbttms]

You need to use an ablative paint. Hard paints cannot withstand prolonged periods exposed to air.

 

[South Sagle Jim]

How important is bottom paint when sailing freshwater only? I have heard it should be avoided so as not to attract stuff which sticks to the bottom paint such as algae!?

 

[fstbttms]

How important is bottom paint when sailing freshwater only? I have heard it should be avoided so as not to attract stuff which sticks to the bottom paint such as algae!?

Somebody told you that anti fouling paint attracts fouling organisms?

 

[South Sagle Jim]

He said use it for salt water but in fresh water it only makes the bottom harder to clean. Need your informed opinions because he suggests removing the bottom paint as I will be in inland water. I have no clue so I seek info.

 

[fstbttms]

Your choice of anti fouling paint may differ, salt to fresh, but bottom paint is always a good idea, fresh or saltwater. Your friend is sadly misinformed.

Will the boat be in the water year-round?

 

[BIOMED BOB]

I will use it in mainly salt water/ intercoastal. I will trailer it a lot. I am concerned that the paint will abrade off when loading and hauling on the trailer. I have heard that the antifouling paint does abrade of when trailering. I was not sure.

 

[Spindrift NH]

Your choice of anti fouling paint may differ, salt to fresh, but bottom paint is always a good idea, fresh or saltwater. Your friend is sadly misinformed.

If his boat is sitting on a trailer during the week and only in the water on weekends and the occasional trip why does it need antifouling on the hull? There are thousands of boats, both sail and motor, that do not have antifoul paint on them.

 

[fstbttms]

Your choice of anti fouling paint may differ, salt to fresh, but bottom paint is always a good idea, fresh or saltwater. Your friend is sadly misinformed.

If his boat is sitting on a trailer during the week and only in the water on weekends and the occasional trip why does it need antifouling on the hull? There are thousands of boats, both sail and motor, that do not have antifoul paint on them.

He didn't say he was trailering the boat. He only asked if he needed bottom paint in freshwater. The answer is yes.

 

[fstbttms]

I will use it in mainly salt water/ intercoastal. I will trailer it a lot. I am concerned that the paint will abrade off when loading and hauling on the trailer. I have heard that the antifouling paint does abrade of when trailering. I was not sure.

I think some of us are confusing questions and answers. My previous replies were to South Sagle Jim. But in answer to your question, if your otherwise trailered boat is going to spend more than a few days in saltwater (to a lesser extent if in freshwater), you want anti fouling paint in the bottom. Yes, there may be some paint loss due to trailer bunk abrasion. But if the boat is going to be exposed to air for more than a day or three, you need to be using an ablative paint.