bottom paint

[kingprawn]

How important is antifouling bottom paint on a boat that is trailered and never left in the water for extended periods of time?

 

[Rick D]

None Needed

You begin to accumulate some slime after a week, but otherwise, not needed. Most dry-sailed race boats do not have bottom paint (in SoCal). RD

 

[Dan]

2 days max

After 2 days in the salt water you will get barnalces about the size of gains of sand. If you do not scrub them off, your in for a big job.

 

[kingprawn]

thanks

Since all I do is saltwater, and I want to spend several weekends on the hook this season, I'll just have to repaint the bottom with antifouling when I do it. Hopefully that will be a project for next year or this fall.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Paint for Trailering

Make sure that the paint you put on is suitable for trailering. Some paints are too soft and not suited for trailer boats.

 

[kingprawn]

specifics

Bob, can you be more specific in what to look for in a "trailerable" paint?

 

[Drew]

Trailer Paint

K/P: Ablative paints are considered "soft." They excrete biocides to keep growth off your (boat's) bottom. Don't use it on a trailerable - the bunks will wipe it off everytime you go in and out of the water. I use Interlux "Fiberglass Bottomkote." $100 bucks a gallon good and hard. It works great and lasts two years with a little touch up on the off year. And I keep the boat in the water all summer - fresh to brackish water. My only caution is that you consider what appears to be your saltwater situation and ask the local chandlery for advice. Good luck. Drew