Bottom Painting

[wbottje]

I am getting ready to paint the bottom of our Hunter 29.5. The last time it was painted was at least 8 years ago. What is the best epoxy, best primer and best paint to use. This boat has been kept in inland lakes most of it's life. Thank you. Capt. Walt

 

[jviss]

Are you stripping it all, or just recoating?

 

[wbottje]

Stripping, sanding, popping blisters....the whole 9 yards.

 

[jviss]

West Systems epoxy, Interlux barrier coat, and then whatever bottom paint yields the best results in your part of the world.

Regarding the epoxy, I'm no expert; maybe you'd want to match what the boat was made of? And re-do the gel coat where the blister repair is done?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

There is no “best” bottom paint. It’s all about what is most effective for your specific boating area. Check with the locals.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

First the best anti fouling paint should be what is recommended for your area, period!
Secondly if stripping the keel, go to bare metal and first coat with a metal primer containing zinc chromate. Make sure you check the moisture content in the hull before applying any paint. If stripping all the way, apply 3-4 coats of a good quality barrier coatings.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

What is the best epoxy,

By epoxy, I presume you are referring to the barrier coat. I would recommend some heavy research on this item re hull dryness. If the hull is not dry to begin with, you may wind up exacerbating any blister problems you now have. And unfortunately, as much as I love lake water and detest salt water, anecdotally speaking, fresh water promotes blistering more than salt water. And osmotically speaking (if that's even possible ) it fits the theory of osmosis

best primer and best paint to use

What is the purpose of the primer ?