Convert freshwater bottom paint to salt water protection?

[Beautiful Day]

I am considering the purchase of a 44 foot Catalina. However, she has been sailed on fresh water and has been bottom painted for that usage. We would be making her new home in a warm south florida salt water climate.

1.) What is the recommended procedure for converting and or protecting the bottom for the new "salt life."?
2.) Would I be getting stuck with an expensive process to make the switch?
3.) What brand of bottom paint and preparation would be best?
4.) Any idea of the cost to do the job right?

All help, hints and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Re: Convert freshwater bottom paint to salt water protection

Most likely VC17 is on her now. You'll need a salt water bottom paint, and the best resource for the proper material would be your local fellow boaters and local yards. You may want to check the website of the VC17 manufacturer to find out what is required and whether it needs to be removed or can be painted over. I think VC 17 is Interlux, but you can Google to find out for sure.

I think you mean a Catalina 440.

 

[jrowan]

Re: Convert freshwater bottom paint to salt water protection

I have used Petit Trinidad with good success in the southern Chesapeake. In the tropical water of souther Florida, U need a vigarous paint, & I know of many souther sailors who swear by Trinidad. It has the highest concentration copper content in the business, but it may become illegal someday in the not too distant future if Cal. & Maryland have their way. Its not cheap as it retails for nearly $300 per gallon, but a haulout of that size boat is a lot more of an investment! Ablative paints are proven, where as I have no experience with the newer Interlux paints - just as expensive & not as proven to stop growth. I'm sure you'll get more than a few differing opinions on this one! Good luck.

 

[Florida sail]

Re: Convert freshwater bottom paint to salt water protection

If in fact you have a hard paint on the bottom you can either go to an ablative or a hard again. being here in south FL I started using Hydrocoat( ablative) and at the haul out for survey last week the bottom looked pristine after a year. Oh, recommended by Practical sailor.