Fresh Bottom Paint

[Pat Reynolds]

I have a newly painted bottom. What sort of maintenance do I need to do now? Do I need to get a diver down there bi-monthly?

 

[Tony O.]

Details

It depends on the Bottom paint you used.However, I am told that 3 to 5 years between re-paints is normal. Personally, I inspect the bottom when I feel it is a good idea. I don't conform to a set schedule. In other words if I suspected that my transducer was inoperative because of alge growth I would undoubtably get the snorkel,mask, and fins on and go below to inspect the bottom. Also I might choose to inspect the keel or the rudder for damage; not to metion the prop and prop shaft.

 

[Michael McCann]

Bottom Maintenence

Pat;Like Tony said, it depends on what type of bottom paint was applied. My boat was painted with Trinadad (Petit) when it was new, and starting with the second season I had to remove algae periodicly. The third season was worse, and the folling spring I had it redone with the same paint. I stretched that through three years, and in the spring of 99 I changed to an ablative type (West Marine brand). I put on many coats and 3 gallons, loading up on high wear areas, and I will have it redone this off season. I am not an expert, but you will need to have the bottom cleaned two or more times per season, or use it every day, to keep the slime off, and your boat speed up. My first coat was a different color, and I am now seeing that color in a lot of places.Mike

 

[Tom]

Yes

I had my 27 in Marina del Rey and had it painted in June. Prior to that, I had to have the bottom cleaned twice a month, especially as the summer came on. I have since moved it up to Oxnard and the bottom is still pretty spotless. I will be starting a cleaning service next month. The service told me definitely not to have it cleaned for three months, as the paint needs to fully cure and cleaning too often will actually braise off the paint more rapidly than you want.But don't wait too long to get it painted.By the way, my C27 is a 76 and when it was hauled, the yard said there wasn't a single blister or bit of damage to the gel coat. Good boats.Tom

 

[sloopercat]

Slime Resistant Paint

I had my bottom done last Oct with SR paint. It was pulled in April, bottom was completely clean. This was over a TN winter. Now in FLA since, checked the bottom last week, very minimal light coat of growth that easily brushed off. Can't say enough about the new generation of bottom paints.