Fresh Water Bottom Paint Opinions/Advice

[Kper]

We currently have a barrier coat with West Marine CPP that I have all but completely pressure washed off and I'm looking to possibly change paints. I called and spoke to the folks at WM to get advice on using something other than CPP but they must be extremely busy since he acted a bit rushed and my lack of knowledge made the phone call almost uninformative for me.

I think the main reason I'm not happy with the CPP is because blue and red don't go with a green boat so that means I'm stuck with black, which the admiral finds very unappealing. In order to get green paint I'd need to go with a modified epoxy in the Bottom Shield or a hard ablative hybrid in the Vivid line.

The boat is freshwater in a lake with a lot of growth and sits on her trailer in the winter. Can I get some educated advice on the pros and cons of all 3 paints? Maybe I should stick with the CPP and if that's what is recommended then I would seriously consider that.

Thank you.

 

[DougM]

If you are in fresh water, I would think VC 17 would be your choice. Again you would be faced with a color issue red , blue, or Original which goes on as a copper color, and ages to gray. The key to getting any bottom paint to stick is proper preparation. If the boat is trailered, why bother, just clean the bottom. Immediately when you haul out.

 

[Kper]

The problem with VC17 is it's not compatible with CPP and I'm not prepared to completely strip the hull.
It does have a trailer but sits in the water for 6 months at a time.

 

[patrickince]

http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/diy/contact-us/default.aspx

I would talk to Interlux direct

 

[Justin_NSA]

Here's Petit's compatibility chart if it helps. They list CPP

http://pettitpaint.com/fileshare/tech_bulletins/bottompaintcompatibility.pdf

 

[Kper]

I called interlux (I never thought of calling direct to the manufacturer) and explained my situation and conditions. They recommended the Ultra. Thanks everyone.

 

[fstbttms]

I called interlux (I never thought of calling direct to the manufacturer) and explained my situation and conditions. They recommended the Ultra. Thanks everyone.

Ultra is a modified epoxy and as such cannot withstand prolonged periods exposed to air. This makes these paints unsuitable for trailered and dry-sailed boats. FYI.

 

[Kper]

This afternoon I researched all their bottom paints until I had a headache. I finally said to heck with it and I'll just put CPP back on it.

 

[Chris Patterson]

CPP was one of the recommended paints by Practical Sailor this month..