H26 Bottom Paint Recommendations/Frequent Haulouts

[BrianW]

In Pensacola, FL lately, I've had to haul out (trailer) my H26 fairly frequently because of many many many storms this year. I normally keep the boat in a slip. Each time I pull it out, it may be out of the water for a week to a month. The bottom paint oxidizes quite a bit in this period. The fiberglass portion of the rudder has been painted with bottom paint. When in the slip, I keep the rudder out of the water. Several questions. What bottom paint will be most effective for having a boat in salt water most of the time, but out of the water several times a year? What type of paint should be on the rudder if it is raised up when not sailing? What is the best and easiest way to remove oxidized paint after a haulout? Thanks! BrianW

 

[Sean Coerse]

bottom paint

I use micron csc. It's an albative paint and wont lose its effectiveness when stored out of water for periods of time. Best of all because it's albative very little need for sanding. I apply two coats every other year. I keep the boat in the water about 6 months out of the year. No problems

 

[BrianW]

Ablative Oxidation

After using the Micron CSC and have the boat out of water for awhile, do you have to do anything to remove any oxidation prior to returning the boat to water? BrianW

 

[Sean Coerse]

oxidation

No because it's albative a thin layer of paint wears away when it goes back in the water. The paint works by constantly removing thin layers while the boat is in the water. Thus you dont get layers and layers of build up from a hard paint. 1 gallon is sufficient for two solid coats on my 240 with a little left for touch up. If you trailer alot you may need to touch up in the area of the bunks after a year. Otherwise you should get two full seasons without a problem out of two coats. I usually lauch in april and haul in october/november. I may trailer the boat 1-2 times during the season to other locations but usually keep it in a slip.

 

[Wanderer138]

Water is warmer in Pensacola

I'd expect the fouling to be more aggressive in Pensacola so the bottom paint may not last as long as in Norfolk.If you've been out of the water for a while, you might try removing any oxidation either by sanding VERY lightly with 150 sandpaper (preferably wet) or wiping lightly with some solvent in a rag. Try different solvents in an inconspicuous area of the hull till you find one that works.Acetone usually does the trick on most paints, but I find it dries too quickly to be very practical. In my case, methanol removes the oxidation from VC17. You may also want to get some gloves and a respirator, and overalls or a Tyvek suit if you're wet-sanding. Bottom paint dust on sweaty skin will cause a rash or could make you sick.PeterH23 "Raven"