Hull Paint
- Thread starter Tai Chi Sailor
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Bottom Paint
I think this depends somewhat on where you live and how you use your boat. In the northern climates where most boats are pulled each fall for winter layup, I would think that an ablative paint would be preffered. But in the more southern waters, for boats that stay in the water year round I prefer a hard bottom paint. My personal favorite is Petit Trinidad. It is expensive, but if taken care of should last you for at least three years. But if pulling the boat every fall, ablative is much easier to sand/recover and for the short season I believe the cheaper paints would be fine. And if your a racer, and every last bit of slick bottom is required, that is another animal, which I am not at all familiar with. Someone else can/will give you some answers concerning the faster bottoms.
I think this depends somewhat on where you live and how you use your boat. In the northern climates where most boats are pulled each fall for winter layup, I would think that an ablative paint would be preffered. But in the more southern waters, for boats that stay in the water year round I prefer a hard bottom paint. My personal favorite is Petit Trinidad. It is expensive, but if taken care of should last you for at least three years. But if pulling the boat every fall, ablative is much easier to sand/recover and for the short season I believe the cheaper paints would be fine. And if your a racer, and every last bit of slick bottom is required, that is another animal, which I am not at all familiar with. Someone else can/will give you some answers concerning the faster bottoms.
Its a 45' Cruising Ketch
The boat in question is a Hardin 45' full keel ketch which is located in San Diego. It remains in the water year round and was taken to the gel coat and last painted in 1999. Thanks
The boat in question is a Hardin 45' full keel ketch which is located in San Diego. It remains in the water year round and was taken to the gel coat and last painted in 1999. Thanks
Petit Trinidad....
...is what I have used for the last two hauls and is a standard among my friends. I'm sure there are plenty of other good ones, but your area's usage is what is important. I'm referring to Marina del Rey, but my first bottom job using Petit Trinidad was at Driscoll's in San Diego. Rick D.
...is what I have used for the last two hauls and is a standard among my friends. I'm sure there are plenty of other good ones, but your area's usage is what is important. I'm referring to Marina del Rey, but my first bottom job using Petit Trinidad was at Driscoll's in San Diego. Rick D.
For many years...
...I used Micron CSC. Used muliple colors to keep track of the paint thickness. Problem is this stuff is highly toxic and very soft. Last year I switched to a water based ablative that doesn't require a tyvek suite and resperator to spray on. Clean up with soap and water. Best of all, it is much harder than CSC and can be rubbed out to a really smooth finish. The bottom cleans very easily with a sponge and doesn't leave a cload of paint in the water. Also, it's 1/4 the price of CSC.
...I used Micron CSC. Used muliple colors to keep track of the paint thickness. Problem is this stuff is highly toxic and very soft. Last year I switched to a water based ablative that doesn't require a tyvek suite and resperator to spray on. Clean up with soap and water. Best of all, it is much harder than CSC and can be rubbed out to a really smooth finish. The bottom cleans very easily with a sponge and doesn't leave a cload of paint in the water. Also, it's 1/4 the price of CSC.
Mr Tai Chi, I have a suggestion.
Go over to West Marine and get a copy of their catalogue. Within the catalogue are a great number of "advisories" that you can use as reference for the many maintenance questions you will undoubtedly have. I suggest this because it will save you a lot of time and the expert advice is very educational for all sailors, but especially for the novice. BTW I really like your Hardin 45, center-cockpit, ketch. The ketch rig is wonderful for cruising. Good luck and make sure you get the boat and motor surveyed so you'll minimize the surprises.
Go over to West Marine and get a copy of their catalogue. Within the catalogue are a great number of "advisories" that you can use as reference for the many maintenance questions you will undoubtedly have. I suggest this because it will save you a lot of time and the expert advice is very educational for all sailors, but especially for the novice. BTW I really like your Hardin 45, center-cockpit, ketch. The ketch rig is wonderful for cruising. Good luck and make sure you get the boat and motor surveyed so you'll minimize the surprises.
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