INFLATABLE BOTTOM PAINT OR WAX?

[JibeMama]

I have a brand new achilles inflatable and want to know if anyone has used clear bottom wax to protect the bottom? I've also considered bottom paint for inflatables but I have read it doesn't work that well and cracks and peels? Plus it will look bad, it only comes in black and my boat is white and grey. The boat will be in fresh/brackish water for about 6 months. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Windwalker]

Advise

I have no personal experience with antifouling paint on an inflatable. But I heve heard the results are the same as you stated. My advise is to avoid using bttom paint and keep your inflatable out of the water (if at all possible). then you are only batteling UV rays (and wax or a cover can easily help that).

 

[PHitchcox]

Painted last year - not this year

I was always dismayed but the marine growth on the dinghy and painted the bottom last year. Painted it, rolled it up, and brought it to the boat. Which is the first time I was introduced to the biggest mess ever.Since the paint is an ablative, it is meant to be released over time. As in, black dust everywhere. Any time you touched the dinghy, black dust. If you pulled the dinghy up close to board, a black smear.Now I will admit - no marine growth.However, this year I'm trying the wax idea which seems 1000% more practical.Paul

 

[Pete Peterson]

Short term fix

Hi JibeMama, I don't have any advice for long term in-water bottom coatings, but I do know that Desitin (the baby ointment) works great for at least 2-3 weeks - and it keeps your dinghy bottom soft! At least it will get you started until you find something more permanent. If you try it, let us know how long it lasts.

 

[jibemama]

Thanxs everyone

I think I will wax it with "easy on" and try to keep it out of the water most of the time. It is so pretty and clean I hate to get it slimy. Thanx for responding, Lorrie

 

[captain nutley]

303 protectant

Forget about the wax. 303 protectant and keeping it out of the water as much as possible is the best course of action.

 

[Cap'n Ron]

Waxing?

Actually the moon is waning, neap tides...Lorrie, they did, mayhap still do, have a prop wax that worked, but 303 or Armorall protectant does work, Amorall is good for hyperlon inflatables too.Learned that one at an inflatable dealer in Kiwi land, but LOrd knows what were doin to the fish...;-(Do you know Dave & his wife there on a 36' Erickson in Benicia?

 

[chuckwayne]

inflatable paint

I've used the inflatable antifouling paint WM sells, and it does work well and stays on the boat-but it is black and ugly!

 

[Jibemama]

armorall or 303? Desitin diaper ointment?

I'm getting a little overwhelmed with ideas. WOW! Regular Armorall? Wax? 303? Does the Desitin really work??? That would be the cheapest solution by far! What is the name of Daves ericson 36 in Benicia? I just moved to B dock? Lorrie

 

[Rick D]

Be Careful With Armorall

I ruined one inflateable that way. It seems it destroyed the adhesive over time. Rick D.