Thanks very much Dan and Steve, with your help I am almost there the glorious day when I can actually make a decision. I suppose bottom paint is the key as opposed to wax or lubricant. Any thoughts on whic anti-foulant is better? Interlux VC-17m or Petit Trinidad? Must I repaint every season and is there a immersion time? What a great site --sooo much information to help out!!
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Your area is just as important....
as the paint you use. Practical Sailor has done articles on bottom paints over that last few years. They test the paints in multiple areas. If you are in fresh water or salt water will dictate the paint type. I am now using one of the SR (slime reduction) paints, and it seems to be working. If you pull your boat each year, then you need to find a paint that does NOT need to be redone after each launch. If you leave it in the water then you need something that you can scrub.
as the paint you use. Practical Sailor has done articles on bottom paints over that last few years. They test the paints in multiple areas. If you are in fresh water or salt water will dictate the paint type. I am now using one of the SR (slime reduction) paints, and it seems to be working. If you pull your boat each year, then you need to find a paint that does NOT need to be redone after each launch. If you leave it in the water then you need something that you can scrub.
VC 17 for freshwater, Trinidad for Salt
In my humble opinion (IMHO) VC 17 for freshwater, Trinidad for Salt VC is generally faster in clean water, but it wipes off easily. It also applies easily in cool still air by a roller or spray. Trinidad is relatively hard and will stay on for several years in fresh water, and does well in salt. However it is a little slower if you are really into racing.
In my humble opinion (IMHO) VC 17 for freshwater, Trinidad for Salt VC is generally faster in clean water, but it wipes off easily. It also applies easily in cool still air by a roller or spray. Trinidad is relatively hard and will stay on for several years in fresh water, and does well in salt. However it is a little slower if you are really into racing.
Anti-fouling properties
While I don't have the numbers in front of me, I seem to remember that there is a significant difference between the two paints you mention - The amount of cuprous oxide contained in the paint. Cuprous oxide is the anti-fouling agent in the paint, and if you live in an area where things like to grow in the bottom (salt water areas with plenty of sunlight, for example), you may want to choose the paint that has the higher content of anti-fouling agent. If you plan to keep the boat on the trailer, with occasional extended cruises, then a smooth paint with less anti-fouling agent is called for. Your decision really rests on two conditions: The planned usage (Trailer or in-water storage), and the life-spawning properties of your planned cruising waters. If I leave my boat in the water for a few days at a time here in the Florida Keys, by the time I pull it out of the water I need to clean my (unpainted) rudder with a weed-wacker to get rid of the growth. (OK, That's an exaggeration, though I've considered it... ;o) I plan to repaint with VC-17 because I store my boat on its trailer. If I were to keep the boat in the water, I would choose the Micron paint, as it has nearly twice as much anti-fouling agent in it. If you have a West Marine catalog, check the West Advisor write-up on bottom paints, and compare the properties of the various bottom paints in the catalog. Also, check to see what other boaters in your area are using on their hulls- these will help you find the paint that will best suit your needs. --Jon Bastien H23 '2 Sheets to the Wind'
While I don't have the numbers in front of me, I seem to remember that there is a significant difference between the two paints you mention - The amount of cuprous oxide contained in the paint. Cuprous oxide is the anti-fouling agent in the paint, and if you live in an area where things like to grow in the bottom (salt water areas with plenty of sunlight, for example), you may want to choose the paint that has the higher content of anti-fouling agent. If you plan to keep the boat on the trailer, with occasional extended cruises, then a smooth paint with less anti-fouling agent is called for. Your decision really rests on two conditions: The planned usage (Trailer or in-water storage), and the life-spawning properties of your planned cruising waters. If I leave my boat in the water for a few days at a time here in the Florida Keys, by the time I pull it out of the water I need to clean my (unpainted) rudder with a weed-wacker to get rid of the growth. (OK, That's an exaggeration, though I've considered it... ;o) I plan to repaint with VC-17 because I store my boat on its trailer. If I were to keep the boat in the water, I would choose the Micron paint, as it has nearly twice as much anti-fouling agent in it. If you have a West Marine catalog, check the West Advisor write-up on bottom paints, and compare the properties of the various bottom paints in the catalog. Also, check to see what other boaters in your area are using on their hulls- these will help you find the paint that will best suit your needs. --Jon Bastien H23 '2 Sheets to the Wind'
Thanks!! Humble opinions are the greatest
I appreciate your time and effort -- making a decision today.
I appreciate your time and effort -- making a decision today.
Paints?
There are lots of different paints. VC17 is a fast paint, i.e. hard and smooth. VC17 needs to be recoated every year. There are ablative paints that are multi-season. I have used Interlux Micron CSC. So far I'm happy with it, but its definately not as fast as VC17. Lots of people on my lake use VC17 and are happy with it. Prep time for recoating is generally minimal and there is no significant build-up. Personally, I would stay away from paints like Fibreglass Bottomcoat because of the build-up problem. Eventually they start to peal and flake and you have to remove all the old paint to get a good surface. They do, however, work quite well. I'm not familiar with Trinadad
There are lots of different paints. VC17 is a fast paint, i.e. hard and smooth. VC17 needs to be recoated every year. There are ablative paints that are multi-season. I have used Interlux Micron CSC. So far I'm happy with it, but its definately not as fast as VC17. Lots of people on my lake use VC17 and are happy with it. Prep time for recoating is generally minimal and there is no significant build-up. Personally, I would stay away from paints like Fibreglass Bottomcoat because of the build-up problem. Eventually they start to peal and flake and you have to remove all the old paint to get a good surface. They do, however, work quite well. I'm not familiar with Trinadad
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