PGI/Charlotte Harbor Bottom Painters Recommendations

SV Escapade · Apr 21, 2014

Bottom Paint

Escapade is here in Cape Coral. We had the bottom done 3 years ago February with Petit Trinidad SR. The diver says we have at least a year left on this bottom. So a big thumbs up for that paint! We were in Bradenton when we had it done at Snead Island Boatworks. So sorry, but no recommendation nearby yet.

Sailgunner · Apr 22, 2014

Jon,

I just delivered my boat to Save Cove (aka All American) yesterday. Having the bottom sand blasted by Paul Rossi then the marina is going to put on a barrier coat and paint. Will let you know how it goes if you like. I am going to put on Trinidad SR. You can also do the work yourself there if you like. I also learned yesterday that mean low tide in the channel before the lock is around 4.5'. I went in with my 5'4" draft at around a 1' tide and plowed my way through.

Another option is Gasparilla Marina, a full service shop. Had my bottom and work done there twice before and not that satisfied, especially since they are the most expensive.

Brezzin · Apr 22, 2014

Ok so here's a question. I'm moving to Lakewood Ranch and ultimately bringing the boat down to Sarasota. Is Fl one of the states that does not allow DIY bottom painting like NY?

Terry in Naples · Apr 22, 2014

I am a big fan of interlux micron 66 bottom paint. It is expensive paint but works great here, year round in the water, in naples fl. 3 to 4 years. No barnacles. Worth it .

seadaddler · Apr 22, 2014

Bottom Paint

DIY yards do allow sanding and bottom paint here in Charlotte Harbor.
Many sailors in the PGSC do rave about Pettit SR hard bottom paint.
I also know some one in the club that had used Sea Hawk BIOCOP and said he got 4 plus years out of it with a diver cleaning every 6 to 8 weeks.
So I did go with BICOP back in Jan and the diver is coming next week and I will see what he thinks how it's do so far.
The diver said to wait 90 days after a new bottom job and we went cruising in
March/April so I am over due.
They say when switching to a hard bottom paint you need to get all the old paint off or a really good sanding getting most of the old paint off.
I had some one sand and paint for me a guy name steve who many club members said was good.
Nick

Bill1565 · Apr 22, 2014

Brezzin said:
Ok so here's a question. I'm moving to Lakewood Ranch and ultimately bringing the boat down to Sarasota. Is Fl one of the states that does not allow DIY bottom painting like NY?

.
Varies by boatyard. No state laws
Steve is friend of mine PM me if you want his phone.

seadaddler · Apr 22, 2014

NY

When I was in Greenport,NY they did say no bottom painting but one time I was at the Marina after it closed and everyone went home and but than a few boaters started bottom painting their boats and no one seem to complain
the next days or so and guess what I did mine and just made sure I put a tarp down and left every thing nice and clean but that was 2007 and 2008.
Nick

Bill1565 · Apr 23, 2014

PGIJon said:
Thank all for the quick replies... Like Sailgunner, mine was done at Gasparilla Marina which is why I am looking for someone new. I think I'll look into the Petit Trinidad SR or the what Nick mentioned. Sea Hawk BIOCOP. Looking forward to Sailgunner's report on All American and Nick's report from his diver. I would like to remove all coats and get down to the gel coat... However I remembering hearing somewhere that sand blasting a fiberglass hull was not recommended. something at the back of my brain (or what's left of it) remembers something about blasting with sodium bicarbonate.

There was a guy who used walnut shells and worked at both all American and Charlotte Boat Storage. I don't have his name, but maybe Steve does or George the awl grip guy at All America. Knows

Sailgunner · Apr 23, 2014

I tried to find a guy that would soda blast or use walnuts, etc. but had no luck. I am not excited about the sand blasting but this guy said he uses very fine sand and leaves the bottom equivalent to 80 grit sandpaper....I will see.

SteveB · Apr 26, 2014

Hey, Jon. I'm still in Calif. till mid-May. will call upon return. I've used the same guy at Save Cove (then All -American) and J&R Marine Services at Charlotte Boat Storage. Both are very good. The contact for J&R is Ronnie (that's a she) @ 941-698-1144. Office is 5001 Woodfield Road in Placida. I believe they do soda blasting as well--at least they were doing it on a boat her mine last year.

How did the exhaust elbow exhumation go?

Steve

seadaddler · May 1, 2014

Diver report

Well the diver came cleaned my bottom and said my bottom was looking very good and my bottom paint was doing a good job for sure and said a very minor amount of slime was the only thing on the hull bottom and the Sea Hawk BIOCOP so far is doing good and will see during the next coming months and hopefully will last at least 2 years or 3 years is what I am hoping for.
Nick

SeaWings · Dec 3, 2016

Hi Nick and everyone in Charlotte Harbor. Hauling the boat this month and would like to get the number of Steve who does the bottom painting. Might try "Copper Coat" this time, heard nothing but great things about it.

seadaddler · Dec 3, 2016

Just saw this today and have heard steve is not doing sanding and so have not decided
where to go for my new bottom job,I am planning to haul Jan or Feb 2017.
I have heard of guys going to the old Rivera Marina in PG and some good reports and some complaints of taking longer than was said but the price was very good for haul sand and paint at $30 a ft' for the whole job.
I would check them out and they,I have heard some sailors talking about this Marina and they said they are very full and need to make appointment way a head.
When I hear more to report I will let you know here,I draw 5' and could be very tight going in their for me.
I will be doing some more checking after Xmas,but rechecking with what bottom paint is doing a great job for them from my PGSC sailors.
I have been told that depending where you are in the PG canal system does make a big difference how well your bottom paint works,if you are deep in the canal system and say takes 30 minutes to get to harbor will do better than say me because my canal goes right out to harbor and I get a lot of water movement and much harder
on my bottom paint.
Nick

Sailm8 · Dec 8, 2016

I am in PGI and as far into the canals as you can get. I'm on a deadend of the canal. I say this because where your boat is located seems to make big difference. I was talking to my diver and he said he had 2 boats with the same paint done at about the same time in the same canal but one was located at the back and one at the front. One boat needed to be repainted in 2 years the other 4.
I am getting 4+ years out of Trinidad SR but I am located way back in the canal system. The lesson for me would be to ask the owners of the boats near you what they use and how often they need to repaint.

Re: Riviera Marina. Friend just had his boat done for $900 and it included haul and sand and Pettit paint. It took a little longer than he was told and he had to visit regularly to keep them working but it's only a 10 minute drive from PGI instead of an hour each way. I spoke to the owner and he will work out any deal you want: you supply the paint, paint it yourself etc. I plan to let them sand but I will paint myself with good 'ol Trindad SR, hopefully not for another year.