To paint bottom or not

[MLM]

Time to consider bottom paint and I read that some say leave it bare for freshwater. Can I just sand down the old paint and go back to good old fashion wax job. Also would stripping hurt the gel coat? as opposed to sanding? We will be trailering our 25'O'DAY and I keep reading that it not worth the time and expence, but I still would like a nice looking bottom, nothing looks worse than half an old paint job. MLM

 

[Stu Jackson]

Don't know if you saw this thread

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=408313

We never painted the bottom, in the water at the lake for 6 summer months, trailer sailed in saltwater the rest of the year.

 

[Shell]

If you bottom paint the boat you will pollute the lake.
Most bottom paint sold in the US is illegal in the EU.

 

[Tom Spohn]

There is special paint for fresh water--some of which does not have the copper content that is the source of pollution. Check out reprints on Practical Sailor.