I am about two weeks from purchasing a 2002 26X. I have done alot of research and still have one big unanswered question. I plan on trailering this boat for about the first year I own it. The boat will be placed in the water for 1-5 days at a time until I get a slip. I WILL BOTTOM PAINT IT ONCE I SECURE A SLIP. I just don't know if it is necessary to have the bottom painted at this time. Is bottom paint right now a necessary cost?? Thank you for any replies, Fred
- Status
not essential
In five days you may have a luxurious coat of slimey green growth covering the bottom which takes some effort to scrub off, but probably not barnacles. Because the boat will dry out often, there won't be serious water absorption of the gelcoat. If you are on the move most of the time, less growth will occur. I'm sure it would be better to apply a water barrier to a pristine hull (after dewaxing it), but I'm near a large rental fleet of Mac 26s that live like that, and they look fine. I'm under the impression they keep the hulls waxed to protect for short-term use. If you did use antifouling paint, you would have to use the multi-season type that tolerates drying out. Because its ablative, you could scrub most of it off with water after the season. Check with experienced boaters in your area to see what they advise for local conditions.
In five days you may have a luxurious coat of slimey green growth covering the bottom which takes some effort to scrub off, but probably not barnacles. Because the boat will dry out often, there won't be serious water absorption of the gelcoat. If you are on the move most of the time, less growth will occur. I'm sure it would be better to apply a water barrier to a pristine hull (after dewaxing it), but I'm near a large rental fleet of Mac 26s that live like that, and they look fine. I'm under the impression they keep the hulls waxed to protect for short-term use. If you did use antifouling paint, you would have to use the multi-season type that tolerates drying out. Because its ablative, you could scrub most of it off with water after the season. Check with experienced boaters in your area to see what they advise for local conditions.
To Paint?
I trailerd for 2.5 years waiting for a slip. The bottom paint held-up very well in that time period. I was well pleased. Remember to make sure the new paint is compleatly dry befor launching. DON'T HURRY IT.
I trailerd for 2.5 years waiting for a slip. The bottom paint held-up very well in that time period. I was well pleased. Remember to make sure the new paint is compleatly dry befor launching. DON'T HURRY IT.
Attachments
E Z OFF
My 26X was sat in a lake for a year with no bottom paint. the growth washed off with no stain residue. Enjoy your boat!
My 26X was sat in a lake for a year with no bottom paint. the growth washed off with no stain residue. Enjoy your boat!
- Status