Using West Marine or other brand bottom paint

[jybiom]

I have just recently purchased a 1977 Cat 30. I would like to know if anybody has had experience using WM CPPAblative bottom paint. I was originally going to use Interlux Fiberglass Bottom paint which is also ablative. The bottom is in great shape and the PO used a barrier paint and then ablative. So,the bottom doesnt need much prep. I would like to use the less expensive West CPP brand but would appreciate any advice you folks could give a newbie. Thanks. John

 

[jr]

not in NE

I will never go back to West Marine paint EVER, especially where I live. I used it for one seasons and it was AWFUL. The bottom was completely covered with barnacles and growth, no wonder it's only $59/gallon. Spend the extra $$, it's worth it in the long run IMO.

 

[Bayard Gross]

Some WM OK in NE

I have used West Marine’s ablative CPP antifouling paint for my boat moored in Long Island Sound with good success. It did not cost $59 a gallon, closer to $90 a gallon on sale, so I think it is different from the paint mentioned earlier.This year I will be trying West Marine’s PCA ablative with anti-slime. This is similar to Interlux’s Micron Extra except that it has less copper. You can even tell the copper difference by the weight of the two brands.Nevertheless, last time I checked Lake Erie is fresh water. My understanding is that for fresh water VC-17m is excellent antifouling paint. You should not require the copper that salt water sailors need.However, check the VC-17m can for application recommendations as I think this paint may have special preparations for this paint. I also believe this paint will wear away and not leave much paint build up as modified epoxies or other vinyl base paints.See the link below for the West Marine VC-17m. I would also go to the West Marine catalog for a more thorough description.

 

[jybiom]

Thanks to all for the input

Thank you for the quick response. I will take the info into consideration. John