I've been using wet sanded Baltoplate as a racing bottom finish for 15 years and am looking for a change; possibly a less expensive and less work intensive finish. It seems that VC-17is for freshwater bot one version says for cool salt water? I'm interested in performance in the brackish end of the Chesapeake Bay, above Baltimore; and I'm concerned with aplying it over Baltoplate which I've already wet sanded with 220 grit. Any helpfull comments or relevant experience would be greatly appreciated. Baltoplate is now listed at $200/ gal at WM !
- Status
VC 17
I am not familiar with the paint you are now using, but I do know that it is usually necessary to remove whatever paint is on a boat before putting on VC 17. Most of us on Lake Michigan use it and our bottomes are pretty slimey when we haul out. It is easy to maintain season after season, but a mid season scrub is not uncommen with racers - and our season is only May to Mid Oct. Lake Michigan only gets to the low 70s and that by late August. Most of the season is in water 65 and below.
I am not familiar with the paint you are now using, but I do know that it is usually necessary to remove whatever paint is on a boat before putting on VC 17. Most of us on Lake Michigan use it and our bottomes are pretty slimey when we haul out. It is easy to maintain season after season, but a mid season scrub is not uncommen with racers - and our season is only May to Mid Oct. Lake Michigan only gets to the low 70s and that by late August. Most of the season is in water 65 and below.
Compatibility Chart
Stewart: Since your old paint, and the new one, both seem to be Interlux products, I suggest taking a look at their nicely done bottom paint "Compatibility Chart." See link. Having said that, I have also contacted Interlux/Sikkens a number of times with questions and they have been very helpful. You may want to give that a try, too. FWIW, I am astounded at the rise in cost of bottom paints. My personal limit is $100/gal and I can still find brand name bottom paints at that price that do the job well. "Practical Sailor's" recent review of bottom paint performance indicated that there is almost no relationship between high price and high performance. Get your boat painted and go sailing. It's been grand on the Bay for the last few weeks....
Stewart: Since your old paint, and the new one, both seem to be Interlux products, I suggest taking a look at their nicely done bottom paint "Compatibility Chart." See link. Having said that, I have also contacted Interlux/Sikkens a number of times with questions and they have been very helpful. You may want to give that a try, too. FWIW, I am astounded at the rise in cost of bottom paints. My personal limit is $100/gal and I can still find brand name bottom paints at that price that do the job well. "Practical Sailor's" recent review of bottom paint performance indicated that there is almost no relationship between high price and high performance. Get your boat painted and go sailing. It's been grand on the Bay for the last few weeks....
A review of the chart says
Lightly Sand and Apply for VC-17 over either VC-Offshore or Baltoplate. Going the other way, it's "remove all paint". It could get pretty ugly if you want to go back to VC Offshore or Baltoplate after you apply the VC-17 as VC-17 doesn't sand very readily. Steve Alchemist C-320
Lightly Sand and Apply for VC-17 over either VC-Offshore or Baltoplate. Going the other way, it's "remove all paint". It could get pretty ugly if you want to go back to VC Offshore or Baltoplate after you apply the VC-17 as VC-17 doesn't sand very readily. Steve Alchemist C-320
VC-17 Only in Fresh Water?
Given the responses, it seems VC 17 is more appropriate in cold fresh water? Chesapeake bay probably gets into the 70's and higher in the summer. Anyone have any experience with that situation and slime build up?
Given the responses, it seems VC 17 is more appropriate in cold fresh water? Chesapeake bay probably gets into the 70's and higher in the summer. Anyone have any experience with that situation and slime build up?
- Status