What is the Best Bottom Paint

[gpd955]

for my 30' sailboat. It will be in salt water in New Jersey. I am looking for something that will last as long as possible, so I am not looking for the cheapest!This will be the first time I am doing this so I have no clue about what to use!Thanks!

 

[Steve Dion]

Walk the docks and review practical sailor

I suggest that you walk the dock and speak with other "SAILORS" in your area. I suggest that you find out what other Sailors (not boaters) are having success with.Practical Sailor usually has had annual articles on these products. There are several products that sailors on this site swear by, but not all of these sailors have their boats in NJ.We have been using Pettit Trinidad SR. It has been great for the slime that we get. We also do NOT have barnacles to worry about.

 

[Waffle]

Get

InterLux or Petite Multi-Season Ablative.. Do Not Use VC-17!

 

[Don]

No such thing as the best

It isn't that simple a decision and depends entirely on a number of unknowns beyond price e.g., how often you plan to haul,how much sailing you do, where you go beyond your local area, how many coats of paint you intend to apply, if you plan to race and want max smoothness, etc...Everybody has their favorite(s) among the multi-season group but some of those have issues if you haul annually so you would be best served by talking to someone with whom you can discussthe variables and understand your situation in order to recommend what is best for you.

 

[capejt]

my 2 cents

I totally agree with all that's been said so far. For me, I've found that Interlux Micron Extra is fantastic. I can usually get two, sometimes three seasons on two or three coats. The only drawback to this paint is the cost. I just got a sale flyer from WM and they list the Micron Extra at about $180 per gallon! And that's a sale price!!!I agree that you should check with your "neighbors" and see what they're using.

 

[coconutz]

practical sailor

Practical Sailor has an article on bottom paint in the latest edition. It depends on where you are.

 

[*****]

Best bottom paint

gpd955; Practical Sailor magazine just did a test of the primary bottom paints. In ablatives, Micron Optima and Monterey beat the crowd in both barnicals and slim fouling. But Monterey by Sea Hawk was cheaper by a whole lot. Only available from distributers, but it is only $144+ as compared to 200+ for Interlux Micron Optima and it lasts for two years vs one for Interlux. Go on line to get to a sales rep for info on distributers. They are delivering mine free.

 

[Rob]

2 Cents

Buy bottom paint now. If you think gas prices are on the rise, watch this. Look at what Copper prices are doing.