Bottom Paint

Nalu · 11-06-2003, 08:13 AM

I've already got a line on someone to paint the bottom of the boat, but thought I would see what everyone here thought, or suggested.

My boat was kept in a slip liner in San Diego, so it has never seen bottom paint, and is as clean as a whistle. Bottom paint will have to be trailerable type, as the boat will only be moored part of the year, and will be out of the water a good bit of time.

Recommendation on who/where to get this done?

Thanks,

Mike

Miss B Haven · 11-06-2003, 09:19 AM

Nalu- use either Micron CSC (Petit) or Ultima (Interlux). They are both very good paints. Yards usually specialize in one or the other of these brands, go with whichever they use standard.
Even if you aren't out of the water for extended periods there ar eadvantages to these ablative paints over the hard epoxy paints. First- they won't continue to build and build thickness over time and recoats. Second- if you have a contrast between the hull and bottom paint color you can always tell when it's time to recoat an ablative (because it dissolves away over time).
Another advantage is you can put more coats on and it will last longer. Hard paints are limited because the copper has to dissolve it's way through the entire paint film. Ablative always has a fresh copper surface on the top (at least as long as you use the boat regularly).
I'll send you a PM about where NOT to go. edit- better yet- talk to me at the TA meeting.
Warrenton Boat Works is good but you would have to launch and then have it pulled on the rails there. They don't have a dry land lift. I would recommend you go to a spot with a small travel lift that can pick it right off the trailer.

[ 11-06-2003, 10:20 AM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]

Nalu · 11-06-2003, 09:53 AM

Mel,

Thanks for the info. I'd looked into the ablative, but there are so many types it's really been a bit of a mystery.

What time will the TA meeting run until? Unfortunately I have to run to Seattle tomorrow for a meeting, and probably won't be back until 8:30 or 9:00. :depressed:

Mike

Miss B Haven · 11-06-2003, 10:12 AM

Nalu- I realized you said you were in Seattle so I sent you an email. Fish Assassin might have some input on where NOT to go as well.

Phil Layer · 11-06-2003, 10:23 AM

I sure would like to learn more about the wheres and where-nots as I plan on having the bottom of mine painted as well. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

CATCH AND EAT · 11-06-2003, 12:13 PM

$5200!!?? [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] Sounds like an exhaust system someone I know had built. :shocked:

I would be interested in know what some have spent to have bottom paint done also and what the advantages of doing so really are. My boat is terrible about shag carpet growth during moorage season. I've never messed with this type of paint product nor do I really know anything about it so if someone would enlighten me as to the concept and purpose I would appreciate it.

Pitch Pocket · 11-06-2003, 12:23 PM

Warrenton Boat Works put the ablative paint on my 24' SeaSport. First time, $1200 using Micron CSC. I found it cheaper than that by about $200, but I trusted those guys and they did a good job. Should be about $4-500 every 3-4 years depending on how much time it spends in the water. Ablative paint lasts quite a while if you keep it on a trailer most of the year.

Phil Layer · 11-06-2003, 12:27 PM

I have had my fiberglass boat for two years now. I have no idea when the bottom was last painted.

How does one tell when a new coat of paint is in order?

Miss B Haven · 11-06-2003, 12:28 PM

hey Bernie- wait till you see the bill to fix one bad exhaust valve. I can proly buy a new trophy for this one valve. I'm just guessing but I'm gettign WAY to good at boat repair estimates, don't ask me why :depressed:

I dunno what else you want to know about paint. I wrote a dang essay up there on it. Figure 800 bucks for the first time, drop it a couple hundred for recoats after that. You should get 4 years out of a good job. Oh - you'll pay another 100 or so to lift and block the boat.
Talk to me at the TA meeting. At least I can make you pay for free advice there! :grin:

kamloops · 11-06-2003, 12:50 PM

Bernie,

I like to take a peek at my hull and running gear every season. I paint every 2 years.
Think it's about $1000.00 to haul, inspect, change a zinc or two and paint..
I could spend more $ on longer lasting paint and stretch it out another year, I'll do that next time as long as I don't need to rebuild everything again.

KeyWest · 11-06-2003, 05:20 PM

Good article in this months Sport Fishing magazine (Dec 2003). Under the section of Gear Guide - "Protect Your Bottom Line". Describes the different types of bottom paint, and why one would choose one over the other. Page 44.

fish assassin · 11-06-2003, 11:01 PM

I highly suggest that you *NOT* go to Fred Wahl in Toledo, OR. I had
the misfourtune of having my bottom paint done there. The paint job was OK, but
they damaged my hull paint with a lousey grade of tape they used to mask the job,
and they dropped or drug something across the back deck that scored the brand new
deck paint that I just had installed ... "Opps, oh well, too bad!"

Another little issue was the cost. Original unwritten estimate was $2000.
Revised estimate after they had it for a week was $2800-$3200. When I went to
pick up the boat the final bill was $5200!! I didn't ask them to gold plate
the boat! [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]

[img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]

At any rate, as far as *I* am concerned, Fred Wahls is NOT the place to
have any work done!! I've also heard several other horror stories about run-away
costs on jobs done there.

-assAssin-

Miss B Haven · 11-06-2003, 11:04 PM

Somehow I just knew that was coming Mark!

:grin:

Nalu · 11-06-2003, 11:13 PM

What should one expect to pay for bottom paint on a 25' fiberglass boat? Ablative as has been suggested.

I'm no expert, but the $5200 mark seems rediculously high. For that amount, seems like they should through in a "trunk monkey" that touches up the bottom after every trip.

Did they paint some sort of design on the bottom that made fish feel "happy" when looking up?

Miss B Haven · 11-06-2003, 11:29 PM

Nalu- about a grand for your boat, less after the first time. They'll have to sand the gel coat the firt time to get the paint to stick. Fish Assassin had some special issues with his original paint and he has an Aluminum hull (special paint/treatment required).

deepsix · 11-07-2003, 12:12 PM

What are the recomendations for outdrive paint?
Same type as bottom paint? I get some fairly serious growth on the outdrive.

KeyWest · 11-08-2003, 07:11 AM

No specific recommendations are generally given - just the pro's and cons of each type of paint. West marine "advice" section:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...ing_paints.htm

from PowerBoat reports:

http://www.powerboat-reports.com/pub...es/5318-1.html

Here is an interesting link to "Go Fast" bottom paint:

http://www.gofastbottompaint.com/pro...ottompaint.htm

[ 11-08-2003, 08:15 AM: Message edited by: KeyWest ]