Anti-fouling paints for hull and outdrive - Sea Hawk, ePaint, Pettit Vivid, others ?

[tpenfield]

It is getting to be that time of year when us "salt water guys" start thinking about anti-fouling paint as part of our prep work for the boating season. I have 2 issues . . .

#1:

I have been using ePaint EP-2000 for about 5 years on the hull with good results. The paint comes in white, which I like, as the boat does not look like it has bottom paint.

The price of ePaint seemed to be rising over the past couple of years (now over $200/gallon). So, last year, I tried Pettit Vivid (also white) and it was OK, but yellowed a bit. So now I'm thinking of trying something that I saw at the boat show - Sea Hawk 'Smart Solution' or 'Mission Bay'. Also comes in white . . . Both are an eco-friendly paints and cost less than ePaint.

I wonder if anyone here has tried Sea Hawk???

I'm also trying to figure out something for the outdrive, since I am re-furbishing it. I've taken it down to bare metal and will be priming and painting it. I had wanted to use a 'clear' anti-fouling to maintain a nice look to the outdrive instead of the flat/chalky look of ablative paint, but most brands have discontinued clear outdrive anti-fouling paint.

The only clear outdrive anti-fouling paint that I have found is 'Aquaguard', and Google feedback is mixed.

So, part #2 of my saga would be does anyone have something that they use on the outdrive that gives a gloss look and is anti-fouling?

TIA

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Anti-fouling paints for hull and outdrive - Sea Hawk, ePaint, Pettit Vivid, other

Clear AF paint for the outdrive is crap. You will not get good pretection. Use some Tri-lux and follow the manufacturers instructions. Brush on two coats, and it will keep most of the barnacles away. The finish will be jet black, but not shiny.

The outdrive is underwater, so why do you care for it to be shiny?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Anti-fouling paints for hull and outdrive - Sea Hawk, ePaint, Pettit Vivid, other

If Seahawk is the one with the unbelievable guaranty, don't believe it. Read the ridiculous requirements for the guaranty to apply--inlcuding regularly hauling the boat and cleaning the bottom.

I have come to the conclusion that getting AF paint to stick and work on metals as well as hulls is futile, but it helps some and you have to try.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Anti-fouling paints for hull and outdrive - Sea Hawk, ePaint, Pettit Vivid, other

As a certified applicator of 'Sea Hawk' .. I can say for sure that their Sharkskin is some cool stuff ..

But no matter .. your probably looking at a full blown strip down in your near future. I would touch up this season and start to look at some good deals on soda blasting/stripping scheduled early on the upcomming off season ( better prices when you schedule early ).

OH..and bottom paint is not needed Every year.

YD.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Anti-fouling paints for hull and outdrive - Sea Hawk, ePaint, Pettit Vivid, other

Interlux brand has been making Marine paint for 50+ years that I know of. On painting your outdrive, I would get it out of the water. Reason being, is that you can see how it looks outside, but how about inside, inside the prop, inside the exhaust tube, inside the water pickup holes, inside the water pump.

HTH,
Mark