Bed liner a bad idea??

[bLaZe0023]

I have a 12' fiberglass tri-hull jon. Would it create too much drag to cover the bottom with the roll on bedliner they sale at an autoparts store? or will i see much difference? I only plan on using a 35 lb thrust trolling motor for electric only lakes.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

Don't do it. It will create an enormous amount of drag and makes future repairs very difficult.

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

Performance boat guys use something called speedcoat. It kind of like a flat paint that gives the bottom of the boat a little texture. This texture effectively reduces the "wet" area of the hull. Less contact with the water means less friction and faster speeds. It is not as textured as bedliner and you are not getting your boat on plane. I'm not sure why I even bring this up, except to say I don't see where it would be an issue on a boat that is only powered by a trolling motor. Even in saying that, I don't see where there would be much benefit to it either. Just my .02

 

[bLaZe0023]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

Ok question # 2 is about the Gel coat... DO you aplly gel coat before you paint or paint then gel coat it?
Or do i not need a Gel coat considering its only for a small boat that will be trailered most of the time?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

paint then gel coat. you want your bottom to be as slick as possible so as to reduce drag. the bedliner would probably also encourage lots of little critters and algae, etc.... to take up residence in the nooks and crannies of the bedliner product too thus creating more drag and hampering performance even more.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

Ok question # 2 is about the Gel coat... DO you aplly gel coat before you paint or paint then gel coat it?
Or do i not need a Gel coat considering its only for a small boat that will be trailered most of the time?

Gelcoat Cannot be applied over paint...Any Paint...

You would allways paint over gelcoat.

I would prep and prime prep and Paint..

Some would just prep and Paint. Depending on the condition of the gel .. it could be a viable option.

YD.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

yacht dr., I may be wrong, but isn't the paint/pigment in the gelcoat itself, or do most folks paint over it per your post?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

I have a 12' fiberglass tri-hull jon. Would it create too much drag to cover the bottom with the roll on bedliner they sale at an autoparts store? or will i see much difference? I only plan on using a 35 lb thrust trolling motor for electric only lakes.

Bedliner is not a good idea due to problems with future repairs.

There are various treatments but each is applied for a specific reason. I doubt any "speedcoat" would do anything. If your concern is based on leakage, then fiberglass work will suit you fine. If you want a durable wear surface for fishing in low water and are concerned about abrading the bottom you have 2 choices; gluvit coated on the hull bottom or a keelguard installed.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

Paint and gel-coat are two different products for the same purpose. One would not use both.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

Are you sure?

"Many marine craft and aircraft are manufactured using composite materials. The outer layer is often a gelcoat, typically 0.5mm - 0.8mm in thickness. Gelcoats are designed to be durable, providing resistance to ultraviolet degradation and hydrolysis. The gelcoat will often carry a pigment that provides the finish colour to the moulded item."

This is why I'm getting rid of my fiberglass boat. Too many noxious chemicals, too many ways to use them (correctly and incorrectly) and too many different approaches. I'll keep my ugly little tin boat and be glad I don't have to play amateur chemist

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

if you roll it on instead of spraying it..if is fairly smooth..when using with a trolling motor I really do not see any problem. I have seen it used a keel guard in larger boats..works great. works best on the inside for a no slip floor.

 

[bLaZe0023]

Re: Bed liner a bad idea??

I think the safest way to go is to forget the bed liner. Do you guys recommend oil based primer or does it matter?