Bottom Paint Questions

[Skyjumper]

I have a few questions regarding bottom paint. I just purchased my first boat that will be kept in the water full time during the boating season, everything I've owned before has been trailered. It's a 1990 Sea Ray 250 Sundancer. It will be kept in fresh water, specifically Lake Michigan.

There is currently bottom paint on it, but I have no idea what kind. I'm planning to do the bottom paint this spring, and have a few questions:

1. Can I use any type of bottom paint over the existing paint? I'm planning to rough it up with 80-100 grit sandpaper before painting, but do I need to completely remove all of the existing paint?

2. What is a good value paint to use for my situation? The boat will be in the water from late April until October, then be trailered out and stored.

3. After prepping the hull, is it just a matter of masking the hull and rolling it on? Would 1 coat be sufficient or do I need more?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bottom Paint Questions

A lot depends on where you are moored.

The web sites for the paint companies give comprehensive information about the right paint--there are many many choices. Overcoating old paint is complicated if it's ablative (designed to wear off slowly) but stripping is worse.

I've used Micron for a boat kept in the water inthe long summer abnd trailer in the winter, with some use then. I usually get almost 3 seasons out of a painting. I think 2-3 coats is what you want.

Research your timnig for when you have to launch (or shouldn't) after painting, and look for the kind you can leave out of the water.

 

[Skyjumper]

Re: Bottom Paint Questions

So if the current paint is ablative, I should sand down to bare hull? Or can I get away with a good prep and paint over what's left of the ablative? Would an ablative paint be common on the Great Lakes?

 

[bobberii]

Re: Bottom Paint Questions

I have a 2859 Bayliner that I keep in St Joseph MI. Every spring I roll on a coat of West Marine ablative paint. One coat. One gallon will do it with some left over. I tape the water line and roll it on. Sanding is a waste of time. It will just come off in the fall anyways. In March the paint will go on sale and you'll have to pay around $90 for the paint. Take it to Ace Hardware unopened and they will shake it for you. Otherwise it will take awhile to stir it. Ablate paint is made to peel off out of water so there is less build up. Good luck.

 

[Skyjumper]

Re: Bottom Paint Questions

Thanks for the help, sounds like I'll just pick up some ablative and roll it on straight away. Now I just get to start building some stands to hold the boat when I jack it up off the trailer to paint under the bunks. I'm thinking 3 on the stern, 2 keel supports and 2 towards the bow on the sides to keep it balanced.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Bottom Paint Questions

find the highest pressure washer you can get your hands on. a steam cleaner works even better,it will strip off any old loose ablative paint. take note, do not put copper base paint on the outdrive! use Trilux II only or some other aluminum compatible paint

 

[bobberii]

Re: Bottom Paint Questions

If you don't have the time to make the stands there is another option. My brother takes his to a local marina and they put it on jack stands for a weekend for him to paint. The cost is minimal and they are responsible to jack it up safely. Where do you boat out of?

 

[Skyjumper]

Re: Bottom Paint Questions

I do have a pressure washer available to me...electric only, not gas, but hopefully it puts out enough to get the job done. With a previous boat, I've always trailered, mainly launching on Lake Michigan in Milwaukee or Little Muskego lake, just outside Milwaukee . I'm going to slip this boat at McKinley Marina in Milwaukee.

Bubba, thanks for the advice regarding a respirator, etc. I've done some auto body paint work and know how nasty that can get...I'll be sure to pick up a Tyvek suit and use the respirator.

 

[boaterbob1]

Re: Bottom Paint Questions

How much time do you have to put the boat in the water after you bottom paint.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Bottom Paint Questions

read the instructions on the can, they will tell you

 

[pole position]

Re: Bottom Paint Questions

Most of the newer bottom paints can be put on and launched within 60 days. Read the labels on the paint just to be sure.