Bottom paint

Post by **NJRobert** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 10:05 pm

Most everyone at my dockyard has tried to battle barnacles without much success. Mostly on the metals. When I got my boat new from the dealer two years ago, photos prior to launching showed that they had used bottom paint on the trim tabs, and most metals, except the prop.

That year I was in pretty good shape regarding barnacles. There are several theories about what works and why, as well as what doesn't. This past season I tried Petit anti-barnacle spray paint and by mid-season, I had to haul it out due to barnacle encrusted prop and trim tabs. Slowed me down big time!

I use Petit Hydrocoat on the hull (which has a barrier coat from the dealer) and it works great. No barnacles ever on the hull. I'm thinking about going totally with this paint, on all metals and fiberglass. The can says it can be used on steel. However, my intakes and prop are bronze. Anyone have any ideas or thoughts on this?

B Gallo · Post by **B Gallo** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 10:37 pm

I found Hydracoat ineffective on metal. I tried Trilux 33 on the trim tabs this season with great results.

Ben Gallo
2002 28TE Rooster Tail
East Greenwich

Post by **Mariner** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:22 am

Have a diver clean the bottom on a regular schedule. This is far cheaper than having the boat hauled. Ours is cleaned 4 times per year, which seems to be sufficient.

Post by **RobS** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 9:31 pm

Mariner wrote:Have a diver clean the bottom on a regular schedule. This is far cheaper than having the boat hauled. Ours is cleaned 4 times per year, which seems to be sufficient.

I agree, and better yet, get certified for diving and DIY.

Post by **jleonard** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 8:38 am

Yes and have a 50 or 75 ft long regulator hose made up. Keep the tank on deck. Then you can go under the boat for that kind of work, change zincs, etc. and not have to don all the gear.

Post by **Mariner** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 2:05 pm

I believe the diver who does our boat has some sort of cart-mounted air pump that he rolls down the dock and plugs into a shorepower outlet. This unit appears to allow him to work under the boats for an unlimited amount of time and with minimal gear. He does use a very heavy drysuit, as he often performs his services in the middle of winter when the surface temperature drops into the low 30's.

I'm not a diver, so I'm not familiar with all of his equipment, but he's obviously got the best stuff money can buy. It's all very fancy and brand new, and he seems peferctly happy to plunge into the freezing cold water. Almost as happy as when he collects the $100 checks from everyone in the marina!

elad9000 · Post by **elad9000** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 6:47 pm

I am about to do my 28 TE bottom in two weeks. Will try the following method that is recommended by Pettit paint.

Bare Steel*: Sandblast or disc sand to a clean, bright fi nish and remove residue with clean, dry compressed air or a clean
brush. Immediately apply two coats of Pettit Protect 4700/4701 High Build Epoxy Primer. Read and follow carefully the instructions
on the 4700/4701 Epoxy Primer label. If the surface to be painted will be prepared using hand tools such as wire
wheels or sanders, clean-off residue and immediately apply one coat of Pettit 6980 Rustlok Steel Primer. Let dry 1-2 hours
and follow with two coats of 4700/4701 High Build Epoxy Primer. Read and follow carefully the instructions for application
and topcoating on both primer labels. Apply two or three finish coats of Ultima SR.

Albin Owners Group

Albin Owners Group

Bottom paint

Bottom paint

Bottom Paint