Bottom and Engine Paint Questions

[catalanc]

Hi All,
I have a trophy 2052 with a mercruiser 4.3 L, freshwater cooled engine and an alpha 1 outdrive. I am putting her in a slip on the Puget Sound (salt water) this weekend and painting the hull is highly recommended. A local shop has recommended also painting the outdrive. Is this common and/or necessary or am I being sold a bill of goods.

Also, I will probably leave the boat in the water in the summer but pull it onto my trailer in the winter. SO - should I prime the hull first (blister prevention) - one coat - and then two coats of paint? I am getting quotes from $1000 (two coats paint only) to over $4000 (primer plus paint).

I appreciate any advice that you all have ...
carlos

 

[springhead]

Re: Bottom and Engine Paint Questions

Carlos holy crap 1000 to 4000 dollars, you better shop around or do it yourself, I live up north and only paid 400 for my 26 footer with the outdrive and trim tabs painted.
good luck David

 

[Tiki35]

Re: Bottom and Engine Paint Questions

For sure, that's crazy high.

I am on Vancouver Island so we are in basically the same water.
Pull it out every 4 weeks and pressure wash the bottom and you won't have bottom paint at all. I just watched a 30 footer getting pulled up on the trailer yesterday after being moored for 6 weeks, and there was no bottom growth that didn't come off with a pressure washer.

 

[catalanc]

Re: Bottom and Engine Paint Questions

Thanks for the feedback guys. Here's the deal. It is presently unpainted gelcoat. Been in freshwater for a few months so it needs to be hauled and powerwashed ($275 with "environmental fee"); sand and prep gelcoat ($1000), primer coat ($375 per coat - they recommend two coats); finally paint ($375 per coat - they recommend two coats); tax brings it to about $3000.

wow. two quotes so far, waiting for a third. finally, about $600 to paint the sterndrive. ouch ...