[tgissel]

Any suggestions for a good quality multi-season bottom paint for a 28' Marinette? Thanks

[crazy charlie]

Unfortunately ,you dont have many choices when it comes to aluminum.Tri Lux rings a bell and I think there is a water based paint called alumagard.DONT use any other paint that is not recommended for aluminum. 98% of bottom paints you see are not recommended for aluminum.Charlie

[tgissel]

Thanks for the reply.

[Chaps]

Sadly for aluminum boaters (but apparently happily for sea creatures) the great tin-based paints we used to have for alloy boats are no longer available. There is a way you can use copper paints but it involves stripping to bare metal, applying an epoxy barrier coat then a galvanic isolation coat then your bottom paint. You might check out E-Paints, I understand they have a product for aluminum that is working pretty well.

[wlynch2360]

West marine has http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=118366&catalogId=10001 &classNum=229&subdeptNum=11204&storeNum=4 Trilux 33 paint

[rodbolt]

hellobe aware that even with careful prep, epoxy and barrier coats it requires maint and inspection with copper bottom paint. any nick or scratch that exposes the hull will set up an electrolytic reaction and cause the aluminium to corrode in salt or high mineral waters. I clean mine with monthly overboard scrubbings. or the occasional haul out and scrapeings , depending on if I remembered to scrub it or not.

[tgissel]

Thanks for all the replies, I searched the internet and found another bottom paint suitable for aluminum other than trilux 33 $$$$$ it is called "EP 21" anybody have any experience with this product?? Thanks,

[crazy charlie]

Where did you find it???? Charlie

[tgissel]

I just searched under GOOGLE and found it. Also interesting this is what the coast guard is using on their boats as well, just search EP 21 under google. Thanks,

[crazy charlie]

Sounds like it is nothing more than a barrier coat.You still have to antifoul paint over it.Charlie

[Chaps]

That's the E-paint I was refering to

[tgissel]

If this is really a barrier coat can I apply any type of bottom paint over it? I am not sure as this is my first aluminum cruiser. Per the directions on e-paints website they say to renew with light sanding and recoat?, so is this really a bottom paint?? Thanks, sorry for all the questions.

[crazy charlie]

Rodbolt already answered that question.Charlie

[tgissel]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Does anybody know if Tri-Lux II is any good for freshwater??? Thanks again.