ADVICE: Painting a 1978 boat for the first time

[ridiver]

We recently purchased a 1978 19' Angler Bowrider. <br />The previous owner trailered the boat and thus it never needed bottom paint. We plan to keep this boat in New England water 24/7 this summer so it will need painting. <br /><br />Any advice on paints and primers? I have heard of sealers for older gel coats.<br /><br />thanks.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: ADVICE: Painting a 1978 boat for the first time

Salt water or fresh water??? Makes a differance on what you use. Usually the biggest hazard to the bottom is just good old water scum which tends to turn black and gets thick or if you are by salt water w/low use slime. If the bottom is clean fiberglass - just clean the heck out of it. Ask what other people are useing in the area and go from there. I trailer my boat in/out of lakes in VT and have nothing on the bottom. Even the people that dock their boats in this area rarely use bottom paint. About every 3-4 weeks those people usually clean the bottom with Simple Green and use a green scouring pad...some do it while swimming some pull it out for about an hour on a trailer.<br /><br />Bob

 

[dwarrick]

Re: ADVICE: Painting a 1978 boat for the first time

I would look into Interlux paints they make some of the best bottom paints. As far a sealers just use interlux 2000 barrier prior to the paint and start painting the bottom paint within the 5 to 7 hour window for bottom paints an Interlux Micron Extra or a Micron CSC would work. But if it is not going to be in the water year round there are other options. Check with Boat US or West marine both have web sites. A lot of great information.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: ADVICE: Painting a 1978 boat for the first time

Agree with both.<br /><br />You are in the position where you can plan your boats antifouling from base. It's a great advantage not to have to take over somebody elses years of build up.<br />Talk to people who knows your waters and choose an antifouling that applies thin.<br />There are many types for different water, boats and uses. http://us.yachtpaint.com/USA/ tells a lot. I've used VC17m for years with very good results BUT... you really should check your use thoroughly first.

 

[ridiver]

Re: ADVICE: Painting a 1978 boat for the first time

Salt Water at a mooring.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: ADVICE: Painting a 1978 boat for the first time

Even salt water differs from place to place. You also have to take into account, that the less you use your boat, the more you need antifouling. It's when it sits there, on top of the water doing nothing, that things start to grow on it.<br /><br />It shouldn't be hard to choose the antifouling and you can always help it during the season with a good brushing.<br /><br />On long term the important thing is to avoid the build up of paint layers as this is what turns out to be a problem when you, eventually, have to remove it. Antifouling is toxic and removing it the right way involves a lot of work and equipment.