Bottom paint

[Kevinnowels]

I have an old 1669 Glasspar I am restoring. I’m almost to the point of paint and pricing everything out and getting materials list. The boat will only be used about once every 2 weeks in summer then sit on the trailer for most the other time , it won’t be kept in the water . What kind of bottom paint do I need to use ? There are so many kinds and price ranges . I’ve read that I need ablative even if it’s trailered, and I’ve read that you don’t need it if it is trailered . Someone have any recommendations?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Depends on what water it will be in.

If it's fresh water, wax is all you need

 

[Kevinnowels]

It will be in fresh water only.
Do you mean gel coat with wax when you say wax ?
Looking for a cheaper option even if I have to repaint the bottom in a year or so

 

[Chris1956]

Trailered boats do not need any paint on their bottoms. The gel coat from the factory is just fine. If you do not like the look of the gel coat, any marine polyurethane will make it nice and shiny, with the correct prep.

If you use a one-part polyurethane, the boat cannot be kept in the water, but daily use and trailering overnight is just fine.

 

[Kevinnowels]

Trailered boats do not need any paint on their bottoms. The gel coat from the factory is just fine. If you do not like the look of the gel coat, any marine polyurethane will make it nice and shiny, with the correct prep.

If you use a one-part polyurethane, the boat cannot be kept in the water, but daily use and trailering overnight is just fine.

Thank you that helps . One part polyurethane is just topside paint correct? That’s what comes up when I look it up.

 

[Chris1956]

Yes, one part polyurethane paint is considered to be topside, but there are other topside paints which include enamel and other formulations. I believe polyurethane paint to be superior in shine and hardness to them. Their price is also higher.

 

[flashback]

It will be in fresh water only.
Do you mean gel coat with wax when you say wax ?
Looking for a cheaper option even if I have to repaint the bottom in a year or so

I think what he meant was a can of paste wax and elbow grease.

 

[Kevinnowels]

Yea the elbow grease is already in place and paste wax won’t do it . There were a lot of cosmetic imperfections and I’ve already faired everything and sanded smooth . The fairing compound being a different color and the paint was yellowed and faded so need something to make it like new again

 

[Kevinnowels]

Yes, one part polyurethane paint is considered to be topside, but there are other topside paints which include enamel and other formulations. I believe polyurethane paint to be superior in shine and hardness to them. Their price is also higher.

Thanks again

 

[Scott Danforth]

1-part top side paint is only good for a few days under water.

Gel is what I would do on the bottom. And then boat wax to wax the hull to keep growth at bay.

However if you are going to use a 1-part paint, I would recommend bottom paint (easy to apply, not aesthetically pleasing)

 

[Chris1956]

Antifouling paint on a trailered boat is not ideal, IMO. It will rob some speed, not look good and wrongly announce that the boat was kept in the water, which is bad for resale.

 

[Kevinnowels]

Antifouling paint on a trailered boat is not ideal, IMO. It will rob some speed, not look good and wrongly announce that the boat was kept in the water, which is bad for resale.

Thank you for your help . I’m thinking of staying away from bottom paint since it won’t be kept in the water. Don’t want to waste money on a paint that won’t be used for what it is for