bottom paint

[mikedan1]

What kind of bottom paint do you guys use.

[IrishAyes]

I use the Interlux ACT.  It is an ablative paint, meaning, it wears off as you are moving, thus removing any growth on the bottom.  Keeps the bottom from loading up with coat after coat after coat of paint every year.   

[ped579]

I used Interlux on all my boats (when I had them) a little expensive but worth is.  It worked good on Wood as well as Fiberglass.  Probably different formulas  but that was a long time ago.

Good stuff...

[mikedan1]

thanks first time with new boat, actually used, getting itchy to paint the bottom

[mikedan1]

what is the turnaround time with that type of paint does the boat have to be put in the water immediately?

[ped579]

As far as I remember the fiberglass boat no problem but the wooden boat I had to put it in wet.

[IrishAyes]

No the boat does not have to be put in immediatly or anywhere near the time it was painted.  With the old paint of years ago it had to be dunked immediatly after painting but not now. 

With the Interlux ACT you can put it in whenever.  Even months and months after.

[sealife]

What ever brand you decide on I would go with the ablative paint.  Like others have said you can paint it and splash it at any time.  Many of the these paints are good for more than one season.  They recommned that you paint two coats with the first coat a different color of the final so that as the first coat wears thin you can see where a touch up is required.  I would also check the application instructions for the paint.  Many new boats have a mold release agent still on the gel coat and some manufactures want the temperature above 50 degrees when you apply it.  Also as you apply it keep stirring the stuff as it settles very quickly.

I have been using Micron CSC on a fiberglass sailboat and it has given excellent results but is now approaching $200 a gallon so I am looking for something different myself.

[Hunter 2]

 ,nice topic,i am looking for paint myself

[Mike ONeill]

Oh,bottom paint- the old saying "less is more" I have had boats for thirty years and the best paint is the cheepest. the store brand is the best value. a one season paint does the job- multi season paint always needs a touch up, or has worn spots or the power washer blows spots plus its never just a quart. Paint is to protect the bottom from growth. If you haul the boat every season, your going to paint.