How important is bottom paint?

[a64pilot]

OK, I was typing when you answered, but is it a plunger or some other suction cup?
I ask as I want to do some cleaning and having something to hold onto would help

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

You asked him and not me, but it sure looks like a toilet plunger to me.
Let see what he says

In that case I hope that's beer in the glass and not beer by-product.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

You asked him and not me, but it sure looks like a toilet plunger to me.
Let see what he says

It is the business end of a cheap plunger and a PVC pistol grip handle I made myself. West Marine sells a less usable version for twenty bucks, if you're interested.

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by rwidman

The hauling, preparation and labor costs are the same for cheap paint and top of the line paint. If quality paint lasts twice as long it's probably the least expensive option in the long run.

If one hauls out specifically to paint or fix something. But here in New England most of us haulout regardless as most harbormasters don't want boats on their moorings or docks in the winter. So in that case I'm not sure how a good paint which becomes ineffective after 72 hours on land is a better choice.

[a64pilot]

I think I'll go your route as they are real cheap.
I use two of them on my little airplane if I have to leave it outside, it's an antique and the gas caps have vent holes in them just like lawnmowers used to, I put a plunger over each to keep the rain out

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

It is the business end of a cheap plunger and a PVC pistol grip handle I made myself. West Marine sells a less usable version for twenty bucks, if you're interested.

At least now I know you're not a Millenial.

[lesterbutch]

There is no good reason to go 1,000 miles without and adequate bottom prep. If its money then maybe you should reconsider boat ownership! Everything you do on a boat is expensive if its done properly. If its time, then consider it would be less than one percent of the overall time. I think you will regret not painting it.

[monte]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

I suspect that you and I have a different definition of "good condition."

Why is that? The anti foul was clean and fresh prior to st maartin. Applied new in May 2014.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by monte

Why is that? The anti foul was clean and fresh prior to st maartin. Applied new in May 2014.

The hard growth in your pictures tell me that either your paint was in less than good condition or that it is not a suitable anti fouling for the conditions it was used in. Or both.

I don't how old your paint was when the pix were taken, but an exremely soft ablative (like the one you use) can certainly be scrubbed into fair (or worse) condition in short order.

[onestepcsy37]

Originally Posted by tucamonday

Boat has been on the hard for 8 year's. ...

Sent from my SM-G900T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

If you plan on hauling it out for work when you reach your destination, I would just slap on some inexpensive bottom paint, one coat, and go. You can give it a light sanding later on when you are ready to put on some real bottom paint.

[onestepcsy37]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I've had to spend most of a day scraping a reef off the bottom with recent Trinidad bottom paint.... in the carribean...

Been using Trinidad since the late 70's and have always got 4+ years between paint jobs - this in Florida/Bahamas. And yet every once in awhile I hear/read of people who have bad experiences with it. Not sure why they do but I have no reason to doubt them....

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

The hard growth in your pictures tell me that either your paint was in less than good condition or that it is not a suitable anti fouling for the conditions it was used in. Or both.

I don't how old your paint was when the pix were taken, but an exremely soft ablative (like the one you use) can certainly be scrubbed into fair (or worse) condition in short order.

Obviously never been into the Lagoon at SMX..
Personally I'll never stay inside for that very reason.. Marigot Bay or Grande Case... if the N swells in for a while I'm round to Phillipsburg.

[onestepcsy37]

Originally Posted by rwidman

The hauling, preparation and labor costs are the same for cheap paint and top of the line paint. If quality paint lasts twice as long it's probably the least expensive option in the long run.

Exactly why I use the best paint I can, regardless of price. Pettit Trinidad.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

Been using Trinidad since the late 70's and have always got 4+ years between paint jobs - this in Florida/Bahamas. And yet every once in awhile I hear/read of people who have bad experiences with it. Not sure why they do but I have no reason to doubt them....

Even the best anti fouling paint if improperly applied or maintained will not perform well. What you are unlikely to see is a boat owner admitting as much.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

If one hauls out specifically to paint or fix something. But here in New England most of us haulout regardless as most harbormasters don't want boats on their moorings or docks in the winter. So in that case I'm not sure how a good paint which becomes ineffective after 72 hours on land is a better choice.

Well in that case it isn't of course and I'm sure you can figure that out. Still, labor is a big and fixed part of bottom painting so it makes sense to use the best quality materials.

The paint manufactures have paint selection guides that will help you select the most effective paint for your location, boat and typical use and of course divers who work your area are a good resource as well.