Bottom Paint Color

[Agility]

Is there any difference in performance of different color bottom paints?

I think I read somewhere that black might be more likely to attract whales? Any supportable theories or facts associated with this belief?

Does the water line discoloration look better in certain colors?

I'm planning white hulls with orange boot stripe near the water line.

[cabo_sailor]

I don't know about performance difference, at least measurable. However, one thing I like to do is use a different color between the first and second coat to use as a wear indicator. If the first coat is blue and the topcoat red, I know I need to really start thinking about a bottom job when the blue starts showing through.

By the way, don't forget some extra coats at the waterline and the leading edge of the keel and rudder. Those areas wear fastest.

Rich

[imagine2frolic]

That Atlantic 57 is going to need lots of extra coats on the leading edges. She's going to be sailing the paint right off the boat. I know I did, and I am not near as fast. The 2 colors is a great idea also......i2f

[Gudgeon]

I have a white bottom (Petite Vivid) holds up wel in Hawaii. Try to get out sailing ever other weekend. The water does tend to e a slightly different color. Above the water the paint tends to turn a little blue green. I also do as suggested and have a blue bottom coat. There is a different amount of copper( I forget the exact type) in the paint for the colors white has the lowest. It cleans by just wiping down.

[fstbttms]

Regarding anti foulings that use copper as the main toxin; lighter colors tend to have a lower copper content than darker colors because the copper tints the paint. A white paint will generally have a lower cuprous oxide content than a black paint. That being said, I have never noticed a difference in anti fouling performance for any particular product, light or dark.

The "black attracts whales" theory sounds like a wive's tale perpetuated by one of the many boatyard "experts" that in actuality don't know their ass from a hole in the ground.