First time bottom job

[istion]

Hi,

I have a catalina 250 wk that currently has ablative bottom paint that is in rough shape.

I have never done this, and wish to switch to a "normal" bottom paint. The boat lives largely in fresh water, though might spend a month in the salt next year.

In Canada

Any paint suggestions?
Any helpful hints or warnings?

Thanks for your input!

Ken

[coopec43]

I'm afraid I'm no help. Have you used this forum's search facility? (At top of screen. Sure to be a thread on the problem)



Hard or Ablative Antifoul ?
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ibreglass+boat

[BigNut]

Search better like this:
Go to Google.
In the Google search bar type: site:cruisersforum.com antifoul ablative hard
You might find you have an uncle Bob!

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by istion

Hi,

I have a catalina 250 wk that currently has ablative bottom paint that is in rough shape.

I have never done this, and wish to switch to a "normal" bottom paint. The boat lives largely in fresh water, though might spend a month in the salt next year.

Get local advice from people who have boats in the waters where you'll keep yours. Fresh water can produce problematic amounts of marine growth, particularly in warm water or in areas where there are zebra mussels.


I would characterize modern ablative paints as being, in fact, the "normal" bottom paint for cruising sailboats, as they perform better and, unlike older ablative paints, last for several years.

[deltaten]

Scrape, sand to bare gelcoat; then add mfgr spec # of coats epoxy barrier coat. Then, usually a "hot coat" of preferred bottom paint.
I'm in fresh water perhaps 90+% time. I've tried soft ablative.... it wears (for me) off within two years, needing touch ups at waterline in one year.
Last 4 years have gone to a hard(er) paint; AquaKote Bottom Kote, IIRC.. Last Spring, I did the above recommended and where the hard paint was on the gel, it held up well. I pull out every three yr., and expect to only need touch ups and a light coat at that time
I wipe the bottom.... can't really call it "scrub", 2 or 3 times per season. Usually, only a light film of slime, with a bit of soft growth (1/8"?) at the waterline.
Best of all? Kote is least spendy at near $88/gallon. That amount does two coats plus more at wear areas on my 10'beam 27 footer.

HTH....YMMV

[SVHarmonie]

For changing paint types, you have two choices. Sand ALL the ablative paint off and start from scratch, or use a sealing primer. I have used Primocon from Interlux for this, with good results. You trade off the effort of sanding, for many coats. Six, if my memory serves, but they go on fast. Follow directions exactly.

[istion]

Thank you everyone. Does anyone know the best place to buy Marine Paint in Canada