Painting over VC17?

[goeielewe]

My boat came with VC17 on the hull (great lakes) but I will be cruising it to the Caribbean so I need to change the bottom paint. Are there any saltwater bottom paints that can be applied over VC17 successfully?

Thank you!
-Scott

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by goeielewe

Are there any saltwater bottom paints that can be applied over VC17 successfully?

Only other vinyl paints can go over VC17.

[goeielewe]

I'm assuming that would include VC Offshore. I've been searching for an answer, but have found conflicting statements. Maybe my best bet is to call up Interlux or a marine supply directly.

[boatpoker]

I have successfully applied VC Offshore over sanded VC17 on several occasions for running south from the Great Lakes. It's the only paint that I have seen work over VC17.
The reverse also works.

[fstbttms]

[goeielewe]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I have successfully applied VC Offshore over sanded VC17 on several occasions for running south from the Great Lakes. It's the only paint that I have seen work over VC17.
The reverse also works.

Thank you for the reply. Does it require a light or heavy sanding? I ask because if I have to spend three days sanding my hull I may just strip it.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by goeielewe

Thank you for the reply. Does it require a light or heavy sanding? I ask because if I have to spend three days sanding my hull I may just strip it.

One day with 120grit on an orbital sander on a 37' displacement trawler.

[fstbttms]

FYI to the OP- VC Offshore has really lousy anti fouling properties and is probably a poor choice for use in the Caribbean.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

FYI to the OP- VC Offshore has really lousy anti fouling properties and is probably a poor choice for use in the Caribbean.

It worked well for us one year at a time for two years in the Abacos.

[goeielewe]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

FYI to the OP- VC Offshore has really lousy anti fouling properties and is probably a poor choice for use in the Caribbean.

I understand that, I'm also young and don't mind scrubbing the hull a couple times a month. My main concern is cost. I want to save as much as I can for actual cruising. My boat will be paid for and I will be sailing solo on my own dime.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by goeielewe

I understand that, I'm also young and don't mind scrubbing the hull a couple times a month. My main concern is cost. I want to save as much as I can for actual cruising. My boat will be paid for and I will be sailing solo on my own dime.

Well, when the paint has begun to lose it's effectiveness after about 9 months or so and that no amount of scrubbing is going to keep ahead of the fouling growth and you realize that you need to haul for paint again , don't say I didn't warn you.

[Vasco]

First time I sailed south I had VC17. When I got to Annapolis we had to take it all off with acetone and apply a decent bottom paint.

A buddy of mine covered his with VC Offshore and I was surprised at how well it held up after a season in the Bahamas. This is what I should have done, a much cheaper solution than wiping the VC17 off.

Go with the Offshore.

[goeielewe]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Well, when the paint has begun to lose it's effectiveness after about 9 months or so and that no amount of scrubbing is going to keep ahead of the fouling growth and you realize that you need to haul for paint again , don't say I didn't warn you.

In your opinion, what is my best option then?

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by goeielewe

In your opinion, what is my best option then?

IMHO, you need a high quality, high copper anti fouling paint that is suitable for high fouling waters. Unfortunately, that means removing the VC17. My experience with VC Offshore is that its anti fouling performance drops off relatively quickly and it is certainly no multi year anti fouling paint. Further, once it begins to lose effectiveness, it becomes difficult to clean and requires very abrasive scrubbing, which (because it is also not a particularly durable paint) means you will be removing more paint than is desirable, further reducing its effectiveness.

[rognvald]

Have you considered leaving the VC17 on the bottom and sailing to the Caribbean? If you sail regularly and don't mind cleaning your bottom when needed, it will naturally erode. Then, you can haul your boat and repaint with the antifoulant of your choice. Good luck and good sailing.