Bottom Paint for Thruster Housing

[Seaquel]

I have found that the bottom paint on our 2013 R27 has held up remarkably well (we trailer, so not moored in the water); but while the hull looks great the bottom paint on the aft thruster housing wears off much more quickly. Looking for any shared experience or recommendation for bottom paint that may adhere better for the plastic housing of the aft thruster.

Thanks,

 

[Red Raven]

Since it is easy to get to when on the trailer I just touch up with the original bottom paint (SeaHawk AF33) on those areas in the off season. Takes only a few minutes and changing the paint would be significantly more work. As long as it lasts the boating season it’s good enough!

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hey there Mark,

The thruster housing is actually made of fiberglass but I think the amount of sanding that goes into the prep on that unit versus the hull isn't as detailed. I would scuff it up really well and add paint just as Curt suggested with the original Seahawk AF33 that was applied.

Hope all is well,

 

[Seaquel]

Curt and Andrew,

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise, and so quickly. Much appreciated!

~Mark

 

[BB marine]

I spoke with the service center for Side-Power in New Bedford MA. last year. Side powers recommendation is to use a epoxy barrier coat to get better adhesion to the thruster housing. He said if the bearer coat is not used it will mostly not adhere as well and flake off. They also recommend the bearier coat on the metal gear housing. If the anti fouling paint is applied directly to the metal housing it will cause corrosion. At this point I would do what Andrew and Curt recommend scuff it up good and touch it up.
Brian Brown
Cutwater26
PORT-A-GEE

 

[Seaquel]

Brian, thanks for adding additional insight, much appreciated.
FYI, I found the prescribed Sea Hawk AF33 anti-fouling paint on Amazon Prime for $46.07/quart, in black to match existing bottom paint on Seaquel’s hull.