Bottom Paint

[Keepontuggin]

We have a 2019 R27 that was put in Vero Beach Florida in March of 2019.It seems that the growth on the hull is aggressive in this area - Barnacles and algae. I’ve been told that an ablative paint was put on at the time of sale. Now, the paint is almost gone and I’m told by the diver that it is in need of new paint. He has told me told me for the last couple of months that was the case.
The boat is in the water year round.
My questions are:
1) is it normal for the ablative paint to only last 12-14 months?
2) should I have ablative or non ablative paint installed - is there a benefit of one over the other?
3) is this an warranty item?

Your advise is appreciated.
Thank you,
Domenick Treschitta

 

[ixlr8]

We have a 2019 R27 that was put in Vero Beach Florida in March of 2019.It seems that the growth on the hull is aggressive in this area - Barnacles and algae. I’ve been told that an ablative paint was put on at the time of sale. Now, the paint is almost gone and I’m told by the diver that it is in need of new paint. He has told me told me for the last couple of months that was the case. My questions are:
1) is it normal for the ablative pant to only last 12-14 months?
2) should I have ablative or non ablative paint installed - is there a benefit of one over the other?
3) is this an warranty item?

Your advise is appreciated.
Thank you,
Domenick Treschitta

1- I used an ablative paint on my last boat and after a year it looked like new, still worked well. This is in Maine, conditions are different in Florida and what works here may not work there. Having said that, I am surprised your paint job didn't last a year. Paint jobs on commercial boats here, where they are in the water all year, used daily, last between 3-5 years. They also cost $5-6K for a boat 35ft or less.
2- Best suggestion I have is to talk to as many boat owners in your area as you can and find out what works best for them. Nothing beats local knowledge and experience.
3- My guess is, no as there are too many variables.

 

[knotflying]

How long your bottom paint, especially ablative, will last is a function of how often you clean it and how often you are cruising. I always figure about one year out of each coat and always touch up annually. Asking locals what they use is often helpful. I have used Pettit Vivid since new in every water environment on the Loop and the PNW and a great deal of time in Florida. Keep in mind, every time you scrub your bottom, some paint is going to come off as well. I go with 2 coats on bottom and three coats on the side.

 

[Keepontuggin]

The diver comes about every month. The barnacles seem to be doing the most damage.
I would think that the paint would last more that 14 months. Especially since we take the boat out a couple of times a week.

 

[scross]

In the past the factory does not deliver boats with bottom paint. Bottom paint is a dealer installed item if installed at all.

Talk to the locals about what they use but be aware that all bottom paints don’t play well with one another. Find out what was applied to your bottom and check for compatibility if you switch brands.

The critical thing is making sure barnacles and other growth isn’t getting into the intake scoop and line going to the strainer. That will result in restricted flow and high engine temps for inboards and head flushing problems for outboards.

Since you’re taking the boat out frequently I would power wash the bottom at low pressure to get as much gunk off as possible every time it’s out.

I touch mine up every year and put on a full coat every 3rd year but my boat is only in the PNW waters for 45 days a year.

 

[Keepontuggin]

I meant that we take her out for cruises a couple times a week.

 

[Matty_K]

Nothing unique about a Ranger Tug hull that would affect bottom paint performance. My guess is that your RT dealer put on a single season "soft" ablative paint and/or may have neglected to prep the hull correctly before painting. Single-season ablative paints are definitely cheaper than (harder) multi-season ablative paints and tend to disappear faster during the season if you do a lot of boating. The fact that you use the boat frequently is helpful, but if your paint is "depleted" or missing in some sections, then you'll have growth regardless.
Bottom line is that most folks use ablative bottom paint(s) with good success but you need get a high quality paint that is right for your area and applied correctly with proper surface prep. Keep in mind that even "multi-season" paints may require re-touch or single coat refresh once a year if your boat is in the water 6 months or longer per season like mine is. As mentioned already ... ask around and find out what other folks are using successfully in your area. I've had good success with high-copper ablative multi-season paints made by Pettit and Interlux here in the New England area on my R31CB and previously on my R25.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Our shop told us exactly what Matty K said: the dealer had put on bottom paint without prepping the hull. At our one year haulout -- after being in the water in PNW all year -- the shop said it would be OK for this season but then next year should be stripped and redone.

 

[BB marine]

There are many types of bottom paint used and work better than others in different area's. Go to a good marine service center in your area and find out what works best for the type of boating you do. (speed, usage, specific marina, and bottom cleaning,( Diver or dry dock haul?) There are some marinas that bottoms foul more than others even n the same geographical area.

Application is more important than the paint it self. I have seen marine service centers send a young man out to paint a new hull, briefly sand wipe and paint and a year later the paint is gone. Painting the bottom of a new hull or repainting a bottom is more than putting paint on.

Procedure I used: two complete wipe down of complete bottom with De-waxer
Complete sanding of bottom 80 grit paper, Changing the paper often to get a consistent etching of the hull.
Complete wipe down of hull again with de-waxer.

Two options apply bottom paint for good adhesion or paint with a barrier coat for better adhesion.

A minimum of 2 coats of bottom paint for first application. 3 is better if you need bottom cleaning in-between haul outs. I like to use a hard finish ablative.Pettitt Vivid. I have heard good reviews for salt water use.

I did my own application C26 in 2016. I applied three thin coats of protect epoxy primer and two coats of Vivid. 4 seasons and it was still looking good. I did repaint this spring with 2 more coats because we are hoping to go to Florida this fall. My re-coat consisted of a full sanding of the painted bottom with 80 grit and wipe down of 120 thinner before application to get a better adhesion.

To get a good bottom paint application by a service facility plan on 3K to 4k for a first paint, Recoats done properly 2K. I prefer to do it myself because of the cost and I know how it was done. The older I get the more I am re thinking the DIY bottom painting. I just finished the application, 32 hours of labor to complete. I'm setting the boat back on the trailer today. launch next week. Good paint is important but application is the key to it lasting.

 

[TexasEye]

https://www.magicantifoul.com/

My NEXT application will be Magic....Tex