Bottom paint

[Cruzerboy]

We are scheduled to take delivery of an R-29S in April. It will spend 99% of its year-round time in fresh water. The folks at Ranger do a great job building boats, but since they farm out application of bottom paint, should we have it included in our "package" or should we hire a yard to do it after delivery? Thanks for any input anyone can give.

 

[H28]

Factory! Keep it simple.

 

[Zundels]

Agreed, Factory to keep it simple. Then be sure to find out and make note of the brand, etc. so you can redo it or touch up in the coming years.

 

[Mystical]

If it were me, I would skip the factory on this part and find out what the locals are using. Different paints work differently. There are too many variables. I consulted with a local parts gal that also has a boat where I keep mine. She was spot on with her recomendations

 

[H28]

Just to clarify I would definitely find out what works locally but I would still have it done by RT. They no doubt have a trusted yard. They would be responsible for any of the myriad things that could go wrong. One less potential hassle.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

All good advice here. In addition I'd suggest asking how the hull is prepared....ie how do they get the "mold wax" off of the hull before the bottom project is started? I'd also recommend a bonding primer such as Petit Bottom Prep Skip Sand Primer of one color (lighter) and the a couple of top coats of the desired brand. The use of a primer like Bottom Primer from Petit means that you don't need to sand the hull to scuff up the gelcoat to get the bottom paint to stick. In addition by not sanding the hull you will not harm the vinyl ester which protects the hull from blisters. The added benefit of a lighter primer coat, say silver, and a top coat of say black you know when you start to see the primer coat show thru that it's time for a new bottom paint job.

Jim F

 

[H28]

Now THAT (above) is some seriously good advice.

 

[Cruzerboy]

Good points. Thank you all.

 

[Champlain]

FYI,

Painted dozens of boats in the last 20 yrs, only one way to do it, Light sand, Interprotect 2000 Barrier coat (cheap $100 a gallon) 3 coats, after last coat of barrier start applying bottom paint when barrier coat just dry enough to touch. Do not wait 24hrs or you will have to resand. I've been to many boat manufacturers and they will not admit it, but they use the barrier coat as a primer(excellent bonding), saves them thousands of dollars of warranty bottom paint peeling claims. Note: They do not follow the directions of the barrier coat and use the recommended 6-8 coats.

Somebody listed this R25 below with pictures of this process

For Sale listed by
2010 R25 Classic
Postby sc00ter on
Tug Nuts