Getting ready to move to a slip, what do I need to do to the boat?

[hawk232]

I am shopping prices for bottom paint now (with barrier coat) but what else do I need to do? I know I need to add zincs to the trim tabs. Anything else?

 

[Submariner]

I am shopping prices for bottom paint now (with barrier coat) but what else do I need to do? I know I need to add zincs to the trim tabs. Anything else?

Anyone doing bottom paint on your boat would want to know the type of boat. How fast does it travel, and what water (salt or fresh) you plan to operate in.
Some bottom paint is softer meant for slower boats that sit in the water all the time. Trailerable boats need a harder type of paint so it doesn't rub off easily on the trailer bunks. Also planing hulls (the higher speed) matters on paint selection. If the boat has bottom paint on it already, to apply paint on top of paint, they need to be compatible. Else, the old paint must come off. If the boat has never been bottom painted before, it's important that the bottom be prepped (i.e. sanded) as bottom paint needs something to stick to, and shiny gelcoat won't hold bottom paint. Normally, the bottom would be sanded, then an epoxy barrier coat, and then at least 2 coats of bottom paint. As a bonus, you could do the first coat in a color like red, and the top two coats as black. So when you see red start to show, you know you're 2/3rd through your bottom paint.

The type of metal used for the anodes depends on the type of boat you have and the water you plan to operate in.

Bottom Paint Fail.

Bottom Paint Failure

Bottom paint failure

www.letsgochannelsurfing.com

Avoid costly mistakes: The correct way to apply bottom paint to your boat.

Bottom Paint

Bottom paint the fiberglass hull.

www.letsgochannelsurfing.com

Anodes

Anodes

Anodes should be replaced as necessary.

www.letsgochannelsurfing.com

 

[Cutwater28GG]

get the biggest trim tab zincs that will fit. they are the first to go.

other things to consider:
fender covers
smartplug upgrade but at least have a good new cable if you dont (i dont)
maybe get a galvanic isolator.

and use the boat more 🙂 even if just sitting in the marina

 

[hawk232]

get the biggest trim tab zincs that will fit. they are the first to go.

other things to consider:
fender covers
smartplug upgrade but at least have a good new cable if you dont (i dont)
maybe get a galvanic isolator.

and use the boat more 🙂 even if just sitting in the marina

good tip on the zinc sizing and fender covers!

smartplug and galvanic isolator came on the boat.

 

[Martin610]

Is this a first time with bottom paint? Unless you know exactly where the waterline is you might leave the boat in the water for a few days. The scum line will help get the water line right.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

also bottom paint recommendations tend to change based on location. worth getting local opinions. where will you be based?

 

[hawk232]

This is far from my first go with bottom paint, only my first time having a brand new boat transferring from trailer to water. Local recommendations have already been obtained and I appreciate the advice regarding such!

The boat will be kept in Kings Bay in Crystal River, FL.