Trailer Boats & Bottom Paint

[Kamalani]

What is considered to be the best approach for bottom coating for a boat that is kept on a trailer and operated in both fresh and salt water? "Kamalani" has so far been in a salt water marina slip, but, we are contemplating keeping her on a trailer to broaden our cruising possibilities. Would the existing antifouling paint remain effective when stored out of the water, or will we need to change something?
Alex, "Kamalami"

 

[rt11002003]

Some bottom paints respond to being out of the water, or being in water , or both; and/or, use in fresh vs salt water. The best thing to do is consult with the manufacturer of your present paint to see its parameters. You just might be able to go with what you already have. 😀 Along the way you might get the advice you need from an expert. By the way, some paints work better in some areas than they do in other areas.

Gene

 

[Kamalani]

Thanks Gene! By the way, I was hoping fore some expert advice, that's why I asked you! 😛
Most of you TugNutters know a lot more than I do, And I always appreciate the advice. I will try to find out what was applied when she was launched, and review the specs for that paint.
Alex

 

[rt11002003]

Alex, I only know what works on Lake Lanier, GA and Lake Guntersville, AL (TN River). :lol:

Gene

 

[Levitation]

Your use is exactly what I am setting Levitation up for, a mix of fresh and salt water with wet slip for months and on the trailer in between trips... Vivid was the Pettit factory recommendation .. Other brands should have a similar formulation that will tolerate abrasion, drying out, and both types of water... Ask the factory...

cheers

 

[NewMoon]

Our boat is on a trailer 8-9 months a year, with 2-3 months in salt water, and maybe 2 weeks on Lake Powell. We've had great results with Pettit Hydrocoat. Four summers in SE Alaska so far, and looks good for at least one more. I also liked it being water-based -- non-nasty and easy cleanup.

 

[captd]

A couple things to consider: Some bottom paints are not made to be taken out of the water. It will lose effectiveness if more than a day or so. Others are a hard finish which can be taken out of the water and will allow for more speed and less fuel. It is smoother and has less drag. I don't believe it is necessary to take all the old paint off unless you change type. I want all barnies, grass and have a clean smooth bottom, But believe all paint that stays on after high pressure wash will make a good base for the new coat. Doing an epoxy base is an over kill unless you have a blister problem. It would be ok before the 1st coat is ever applied. Glue from barnacles sticks better than the paint will. Bottom paint is a barrier coat if maintained. Good quality is very important. Top of the line Trinidad and interlux are a good place to start. Best you can buy in this country anyway.

It is believed by lots of old salts that cayenne (red) pepper added to the paint helps a whole bunch. All you have to do to test this theory is to brush up against it under water with your bare skin.

Another one of those opinions that can catch a little flak. 😉
captd

 

[wefings]

We have been using Vivid here in the Florida Panhandle and along the Gulf Coast [dont know if its oil resistant ,hope we dont find out] with excellent results . Plus you can do great custom colors .
Marc

 

[j&lgray]

Once you start with a bottom paint, it is probably best to maintain it. We used Interlux Bottomcoat on the 24 foot Bayliner that we had on the trailer for 10 years only because the prior owner bottom painted it. It was simply easier to apply a coat every 3 years rather than scraping and sanding off the paint altogether.

The Laurie Ann does not have any bottom paint. It lives on the trailer but was in the Tennessee and Tenn-Tom for 3 months. Everything that was attached came off easily with a pressure washer. We cruise a lot-in three years the Yanmar has about 600 hours on it. We like this strategy and will continue with it.