bottom paint

[steplift20]

ok guys after a long time im going to paint the bottom but i would like to know what my friends would recommend. i am going to keep it on my traier so i need to know what paint would be good for launchng and going back on the trailer, some thing good for a trailerable boat thanks

[jasoncooperpcola]

I used Sherwin Williams Tile-Clad HS epoxy on the 250 Sportsman. Its tough as nails. But pricey. Each component is $108 (two components, part a and part b mixed 1:1). But you will have two gallons of paint. I rolled it on then tipped it and it looked great. Just my 0.02.

It was a better paint than the interlux perfection in my opinion.

[tartuffe]

I've been researching bottom paints myself lately. At this point I think I'm going with the sterling paint system. I keep my boat on a trailer as well but the idea of blisters if I leave my boat in the water for a long weekend has me a bit freaked out.

Can anybody add to this concern with using a topside paint on the bottom?

[phatdaddy]

why would you paint a bottom on a boat that is going to live on a trailer? not being wise guy, just wondering if i am missing something. i've keep mine in the water for as long as 2 weeks at a time with no problems.

[Kracker Jack]

Interlux VC performance epoxy. Thats whats going on mine. I have researched for the past 4 weeks and this product has had great reviews on all the forums im on and great reviews on the internet. I was told by the Interlux rep that you can paint the bottom with a Brightside interlux paint and keep it in the water for 4 to 5 days with no issues.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

why would you paint a bottom on a boat that is going to live on a trailer? not being wise guy, just wondering if i am missing something. i've keep mine in the water for as long as 2 weeks at a time with no problems.

I totally agree with Phatdaddy. My 78' V20 has no bottom paint and has lived her whole life on a trailer or in the water.. Look at the my avatar. Not a single blister. If your bottom is already painted that's one thing, but if it's not, and she's going to live her life on a trailer then don't paint her...just a cleaning, wax and buff every now and then will keep her looking like new.

My 96 V21 was bottom painted by the PO... and it's not in the budget for this year, but next year she'll get soda blasted and sealed and get rid of that potentially performance robbing paint.

Besides, they just look so much better with a clean, bare hull.... (Kinda like a woman)

[steplift20]

the bottom was painted before and now i always keep her on a trailer but it looks horrible so i want to paint the bottom for purely cosmetic reasons

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by steplift20

the bottom was painted before and now i always keep her on a trailer but it looks horrible so i want to paint the bottom for purely cosmetic reasons

OK, so it's already got paint on it, so you're choices are getting the paint removed or making it nice. Difficult situation, because if you paint it with the wrong paint you might have a compatability problem with the present paint. Some paints are designed to leach during their lifespan. The leaching of the chemicals helps prevent growth of barnicles etc on your hull. These paints are used mostly for boats that live in slips all year. So if you have that kind of paint on already, then you may need to use that kind of paint again. Talk to your paint pro where you buy the paint for any compatibility issues.
If it were me and I was painting my hull I'd go with any of the epoxy paints or plastic based paints that are out there. They are all good and what you want is a nice smooth hard finish that will stand up to the launching and retrieving of the boat on the trailer.

[Stinky_Hooker]

Ive always used International Interthane 990. Ive used it over the years on about 6 boats, topside and bottom. One left in the water on vacation for a week with no problems..just the regular staining a cleaning took care of.

Its tough, high gloss and where I get it locally at a Industrial marine supply runs $60-$75 a gallon depending on color. If prepped correctly Id put it up against imron, awlgrip or any of these overpriced marine paints. It is what will be going on my current project as well.

[reelapeelin]

If it's cosmetics and durability you're after, there is a SAILBOAT epoxy paint Spareparts has spoken about...leaves a good, slick surface and hard enough to resist trailer loading....hopefully he'll see this and tell us exactly what paint it is...I'm sure you know, you'll have to sand the existing bottom paint, then PRIME, then apply the finish coat...and probably at least two coats of finish coat...if yer doin' it all yourself, you got a job ahead of you...