The primary purpose of bottom paint is to defend against plant growth, slime, barnacles, or similar crusty creatures hitching a free ride on your vessel\u2019s bottom. Unprotected, your hull below the waterline makes a great surface for such creatures to adhere to. Once they do, they\u2019ll be a drag both in terms of performance and aesthetics.<\/p>\n
It would be great if all you had to do was slap a couple of coats of paint on the bottom and head off for your favorite cove. There are many variables to consider when choosing the right bottom paint for your boat. That means you are going to have to do some homework and ask questions, to ensure that the bottom paint you decide on will be compatible with the current coating over which it will be applied.<\/p>\n
Here are key points to keep in mind as you get underway. Check with your marina to make sure you\u2019ll be allowed to paint your boat yourself on-site. Some boatyards and marinas prohibit this act as a simple point of business, others may not allow it due to environmental concerns or regulations.<\/p>\n
Understand that anti-fouling bottom paint and sanded fiberglass are toxic.<\/strong> Always wear a respirator and protective eyewear, gloves, and clothes when sanding, scraping, or painting. A tarp will be needed to capture the sanding residue and any paint chips. Make sure your vessel is firmly secured and perform a full hull check to ensure you won\u2019t be painting over any damage that needs to be addressed. Safety is always rule number one.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to choose the right type of paint for the job at hand. It can take research since so many formulas are available, but it will make a difference in the long run for your vessel.<\/p>\n Most potential problems can be prevented by simply asking an expert. Actually reading the directions on the label can be a game-changer. You’ll find tips on how thickly to apply the paint, the overcoating, and even launching times. If you’re going to do it yourself, just take your time and think it through. You’ll be heading out on the water before you know it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The primary purpose of bottom paint is to defend against plant growth, slime, barnacles, or similar crusty creatures hitching a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":11748,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1247","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-boat-maintenance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nStart With A Wash-down And Good Scrubbing<\/h4>\n
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Pick The Right Paint<\/h4>\n
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There’s a lot to consider here – which is why so many boaters hire the pros.<\/h4>\n