new boat - how to apply bottom paint?

[Mijoy2]

I hope to be the proud owner of a new boat this weekend. I'll be needing to paint the bottom because the boat will be on a mooring. I have never applied paint to a new hull before.

I plan to:

1 Clean bottom with a solvent that will insure wax removal (i have no idea what to use though)

2 Sand bottom with 80 grit sandpaper (hope to borrow a random orbital sander, else by hand)

3 Buy a quality paint (again looking for suggestions here)

Questions

Is my plan sufficient?

what should I use to initially wash the bottom?

Do I need a primer or is bottom paint enough?

What paint should I purchase?

How many coats for the first time?

Thanks much
--Mike

[conehead39]

Use two coats of barrier coat. We used Interlux barrier coat and two coats of Micron 66. Expensive , but worth every penny.That is the preferred system by charter fleet in the upper keys.
Micron 66 is SALT water only. It is like a bar of soap. It slowly eats away,but will generally last 2 years. works real well sitting in the slip.

See Interlux web site.

[lostsinker]

Originally Posted by conehead39

Use two coats of barrier coat. We used Interlux barrier coat and two coats of Micron 66. Expensive , but worth every penny.That is the preferred system by charter fleet in the upper keys.
Micron 66 is SALT water only. It is like a bar of soap. It slowly eats away,but will generally last 2 years. works real well sitting in the slip.

See Interlux web site.

Note that the Interlux site is yachtpaints.com ( maybe it's yachtpaint...)

[Mully]

The best tool for applying bottom paint is your wallet (hire a pro).

It is a nasty job involving toxic chemicals and it is difficult to do a good job without the right materials and know how.

Just my opinion.

Good luck either way.

[Sleeper]

Do it yourself, you have the right plan. I can't tell you how many dealership painted boats I have seen bottom paint come off in sheets because some 16yr old sanded and painted the bottom. It will look good no matter who does it but it will only last if it is done right and the prep is 98% the success factor.

[davis1]

Use Interlux 202 solvent, it is a cleaner/dewaxer. Sand the bottom with a sander. using you hand is not only hard but, it will leave hogh and low areas on the bottom. Use 202 again to do a final wash. Use Interlux barrier coat. Two coats. Use a roller with 3/8" nap. I have used different naps and this seems to be the best. I would not use expensive micron 66. It if is only going to last a couple years, I would suggest Trinidad SR by pettit.

[ricky77]

Good advice soo far. 202 solvent wash first then sand with 80 grit,wipe again and apply barrier coat.One good coat of Interprotect is fine.A critical step is to apply the bottom paint of choice onto the barrier coat while it(the barrier coat) is still thumb print tacky.Otherwise if you let the epoxy barrier coat harden and then apply bottom paint it might not adhere properly.Try to stick with an ablative like Pettit Ultima SR or Micron CSC.

If a marina does the work for you just make sure they don't use a no sand primer which tends to be a poor bottom painting method long term.

Good Luck with the new boat.

[Mijoy2]

Great advice, thanks much to all.

[truepursuit]

Pursuit hull warranty says sanding the bottom prior to bottom painting may void the hull warranty.

Sanding is not necessary. Especially with 80-Grit.

[Lprizman]

X2 Sleeper,,good advise!!!

[itwonder]

Every manufacturer has detailed prep and application instructions available on their web site. All you have to do is print them out and follow them.