How often do you paint the bottom?

[erdagte]

Any good estimates on how long to go bwtn bottom painting?
Three years ago she was hauled out, sanded down to glass, got 4 barrier coats and 4 coats of bottom paint. She stays in the water (tropical salt) and gets cleaned regularly. I know, only a survey will tell for sure and that will happen later this year. Just trying to get a ''feel.''

[WHOOSH]

You''re right, it''s impossible to say.

Here''s my guess: IF the paint was well chosen for the waters, and IF the paint is modified epoxy (not ablative), and IF it has been serviced regularly (meaning on a regular basis over ALL the 3 past years), then you have a chance for the hull to be free of veggie and barnacle growth but the paint is now all but exhausted. IOW the paint will need to be renewed shortly and it''s only a question of how much work will be required.

Jack

[gstraub]

I agree with the comments above. In SF Bay, which is relatively cold water, using Petit Trinidad, two coats, I could get two seasons and I think I got three one time, but that was pushing it. After the new paint was on, I would do nothing for most of that year. After that, I would have a diver clean the bottom every two to three months. Eventually it would need to be more frequent and I knew it was time to haul.

My bet is you are ready for new paint, but this isn''t a big deal. Haul, wash, sand, and paint, launch, and you''ll have to do it for the rest of your sailing life anyway! On the other hand, if you want to wait a few months, that isn''t going to be the end of the world either. Just have someone clean it regularly.

Gerhard

[capttb]

Warmer water in So. Cal. we can only go a couple months after repaint before cleaning by diver monthly. 2 or 3 years maybe between hauling out.