anti-fouling paint recommendations

mcagney · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2005

It''s getting to this time of year again to start thinking of appling anti-fouling bottom paint. In the past I''ve used Interlux Micron Extra (sail on long Island Sound). However this stuff costs between $164 (discount mail order) and $199 (West Marine) per gallon. I was wondering if anybody has any comments on paint manufactured by Blue Water Marine. They claim to have been nominated for the NMNA award for 2003 for best product. I was thinking of buying their "Copper Guard™ SCX™ 56" with slime control. The cost if purchased before Feb 15 is $102/gal. A link to their site is below:

Any comments?

http://www.bluewatermarinepaint.com

Thanks

Mike

i670684 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2005

The Practical Sailor issue just hitting the stand has a review on bottom paints. Timely, if you like PS.

trecksail · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2005

Hey Mike,
I know there might be some howls at this, but I used this:

http://www.boatus-store.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=20002&langId=-1&catalogId=20002&productId=144277&catalogId=20002 &classNum=229&subdeptNum=11204&storeNum=4

Last year on my Paceship Northwind and it held up incredibly well. When it was getting pulled in the Fall even the lift operator said it looked like it had just been painted.

Joe

dman · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2005

Trecksail Paceship, now that is a strong boat.Tough as they come,now that`s a good choice.

sailnaway · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2005

I have Sea Hawk Tropikote on my boat other than Interlux it has the higest amount of copper you can get. In all the paints tested it had the same as Interlux which was rated the highest. The paint has been on for three years going on four it is time but it has held up so well I cant beleave it.
http://www.seahawkpaints.com/

jari · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2005

I just got a 2 part topside paint from the same company.Prompt delivery. Cans got little dings from transport to left coast. Have not used it yet.Waiting for consistent above 60 F weather.
Very interested in your reserch. Let me know
Jari

Yodagwb · #7 (**permalink**) 02-11-2005

I used Bluewater Marine. Got a coat/gal on my 35''er, put on 3 coats with a 4th at the water line. Practical sailor had rated the Bluewater paint pretty well last year. All seems good so far. Will most likely use them again when ready.

trecksail · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2005

dman,
Definately loved the Northwind. Actually tried to buy it back but to no avail. Now I''m actually looking forward to this Irwin 38. I''m a realtor, and I''ve never met anyone who loved every single thing about any existing house. I think it''s the same with boats. Most people would do their boat differently from scratch if they could. I figure this is as close as I could get. I''ve got basically a nice sized blank hull for almost nothing with some accessories that I may or may not use. Now I can design and build a boat that I will want to live on and do as much cruising as possible on. And, a huge thing for me is the "for almost nothing". Since my divorce I''ve cut my income and expenses down to the bare minimum. I''d rather work my ass of on this boat that I will keep, than on something that will just go to someone else who doesn''t deserve it in any way shape or form. Hell, I''d rather give every penny to charity!

Joe

TrueBlue · #9 (**permalink**) 02-12-2005

mcagney,
Unless you feel the need to save the $124.00 (2 gal) for the "generic" paint, why compromise? Interlux Extra w/Biolux is the best multi-season, ablative bottom paint for cruising sailboats on the market, and is the only one I''d consider for my 2nd love (my wife''s the first).

Besides, 2 gallons will provide 2 coats of great protection against slime and sea critters for at least 2 years on a 36-42 ft. bottom . . . that''s only an extra $62.00 per year over your cheaper consideration.

JMHO . . . Steve