Copolymer or modified epoxy?

hastingsml · #1 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006

I am trying to decide between and copolymer or a modified epoxy bottom paint. The copolymer appeals to me because there is no build up over the years and is supposed to be easy to repaint. It also does not lose effectiveness when hauled out. It is also supposed to cover most paints already applied after a good sanding.

My boat is in NC waters primarily in the Neuse River that has some salt. It will not get a lot of use and will be in the water year round except for haul outs for hurricanes.

Is it as effective as the modified epoxies and are there any reasons not to use the copolymer? I am thinking Micron CSC or EXtra.

Warren M. · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006

I used to use hard modified epoxy bottom paints, which required a lot of sanding each spring prior to repainting. Then I got smart. Started using Interlux ACT copolymer,which is an annual bottom paint. Although the directions on the can states that you should apply 2-3 coats, I only put on one coat as I repaint each year and one coat works perfectly here on the Chesapeake Bay which is a moderately fouling area. The only sanding I ever do is to spot sand an area that may have chipped paint. To me, ablative copolymer paint is the way to go.

Fstbttms · #3 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006

Taking into account that my experience is limited to the San Francisco Bay, but IMHO there are currently no products on the market that are more effective or more durable than Petit Trinidad SR, which is a modified epoxy.

hastingsml · #4 (**permalink**) 06-13-2006

One vote for each. Any other opinions?

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 06-13-2006

If you're looking to go for a long time between bottom paint jobs, you might want to look at one of the high-pure-copper content paints, like CopperCoat, www.coppercoat.com

It's a hard epoxy finish with a very high copper content that leaches out over a very long period of time. I'm looking at getting it put on my boat.

hellosailor · #6 (**permalink**) 06-13-2006

Had a friend use "copperpoxy" bottom paint. One year it did very well, the next year (after recoating) it didn't work well at all. For the time and labor invested, and the cost, it was overall disappointing. He's stopped using it.

Ten years without retreatment? If they'll guarantee that in writing and send someone out to haul you and repaint every year that it falls short, I'd go for that.

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 06-13-2006

Hellosailor-

Do you know what product they used. AFAIK, none of the ones I've been looking at are available in the US as of yet. Coppercoat certainly isn't yet, as I've asked the manufacturer about availability. Also, the ones I'm looking at have almost pure copper in the coating, not an oxide or nickel alloy of copper.

Fstbttms · #8 (**permalink**) 06-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Hellosailor-

Do you know what product they used. AFAIK, none of the ones I've been looking at are available in the US as of yet. Coppercoat certainly isn't yet, as I've asked the manufacturer about availability. Also, the ones I'm looking at have almost pure copper in the coating, not an oxide or nickel alloy of copper.

The Copperpoxy product turned out to be one of the least effective antifoulings I have ever had the misfortune to clean. I rarely see it on boats anymore.

Sailingdog, if the product you are contemplating using has not been tested in the area where you use your boat, my recommendation is to stay away from it. I have found that an anti fouling paint that works well in one region can be next to useless in another. I think you run a real risk of disappointment if you go with something that doesn't have a proven track record in your area. My $.02.