Bottom Paint recommendations for Great Lakes

[fparry]

I plan on prepping and painting the bottom of my newly acquired Santana 27 in a few weeks. I have read that the choice of bottom paints changes with local and water conditions.

The boat is currently on Lake Erie and upon launch will be transported to Lake Ontario where it will be docked.

I have no idea what type of paint is currently on the boat but regardless I want to make sure I prep it correctly and apply the best paint reasonably available.

As always, suggestions and discussion is appreciated.

[mmazour]

Interlux Micron hands down
yachtpaint.com - the website of International and Interlux paints

[MC1]

If you're interested in an ablative paint . . . I'm using Interlux Micron Extra in Lake Ontario with great results. A lot of people are using Micron CSC here as well (less copper, a little cheaper) since the bio growth is not as agressive as in warmer waters. I touch up in the spring with a quart around the waterline, otherwise its working fine as a multi-year paint (I just powerwash it lightly to reactivate it after winter storage).

[bljones]

if you don't know what's on it now, and don't want to sand the old stuff off, you might want to go with just bottomkote- it will apply over damn near everything.
http://www.yachtpaint.com/Images/15_27607.pdf

[Sanduskysailor]

A lot has to do with what is on there. VC-17 is the easiest to maintain with no buildup. A guy I work with had ablative paint on his boat since new (10 years). The buildup became a little rough over the years and he stripped it this winter. After recoating with VC 17 he wondered why he hadn't done it sooner. Lake Erie or Lake Ontario slime is the only real issue. Make sure whatever you use has a biocide like Ingarol or equivalent.

PS. Where is the boat on Lake Erie? Per chance is it a yellow Santana 27?

[sailortjk1]

VC-17 is by far the most popular paint in my region. (Southern Lake Michigan)

[kwaltersmi]

My boat came with VC-17 and I've been keeping it that way. So far so good.

[padean]

Petit SR21 working fine for 3 years in lake Huron.

[Keldee]

The only trouble with VC-17 is nothing else will go over it so if you want to change any time it has to be completely stripped off.This is what we had to do when we wanted to go in warmer water as VC is then hopeless.

[fparry]

I found out from the previous owner that he had applied West Marine Bottom Shield to the boat. Does anyone here have any experience with this product? It is certainly less expensive than other products discussed. Any compatibility issues?