Bottom paint: Micron Extra/CSC, Pettit Ultima SR-40/SR-60

[dreuge]

I am looking to repaint the bottom of my sailboat. It is going on three years since it was done by the previous owner. The paint currently is/was an ablative paint.

I sail in the gulf along the FL panhandle, and I am planning on going with another ablative paint. Barnacles are problem here. So far I have narrowed my choices down to 4 paints. I was originally planing on going with an Interlux, but I recently came across the Pettit Ultima paints which currently have rebate offers ($10-$20/gal off).

I would greatly appreciate any input on the 4 paints listed below. I am leaning towards the SR-80 or the Micron Extra(SR-80 with rebate is $40 less per gallon). For a C&C 29 mk1, I expect I'll need two gallons. Has anyone had good success with the SR-80? I searched the Sailnet forums on SR-80 and found no hits, so I guess it is rather new product.

[1] Pettit Unltima SR-80
[2] Interlux Micron Extra
[3] Pettit Unltima SR-40
[4] Interlux Micron CSC

[JimsCAL]

I've had good luck with Pettit Horizons which is a less expensive paint compared to the Ultima. But I am in the Northeast so cooler water, however barnacle growth is a real issue in our harbor. I'm on a mooring.

[RichH]

If slime is a local problem ... slime accumulation promotes barnacles attaching to ablatives in severe infestation areas. Then Micron Extra or its Pettit equivalent would be (actually is) my choice. You dont need to paint the entire hull with a slime reduction paint ... many in the Carolinas use the 'slime' formula down to ~3 ft. below the waterline ... and 'anything' below that level.

[paulk]

We've used Micron CSC for the past dozen years to good effect, though our water in CT may be a bit cooler than yours. With changes to ablative paint regs, we're thinking of looking for something else.

[dreuge]

I've just looked on the Interlux website, and i do not see a listing for Micro CSC under their "Product Literature" menu. Everywhere else it is now listed with a "*". I found a product description pdf on their website, but the data sheet is an older version of what Interlux is now using. Given the product descriptions provided on vendor sites, I wondered the difference. I now guess that Interlux is discontinuing the CSC.

[T37Chef]

Ive used the Interlux products CSC, Micron, etc and switched to Pettit SR40 last year and have had great success. I wont go back to the overpriced and underperforming Interlux products anytime soon.

[dreuge]

Originally Posted by T37Chef

Ive used the Interlux prodcuts, CSC, Micron, etc and switched to Pettit SR40 last year and have had success.

Is there any reason why you did not go with the Pettit SR60?

[CalypsoP35]

I've used Micron CSC up here in the Northeast with good results. Last year, I went to West Marine's CPP because I was told it is the same stuff but made for West Marine and is sold at a significantly lower price. (Something like $169 v. 119/gallon.) I don't know if it really is the same stuff, but I had clean bottom at last year's haul out and will go forward with the West Marine product.

[josrulz]

We've used SR60 for the past two years on the Chesapeake. The bottom almost doesn't need to be power-washed when we haul for winter. Of course, it's the Chesapeake, not Florida, and we haul for winter. But for what it's worth, we've had a good experience.

If you're doing the application, I found the suggested thinner useful when it was warmer or windy. I stuck to the recommended ratios, but it did help the paint flow better.

Best of luck,
J

[T37Chef]

If I recall SR 60 says they recommended it be applied by a "professional"? So I thought I would try out the SR40 first, but may try SR60 next year.