vc17 saltwater

[Lendow]

Can a bottom be painted in vc17 and years later panted over with a salt water antifouling . I have a new epoxy bottom on my cc29 I may or maynot sail in salt water years from now can I switch over then or do I need sailt water antifouling now.

Cheers

[BigZ]

Painting over VC17 with a different paint doesn't work. The VC would need to be removed before applying a different AF. But it's fairly easy to remove, some wet sanding is usually sufficient. If you're in fresh water now I'd just use the VC until you moved to the salt water area.

[Minnewaska]

Pettit used to have a compatibility chart that suggested some of their paints could go over VC17 with a rough sanding. They've changed that and now, nothing is compatible over VC17. I'm told that VC17 has teflon in it, which is specifically included to keep things from sticking. Copper powder is also added.

I can say from personal experience that after one season with VC17 and about 4 diver hull cleanings, you can see through it when you haul for the winter. Not hard to get back off, keeping it from coming off would be harder.

The only consideration is that when removed down the road, you may be looking at a new barrier coat too. That could be the rub.