If not bottom paint, what?

HeartofGold · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2004

I am nearly finished with the rebuilding of my trailered Ensenada 20. I have no NEED to paint the bottom, except that I did some cosmetic repairs on the stem and below the waterline which now show as that lovely shade of West System 407 brown. I want to keep the bottom white (there are no white bottom paints that I have been able to find). I have some left over Snow White Awlgrip from the topsides. This boat will be used (for the next year at least)only as a daysailor (I will be rebuilding the interior next winter). Will Awlgrip stand up to this kind of use below the waterline, or should I consider some other paint (My attitude about the Awlgrip is that I have plenty and it is paid for). Any ideas and feedback are welcome.

Thanks. Doug

maestro · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2004

is the boat going to be in freshwater or salt?? Even freshwater boats eventually grow alge and other little critters on the bottem. Plus, a good bottom paint will help keep moisture away from the fiberglass hull.

HeartofGold · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2004

I should have been more specific. I will be using the boat on salt water (ICW along in the Florida panhandle). But remember, as a trailered boat, the she will only be in the water for 8-12 hours at a time, maybe 3-5 days a month. The marina from which I launch is equipped with washdown facilities at the top of the ramp.

hamiam · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2004

you really shudnt need bottom paint if you intend to dry sail the boat. bottom paint may help keep water out of the fiberglass but epoxy will really do the trick. im thinking that there are other things out there like bottom waxes that you may want to try as i think you might be surprised how quickly critters will attach to the hull.

Sailmc · #5 (**permalink**) 03-10-2004

In that case the Awlgrip will be fine so long as time in the water is limited and you wash down after every use. A good coat of wax will also be beneficial.

HeartofGold · #6 (**permalink**) 03-10-2004

As I said, I want to do a quick paint with Awlgrip (I know, that''s an oxymoron), but I am posting my question here because I want to keep an open mind. Though I like the look of the white, my main objective is to hide the areas of fairing. My main questions are: Is painting (with a topside paint) a good idea? and What other alternatives should I be considering?

kablotsky · #7 (**permalink**) 03-11-2004

There are white bottom (anti-fouling) paints.
I have no personal experience with them, but I have heard good things about epaint (http://www.epaint.net/solventborne.html) which offers white.

HeartofGold · #8 (**permalink**) 03-11-2004

Thanks for the tip, kablotsky. I will certainly look into this!

hamiam · #9 (**permalink**) 03-11-2004

and there are clear bottom paints.. if that''s of interest.

HeartofGold · #10 (**permalink**) 03-19-2004

I wanted to thank everyone for the advice. I just ordered white EPaint EP2000. Though it is intended for racers, I hope I will be happy with the results (as slow as my little pig is, I need all the help I can get!). The paint is non copper based, and may be hauled out without affecting the paint''s preformance. It is not cheap, but I hope it will serve me well. Thanks again kablotsky for the tip. I will repost here in 2 weeks or so to let everyone know how the painting goes.

Doug