[jharrison]

I just purchased a chrysler 26. It is need of a botttom job. I know this is a vague question, but where do i start. Any good webpages or info along these lines would be great. Thanks

 

[TSOJOURNER]

The first place to start is by taking the boat out of the water, cleaning and assessing the condition of the bottom. If there are no apparent blisters, then you need to decide which type of paint you want to use. You will also have to ask the former owner what kind of paint is on the boat, and then decide if you want to use the same. If not then you need to find out which paints are compatable with the old paint.

Most sailboaters use a self-polishing or ablative paint...but I prefer a hard paint. I don''t race, and I leave my boat in the water for a couple of years before pulling to repaint. I use Pettit Trinidad. I put on 3 coats on the hull and 2 extras on the water line. Might seem excessive...but the paint job lasts and lasts, and lasts.

If you are near a BoatUS store...go in and get with one of their people...they can help you with your questions. They also have Don Casey''s do it yourself tip pages free of charge.

 

[jharrison]

I am wondering if I need to do a barrier coat and anti fouling bottom paint or just anti fouling bottom paint. My boat has a fiberglass hull that is in good condition with no blisters at all. I plan to keep it in the water for 9 months and then trailered in the winter. Any suggestions on any good types/brands of paint to use would also be helpful. Thanks

 

[JohnDuran]

I have a Catalina 30, purchased new in 1988, on which I have only used VC17 bottom paint. All sailing is done in fresh water, May to October. It seems that there are products on the market now that appear to do a better job of preventing slime build-up than VC17. In considering a switch, can a new product be applied over the 14 coats of VC17 or must the old stuff be completely removed?

 

[TSOJOURNER]

John, the best answer to that is: Contact the maker of the paint (VC-17)...Interlux. You can reach their tech guys at 1-800-468-7589. monday through friday.

They can tell you which of their paints is compatible with the VC-17. If there is not a paint compatible, they will tell you what is necessary to do.

Hope that is some help.