[jvlassak]

If the snow ever melts here in the northeast, I can finally get started on getting the boat ready. I've been using Interlux ACT as bottom paint for years and am wondering if I shouldn't switch to a water based paint - it's much easier to apply and I'm tired of applying bottom paint every season. What are people's experiences with water based paints here in the northeast? I was thinking of Pettit Hydrocoat. It's got to work - if there is one thing that's worse than applying bottom paint, it's scraping off barnacles at the end of the season .

 

[DonScribner]

jv,

I have HydroCoat on mine. Application and coverage were great. I trailer so mine isn't in the water all the time like yours so I can't comment on the effectiveness as antifouling.

 

[Omatako]

I've been using Interlux ACT as bottom paint for years and am wondering if I shouldn't switch to a water based paint - it's much easier to apply and I'm tired of applying bottom paint every season.

I have always used water-based and it usually lasts two to three years depending on how much we use the boat.

But I'm intrigued - how is water-based easier to apply than any other? When I'm done painting, everything I use (brushes, rollers, etc.) goes in the bin so it can't be cleaning that makes it easier.

 

[hriehl1]

I have been very pleased with Hydrocoat, moored in Salem Mass and in the water from mid May to mid October. No mid season cleaning yet when hauled, still very clean.

 

[jvlassak]

Thanks HR - I'm moored in Salem also. If it works for you, it should work for me too.

Omatako, you're right, it probably doesn't make that much of a difference in clean up, but I'd still prefer to work with water-based paint over anything with organic solvents. That is, as long as the results are comparable or better. ACT works quite well, but it's a single-season paint, so anything that lasts multiple seasons is an improvement.

 

[scratchee]

I have Hydrocoat on a boat that I have owned for three years. It had a one-year-old coat when I bought it. I applied a single full coat the first year, touched up in spots the second year (where power washing stripped it off), and did nothing the third year. Every time I have it hauled the guys working the lift have told me it's among the cleanest in the yard.