[TSOJOURNER]

I sail a 1986 Holder 20 on freshwater exclusively. The boat spent its first 12 years trailor-sailed but for the last three years I have kept it on a slip for the sailing season (May to Oct). The bottom has never been painted and at the end of each season there is a thin layer of algea growth. When do I know that it is time to paint? Is there other maintainence I should do on the bottom fiberglass?

thanks.

 

[TSOJOURNER]

Bill, If all you get is a thin layer of algae growth during the season there really is no reasson to paint the bottom just to keep that growth off, it is expensive and toxic. As you have probally observed most of the growth comes off each time you go for a sail. There really is no need to introduce a biocide into a closed freshwater enviornment. You can pull the boat out on the trailer for a washdown if necessay. This supposes that you do not race and can live with a slight speed loss. Fair winds