Bottom Paint

C

cjeccher

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Joined
Apr 29, 2010
RO Number
32109
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107
Is there any way to tell what type of bottom paint was previously applied. I cannot get in touch with the previous owner. I have a 1998 Carver Mariner 350. The boat is stored on dry land and launched and retrieved each time. Boat is used in fresh water at Lake Powell.

I know very little about bottom paint other than I can get in over my head if I just try repainting it with just any boat bottom paint. I don't really even need bottom paint but I figured it would be easier to paint again as opposed to any thing else.
 
If it rubs off, it's ablative and can apply other brands of ablative. If it doesn't rub off, it's probably hard epoxy. you can cover epoxy with other epoxy paints or even ablatve paint. Can't put epoxy over ablative though. If it doesn't need painting, don't paint it. You're just adding unecessary weight.
 
Since your boat is rack stored,you probably have a hard antifouling paint on the bottom versus an ablative. An ablative paint can be readily removed with a wet rag or water and a scrub brush. The hard antifouling paints won't do this. Look at the bottom paint and see if you notice areas where the paint looked like it flaked off and then was painted over. That's another indication that's it a hard paint.

Depending upon what you find, you should probably continue to use that type of paint. Ask for suggestions from some of your local boaters as to what paint works best in your waters. The paint manufacturers have detailed directions for using their paint over previously coated surfaces.
 
Thanks Greg, that is precisely the answer I was looking for. My question was confusing because the boat bottom does need to be repainted, but for aesthetic reasons only. It looks pretty bad.

What I meant was that since the boat is launched and retrieved for each 3-4 day trip, it probably does not need any bottom paint in the first place. The previous owner keep her in a slip so he probably had it painted (unless Carver originally delivered it already painted). I figured it will be easier to repaint as opposed to trying to restore the original gel coat if that is even possible.

The paint definitely rubs offs.
 
cj,
If you feel you need to repaint for cosmetic reasons you have a few choices but, as usual, the best option is also the most costly and most difficult. Since the boat is trailered the best option (and most costly/time consuming) is to completely strip and sand the bottom and then apply a barrier coat. Your boat has a factory applied barrier coat but that will need to be reapplied if you do strip the bottom. Next option is to paint with an ablative, 2-3 coats. Unlike most hard paints, ablative retains its biocide qualities even if out of the water for months. In addition, it slowly wears away as the boat moves through the water so there is no long term build-up. Since your boat is stored dry, 2-3 coats of an ablative will last for several seasons before a new coat will need to be applied. Last choice, do nothing. Yes, it looks blotchy and worn when its on the rack but it looks just fine in the water. That would be my course of action, do nothing.
 
Thanks Mike,

You're right, the boat does look fine in the water. I appreciate the validation to do nothing,since that is what I have been doing. That certainly makes it easy and the price is right.
 
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