bottom painting in ct river.

[crownline250]

I have primarily been a fresh water boater, keeping my boat in the ct river in Mass. This year I am putting my noat in deep river CT and have been getting conflicting info on whether or not i should bottom paint. I've been told thar deep river is 100%fresh water and therefore eouldnt need to bottom paint. Any thoughts? Also i spend at least two separate weeks at block island if that makes a difference.

 

[David M]

I'd paint. It's a tidal river. That tidal flow has to be coming from and going to someplace. I'd assume the sound. It may be brackish, but not fresh. Additionally, if you have a very dry summer, the salinity in the river will increase as more water is drawn in from the sound. That increase in salinity will bring the barnacles etc. with it. My marina just went through this last year. The diver who scraped my bottom said he had never seen such growth in the river. One of my engineer dock mates explained the "why" to me.

YMMV

 

[JoeBalt]

Crownline...not sure on who is giving you the conflicting information, but the area is defintely tidal and brackish...we're just downstream in Essex and have not seen any boats ever put in without bottom paint...I would 100% recommend that you do...you'll love the area, truly spectacular boating with an easy out to LI Sound.