Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
Interlux states 3 quarts for a 25 foot sailboat. I was wondering how many quarts people have used on a yearly recoat. I used over 4 last year, however it was not done in some time and need two coats to get it covered well.
I recoat every year and use 2 or 3 qts. per year using a foam roller. This year I think I can get away with only 2 qts. By the way have you guys checked out the sneaky way West Marine is faking a sale on VC-17 by selling the first qt at $54 and the second qt for $20 less. seems like a great deal if you need more than one qt; but Mike's Marine has VC-17 for $42.99 a qt. If you do the math two qts at Mike's regular price is a few bucks cheaper than West's "Spring Sale" price and If you only buy one qt you're getting ripped off. I only mention it because it seems that West Marine's prices are becomming non-competitive ever since they merged (Took over) Boat US and they are relying, more and more, on tricky marketing ploys. Don't get me wrong West still has some good deals at times but It's just a trend that I think is developing.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Chris Z</i> <br />I was wondering how many quarts people have used on a yearly recoat...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
One.
With one quart, I can single coat the entire boat, then double coat the waterline, rudder, and all leading edges. Sometimes, when I'm lucky, I may get three coats on the leading edges of the keel and rudder.
I think it mainly has to do with application technique. A few years ago, a first time VC user in the boatyard was painting his new to him C30 and after going through several cans without putting much of a dent on the hull, he walked over to ask me about VC coverage. He said at the rate he was going through cans of paint, he didn't think the local chandlery had enough VC in stock for a single coat on his C30.
This is what I told him...
First, I like to work quickly. He and his crew of teenagers, were taking their time working "oh so slowly", taking breaks while the paint from their cans and full paint trays was quickly disappearing into thin air before making it onto the hull.
Second, they were all using long nap full size house rollers and trays which leads to more evaporation.
Lastly, they were a bit sloppy. The full house rollers were applying too much paint (runs, drips, and errors) and their full paint trays led to spillage.
I made the mistake of using a full sized nappy roller too, thinking that it simply made sense to use a bigger roller and of course it seemed to make sense to use an expensive roller from a house paint store. After the first can, I switched to a little foam roller and got twice as much cover, and did a much nicer job. Amazing thing was, it was faster with a smaller roller. (probably due to curvature of boat)
IMHO The pricing thing is a result of the 'Costco' effect. They are the kings of re-packaging. You rarely see things at Costco in the same size or quantities as other outlets - this is their way of fooling the customer. Many times their prices are better, but according to studies I've done and read, their prices are only better about 30% of the time.
Thanks to everyone for the help and advise. I will be going to the hardware store to buy some smalller foam rollers. Any ideas on getting the paint up around the swing keel and trunk quickly.
Next challenge is getting rid of the ice on the lake. ANY IDEAS???
West Marine isn't always the cheapest, but factor in the refund percentage that they send back and they get a little cheaper. I go there because I can usually get everything I need in one trip and they have a great satisfaction guarantee.
2 and half quarts the last three years and 4 quarts the first year after I re-did the bottom, got rid of a ton of small blisters and applied an epoxy barrier coat. Used foam rollers and lots of rubber gloves. The VC-17 has a way of staying on your hands and clothes for a while.
West Marine is expensive. I was getting a discount while my brother worked there part time. But I alsop get a small (10%) discount through my local boat club. Does the Catallina Club have a discount?
I get about the same coverage as Roberoo. Add a dust mask to your PPE. That copper dust is dangerous! Just checked the bottom yesterday, and think maybe this year I can get away with two quarts. WM usually gives me a discount off regular prices, but I always shop Charlie O, up the street, first. BTW, the cradle was surrounded by 4" snow. Planning to splash in 6 weeks.
Blue masking tape. As for the swing keel... I don't know that I would use VC17 there because of how rough the surface is. I think it would help to spray it there.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted in another forum but I thought it might be helpful.</i> <br />Get a 320z. spray bottle and mix the vc17 in it. Spray and roll with a small roller (not sure if I used a 4" or 7") Spray and roll, spray and roll... you get the idea. Don't throw anything away. The spray bottle will work until the pump wears out, and the roller will loosen up shortly after you start rolling next time. I read this on the Cat 30 website last spring and used it last summer on the bottom of my '83 Mark I. It worked just as described on the website. I stored everything in a storage bag. I launched in July (long story) and used 3 quarts to do two coats in hot weather. Absolutely no waste once you get the technique down. Similar to the ketchup bottle idea, but this way you can spray at an upward angle. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I have never gotten into the fourth quart, I just have it around, but I am deep into the third. If I am using too much then I probably always will, it is the amount my technique uses. I use VC17 for a multitude of reasons, two of which are ease and speed of application so I don't make a big deal out of it. I just put it in the roller pan and put it on.
While our C250 experience is not exactly applicable I used 3 quarts last year and that did two coats of everything and an extra coat at the waterline and leading edges. This year I hope two will suffice but I bought three. Sponge roller. I mix the stuff in a 1qt plastic container from Home Depot and keep the lid on. Just pour enough for the roller.
Agreed WM can be pricey but I check the site every day for those 10% one day sales. Also factor in the $10 coupons for each $200 spent and free shipping. All in all they are not that bad IMHO. Plus they have a great return policy.
P.S. You just have to love that copper color of VC17!
My first time with VC-17, I bought four quarts but used three. Last time, I bought three (and still had my fourth in reserve--but didn't have to use it.) Three is perfect. I also use the little (7 inch) foam rollers from Home Depot. Get the smoothest ones you can find.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.