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bottom paint question

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77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/10/2003 : 02:45:48

has anyone heard of a paint, i think it's made by ACT that slowly wears off in about a years time while a boat is in the water? i read it is designed that way so you never have to sand the bottom. after a years time, the bottom is free of antifouling and all you have to do is wash and re-paint. seems too good to be true.

Steve
78 C25 SR/FK - Gypsy
<img src="http://www.websdf.com/logo.jpg" border=0>

Edited by - on

svmoxie
Past Commodore

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USA
331 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2003 : 04:55:47

Hi Steve,

What you are referring to is an <b>Ablative</b> paint.

Ablative paints work by slowly wearing away and exposing new biocide agents, much like a bar of soap wears away.

There are several different types of paint and even more manufacturers...

Modified epoxy bottom paints work by leeching the biocide through the paint so when the biocide is gone the paint is still there. Then there are variations on the theme... thin film paints like VC, sloughing paints that are similar to the ablatives and vinyl paints that are more like the modified epoxy.

The two important questions of timing must be taken into account when you decide on which paint to use: 1. How much drying time should you allow between coats and 2. How long can the new paint be left out of the water? It is important to check the manufacturer's recommendation in advance, both for the drying time and for the recommended number of coats, because it can have a major effect on your planning. At least as important is to know how soon you must launch after painting. Some need to be launched in hours, some in weeks. For a trailered or dry winter stored boat a lot of people choose one of the hard ablatives, where the time to launching is given as "indefinite."

However, if you use an ablative paint you have to sail your boat. The paint works by wearing away as the water flows over it so if you boat sits unused most of the time it won't be as effective. Again, as in all things boating, there are compromises.

I use Interlux's multi-season Micron Extra on Moxie. I put on two coats of red topped by two coats of black so I have a wear indicator built in. When I see red showing I know that it is time haul out and reapply the black.

The ACT you referred to is also made by Interlux and is a "single" season ablative. You can get it in Gray, Brown, Red, Green, Black and Blue. Overcoat drying time is 16 hours and you must launch within 60 days.

<img src="http://www.westmarine.com/images/full/411150_f.jpg" border=0>

Probably more information than you needed!

Clif Thompson
Treasurer C-25/250 National Association.
svMoxie '81 25 sk