Bottom treatment

[bhartley]

I am almost finished taking all of the bottom paint of of Pyxis. There is clear evidence of previous repairs including 10-12 that have the distinct look of old blister repairs. The gelcoat is extremely chalky and pitted in some areas.

The boat had not been hauled in 2+ years (salt water) when we bought her. We weren't at the marina when she came out of the water and was pressure washed, but the remnants of many barnacles were on the ground. The pressure washer took the bottom paint off down to the gelcoat in many places when the barnacles were ripped off, but the bottom otherwise looked fine. Even stripped, there is not evidence of current blisters.

I have VC Watertight filler and Interprotect 2000 on my shopping list. The barrier coat seems like a good idea in light of historic blisters.

Pyxis will stay in fresh water for the few years (year round). Slime is more of an issue than anything else in our lake. I am looking at using Interlux Micron CSC for bottom paint.

Any thoughts on bottom treatment for fresh water environments?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Bly

[windrose]

Bly, I use the Interlux Micron on Windrose. In our water barnacles seem to almost grow overnight. I have been very pleased with the IM. My only disappointment was I like the "shark tooth" or whatever it is they call the gray color and it takes on the look of patina around the water line. I guess it is the cooper in the paint, but for marine growth and slime it is top notch.

[Hirilondë]

I am very pleased with how my bottom stood up the first year after stripping and using Interprotect. I applied 4 coats after 1 coat of Epiglass epoxy resin and a good scrub/deblush. Each Interprotect coat was done within the hot recoat time frame and no sanding. The bottom paint was applied 3 hours after the final Interprotect coat and therefore no sanding either.

As to what bottom paint to use for fresh water I can offer no useful advice other than green looks good!

[Figment]

I used Interprotect as well, despite a very low probability of blister development. It's just a great "telegraph" layer to let the sander know when you're through the bottompaint.

I think Practical Sailor is in the middle of a freshwater antifouling test.

[bhartley]

How many coats did it take to get to 10 mils? I'm not sure how I would measure. When I redid the gelcoat on Ariel I just applied it until it looked good and didn't sand through. Not too scientific!

Thanks!

Bly

[Hirilondë]

How many coats did it take to get to 10 mils?

No idea.

When I redid the gelcoat on Ariel I just applied it until it looked good and didn't sand through.

That is the time proven method for many coatings ;<)

[Figment]

calculate as follows: Wetted Surface Area (WSA) = LOA x Beam x 0.85 Then divide the WSA by 60 when brushing/rolling or 45 when spraying to determine the number of gallons necessary to reach 10 mils. Prior to application of Interprotect 2000E obtain and read the Interprotect System Manual.

Of course much depends on application method, but if memory serves, I did two rolled coats.

(I think that the Interlux site should use LWL instead of LOA in the calculation)

[Ancient Race]

Any thoughts on bottom treatment for fresh water environments?

Here, VC-17 is the preferred bottom paint, but we haul annually. I'm not sure if that's your intention, Bly, so it may not work for you.

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