Bottom paint confusion

[TeamSlacker]

The CP16 we purchased last year, had a 'well worn' ablative coating. It was moored in freshwater lake in MN. Our use will have it on the trailer 99% of the time, maybe an overnighter on occasion, but it will mostly be day sailed from the trailer and in fresh water.

I scrubbed most of the abl paint off last year, and need to finish cleaning it off, but I'm trying to figure out what paint to use on it. I had a comment in my CP notes to use 'vivid' must have found that on this site, or a sailing site at some point. When I go throught the Pettit paint selector, it says Horizons is my best choice.

My question is. Since we have no intention of keeping the CP in the water, do we need to use an ablative paint? Or is there some hard epoxy paint I should use instead (like VC perf epox?) Or is the 'hard ablative' types like 'horizons' my best choice. It my understanding that the softer ablatives have to be applied yearly? How often do the 'hard ablatives' need to be reapplied?

(edit) I should add that I want to brush/roll it on, and would like black, looks like the VC Perf Epoxy only comes white.

[Bob23]

Slacker:
  Why do you need bottom paint at all? It is my understanding that if the boat is moored or kept at a slip for any extended period of time, bottom paint is a must. The warmer the water, the more the must. I know plenty of sailors here in NJ who never apply bottom paint on their trailered boats.
Bob23, wishing I didn't have to bottom paint!

[mrb]

I agree with Captain Bob23, if you can get all of the old paint and bottom looks good why not just a good coat of wax.  The 16 is not so big that you could put a coats of wax every couple of months for a lot less than paint.  If you felt like you need to paint I would look into the epoxies. At least they provide some protection from the pox (blister).
Good luck
Melvin

[TeamSlacker]

Well, if I understand things right, I'm guessing the original gel coat was sanded (scuffed) before bottom pain was ever applied. Now that I've got most of the ablative paint scrubed off, that's what it looks like anyway. Original gel was probably black, and now it looks dull/gray underneath like it was sanded. The front bottom of the keel is actually more white-ish color.

I want to paint the bottom, not to protect from marine growth, but to protect the fiberglass/gelcoat and make it look 'pretty' again

[mrb]

Without seeing your boat hard to say but that black color could be a old coat of barrier or bottom paint.

Most boats from the factory have a gel-coat color that matches topside or else a multi color (bands of complimentary color).  Most I've seen were different shades of blues and or green gettin darker as they get closer to the bottom of keel.

You might want to poll other owners as to what color the bottom of there boat is, gel-coat that is.  Mine is white.

Other thing is to contact Hutchin's and ask if they ever used black as a bottom color.  Others at this site know more on Hutchisons but possibly with your hull number they could give you exact facts concerning boat.  (I would be interested in any reply you get from them)
Melvin

[TeamSlacker]

intresting thought..... maybe I scrubed the soft blue ablative off, but there is still a harder layer of black underneath? Might have to try some wetsanding in a spot and get a closer look. The top is white BTW.

[TeamSlacker]

ding ding ding, we have a winner, Melvin was exactly right. Did some wet sanding tonight, and sure enuf, those other colors were more layers. Looks like its gonna take a little time to get it all off, but should look alot better when done. I droped it off the trailer in the back yard and tipped it on its side like someone else had posted here, makes it a lot easier. thanks guys.

[TeamSlacker]

Half the bottom is done, headed outside to finish other side. I posted pics in my gallery. It's not perfect, but looks way better than before, and turned out pretty good considering I'm working with a 30 year old boat.

[mrb]

Nice job.  What are you planning for the bottom once it is clean.

Melvin

[TeamSlacker]

Nice job.  What are you planning for the bottom once it is clean.

Melvin

nothing It looks good so I think I'll just keep it waxed.

[mrb]

YES!  Something I've always wanted Good wax looks good in water and out of water. 

Melvin