Bottom paint for fresh water

[jazzman]

Until last season we always trailer sailed our boat to nearby inland lakes.  Last season we kept the boat in the water and plan to do the same for the next few seasons.   When hauling out last year we found lots of green material on the bottom which washed off at the local quarter car wash along with most of the old bottom paint.   How intense do we need to get re-painting the bottom.  Do we need barrier paint and such for fresh water?

[crbakdesign]

Since your bottom paint washed off, it was probably ablative, which is designed to flack off with marine growth.  If you plan on keeping the boat in the water, a bottom paint is a good idea.  Depending on your water type, you can choose between a hard coat or continue with the softer ablative.  You don't want to rinse or wash off the bottom paint in the water, and be careful polishing it, wear a mask.  If you do a search on this site, you will find some good advise on bottom paints from longtime owners.