Bottom Paint

Luccman

New Member
Aug 6, 2019
7
Boat Info
1988 SEA RAY SORRENTO 230CC
Engines
5.7 MERCURY
Can anyone tell me what is the best recommendation for bottom paint. I am in collision repair and very familiar with auto refinishing but need assistance with bottom paint. Trying to decide if I should do it myself or pay to have it professionally done. Any advise is appreciated.
 
Ask the boaters around you. Different paints for different areas - what works for Florida saltwater generally won't be as effective in fresh water and vice versa. Here in the shallow part of Lake Erie, we use Hydrocoat which is a water based paint from Pettit.

Can you do it yourself - of course - but keep in mind like everything else success is in the preparation.

FYI for additional advice it would be helpful for us to know where you boat (salt or fresh water), is the boat on a trailer or docked, is there existing paint or bare hull.
 
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The work is not complicated. I have done many boats and all turned out great. Prep is the key. Ask local boaters which paints work well in your waters. Pettit hydrocoat SR and Sea Hawk biocop tf are very good paints.
 
If you have the money, have someone else do it. It's not a hard job but it does suck. As for what to use, that will depend on the water you are in.
 
At the present time I boat in fresh water in IL
 
At the present time I boat in fresh water in IL
I assume it's for the 23' you have in your signature?
Hydrocoat is probably a pretty good starting point. It will adhere to all bottom paints other than VC-17. Being water based a foam roller will work applying it. Again surface prep is key - read the prep instructions from Pettit. Depending on what's currently on the bottom, prep could range from a simple solvent wipe down to sanding and everything in between.

This is a simple project that requires no technical expertise.
 
Does the boat stay in the water? If not, don't paint. If it does, and you have a trailer, or easy (cheap) access to a haul out, another option is to simply pull it out every so often and power wash the bottom. You can also check with your marina - to see if they offer that service. Compare the cost of doing that a few times per year with painting/repainting.
 
Unrelated to your bottom paint question.
If you are planning to leave your 23' in the water for extended periods unattended, have a good look at your bilge pumps. Lots of trailered boats, ours included, have them wired to the battery switch rather than directly to the battery.
 
The last 2 years i have made the admiral do it on our 98 290 sundancer. Its on blocks in the driveway and is a great way to keep her involved in the maintenance of the boat. Plus she called me a bitch when i said uhg, time to paint the bottom. So shame on her.
 

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