Bottom paint Florida Gulf coast.....purchasing resale and need advice please

R

RickL

New Member
Aug 10, 2011
8
sarasota
Boat Info
none
Engines
none
Hi Everyone. I am looking at purchasing a 2008 280 Sundancer that has been in freshwater and factory bottom painted from the midwest. The Sea Ray dealer has stated that this will not be a resale issue for me later on. I am sure I will be reselling and upgrading in a few years so like anything I do I am researching the issue.

A conversation by a captain I know in the gulf coast has advised me to pass on the boat because of the bottom paint. But, all larger boats in the area are bottom painted! So what is the big deal here and am i worried about nothing. Please give me some input. My wife likes the design of the interior of the boat.....but as usual i am concerned. i need some honest input here....would you buy a bottom painted 28 ft boat?

Thank you!
 
Absolutely. Nothing wrong with a boat that size being bottom painted, especially if it's kept in the water. Even in fresh water you can get blisters, so bottom paint as long as in good shape is a good idea.
Barry
 
I don't know what his issue is other than bottom paint or any paint can Hide some things! If you get a Survey by a Competant Outfit you should be Okay!!!
 
I've never seen a 280 without bottom paint. That's how common it is.
 
Bottom paint in this area is uncommon on this size boat. the boat will not be kept in the water. Not sure what the issue is either....but need to decide before i buy. the boat also has a single engine 4.9....thoughts on that as well would be great!
 
Is the boat going to live in Florida? Are you racking it when not in use? Hauling it in and out of the water will probably chip the paint and it'll look like poo after a season of that. Then you'll have to have it sanded off or blasted off. That costs some money. That could be the downside.
 
It has a single? That's a far bigger issue than bottom paint in terms of resale.

Where is the boat goona be on weekends? If it sits in the water for more than a couple of days at a time - you will need paint. Washing and maintaining a clean bottom will be an activity for every weekend.

Technically, an unpainted bottom will look better - and the boat will be nominally faster. But this assumes you don't keep the boat in the water too long and can keep it clean
 
It does have a single...several of the boats I have looked at do. I just felt for my first boat that a single would be a bot more economical for maintence etc. The boat will hopefully be in the water on weekends but do to the nature of my work it may not be two days in a row...I am intererested on your input on the power issue as well. The 280's and 270's around the country appear to sell quite quickly even with the single engine.
 
The 280 seems to be liked in almost every configuration power wise, for different reasons. The boat you are looking at is it a colored hull? If so - I think all of the colored hulls have bottom paint - unless it was ordered without. I had a 260 with a big block and thought it was great. The 280 is a popular boat - but I would bet 80 plus percent have bottom paint.
 
It is a pewter hull......I am waiting for more pictures. Hopefully tomorrow. So many uncertainties when you have never owned a boat before.
 
interestingly enough the boat is coming from Missouri. I just saw the state you are from.....long trip to Florida!
 
I would look for another 280 without bottom paint and get one with twin engines, much easier to maneuver! You can buy mine.
 
Last edited:
I have a 270SE with bottom paint that is indoor rack stored the only complaint I have with the bottom paint is when they pull the boat it is power washed and soap scrubbed before storing with the bottom paint they will not put in storage till the bottom paint dries due to the possibility of stains to boats below mine. I'm not sure if it really bleeds when wet or if their just being careful not to stain another boats canvas. Yes it will get scratched by pulling the boat for storage probably not much more than trailering but it's better than leaving it in the salt water.
 
I second the twins! I looked right past every boat with bottom paint! If it's going to be racked or trailered, don't paint! A few days at a time in the water won't hurt it as long as you clean her when you take her out. I keep mine waxed, contrary to what people say. I'm not looking to break any speed records with these 4.3's..lol. My bottom looks great and gets compliments everywhere we go (no pun intended lol).
 
Bottom paint isnt a big deal in my mind. The single engine would be my issue. I would never buy a single engine cruiser. Other than the issue of weight and horsepower, its nice to know if something happens like spinning a prop, you can always limp back in on one engine.
 
My personal view is bottom paint (or not) should be no where on the list of considerations when buying a boat of this capability. I would be buying the boat for lots of other more important reasons. Its kinda like the color - you get what it is when buying used.
 
Thank you but I am looking for a certified boat through Marine max and probably nothing older than 2008....thank you for the advice and any other advice you have is always welcome
 
floriduramax1 said:
I second the twins! I looked right past every boat with bottom paint! If it's going to be racked or trailered, don't paint! A few days at a time in the water won't hurt it as long as you clean her when you take her out. I keep mine waxed, contrary to what people say. I'm not looking to break any speed records with these 4.3's..lol. My bottom looks great and gets compliments everywhere we go (no pun intended lol).
Click to expand...
Whaat?....You didn't drink the kool aid? :smt101
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,190
Messages
1,428,252
Members
61,100
Latest member
Raneyd85
Back
Top