Bottom painting now?

[LetsRock]

Quick question... my boat is going to need to be bottom painted before next season. I wanted to know if I am able to get a good deal now is there any draw back to having it painted in the fall or is it best in the spring? Is there a certain temperature it needs to be for the paint? It will sit on my trailer all winter also so would that damage the paint job?

Thanks all

 

[kaz911]

It depends on the paint. Ablative paints that rub off when you are sailing - should NOT be put on (in general) before you want it in the water. Hard racing paints (epoxy based) does usually care much about when you put them back in.

But read the instructions for the paint type you are planning to put on.

 

[SteveRuss]

If it is a multi-season paint then you should have no issue. In general, hard paints must be launched within a certain time period. The minimum temperature will be listed on the can but for many paints it's 50 degrees.

 

[Ka1oxd]

Read the directions on the paint. I usually do it just before I launch. If I am going to scape the bottom paint off, I do that in the fall and early winter. Come off so much easier. Also the next time I scape, I am going to barrier coat first. But I have an older boat and no problems with the gelcoat which I want to keep that way.