Applying Bottom Paint to Your Used Boat
Veteran boaters will tell you that bottom paint is a must for many boat owners. Applying this bottom paint isn’t an easy or quick task, but if you want your boat to last for a long time, then you’ll want to roll up your sleeves and get this done. Hampton Watercraft and Marine has provided a guide to help you with this, but if you feel like you need additional assistance, then stop by one of our locations in Hampton Bays and Eastport, New York, serving Eastern Long Island, for a chat with our experienced staff. We can also show you our used boats for sale.
What is Bottom Paint and Why Do You Need It?
Bottom paint, also known as antifouling paint, is applied to the bottom of your used boat hull (as you might have guessed) when you know your boat spends most of its time in the water. When you leave your boat at the marina and don’t take it out of the water, it’s more susceptible to marine growth like barnacles and weeds. The key is a biocide agent that discourages marine life from attaching themselves (these days, it’s often copper, but this is getting phased out as environmental concerns are raised).
Where to Work
If your boat is already at a boatyard, you’ll need to communicate with the owners or managers about safety concerns and where they’ll let you work. Some of the materials you’re working with can be toxic, plus it’s a pretty big task, so make sure you’re on the same page as the property owner’s when it comes to expectations.
The Supplies
Getting the right paint isn't necessarily just about picking out the cheapest one. Some products work better in certain waters, weather, and locations, plus there’s the issue of paint compatibility to think about. For the environment-specific concerns, you can ask your boatyard manager what they recommend, as they’ll be the experts in the area. Some bottom paint manufacturers offer their own charts to help you out as well.
When we talk about compatibility, we mean whether the bottom paint is compatible with the existing paint on the boat. Once again, some bottom paint manufacturers provide their own charges of compatibility. Use these to figure out how much you should approach preparing and painting your boat.
You’ll also want to collect some standard painting supplies that you might need for any other project, like trays, chip brushes, and rollers, as well as blue masking tape. A painter’s suit can keep you from getting paint everywhere, but they’re a must when using solvent-based products. In this case, you’ll also want goggles, gloves, and a respirator or dust mask.
Your Timeline
As we’ve mentioned, this project is going to take a little while to do. You’ll want to set aside several days to get it done, weather allowing.
Preparing Your Boat
When you finally get to your boat, the first thing you’ll want to do is prepare the area you’re going to apply the paint. Of course, the first thing you’ll want to do is hose down the boat, probably with a pressure washer. This is best done right after you pull the vessel out of the water, before grime and muck can harden and dry.
Next, you’ll want to sand down the topcoat (as recommended by the compatibility chart you’re using). If the paint is too thick, you risk the top layer flaking off. When this is completely finished, apply masking tape to the borders of where you’ll be painting (the water line).
Applying Paint
Finally, it’s time to apply the first layer of paint. We recommend starting with a chip brush and getting the areas where a roller won’t get. This way, you won’t risk getting dripped on. Once these areas are covered, use your roller to apply the rest of the paint.
Your boat will probably need at least two layers of paint, with a third layer necessary in high-wear areas. If your bottom paint isn’t compatible with the existing paint, you’ll probably need a primary to start with.
Drying and Putting the Boat Back in the Water
This is where your timeline becomes more relevant. Depending on how warm or humid it is, you might only be able to apply one or two coats per day, to accommodate the amount of drying time needed, depending on the paint you use. Some brands need at least 16 hours to dry completely.
Once your craft is completely dry, get ready to move it to the water. At this point, you might need to apply a quick layer of paint to any spots you couldn’t reach while the boat was on the ground (like the underside of the keel). You’ll also want to remove the masking tape, and perform any other last-minute tasks before finally putting it back in the water.
And now your boat is set to last for years and years without you needing to stress about how it’s going to look when everything’s said and done. If you still need some help, or if you’re still looking for the right vessel for you, stop by Hampton Watercraft and Marine and let us know how we can assist you. We have a wide selection of used boats, so if you’re from Hampton Bays, Eastport, or Eastern Long Island, New York, then visit us today!