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Bottom paint on aluminum hulls in FL and Bahamas?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Scallywag, May 26, 2022.

  1. Scallywag, May 26, 2022
    #1
    Scallywag

    Scallywag Member

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    Looking to switch bottom paints. For the past 10 years or so I've been using ePaints SN-1 and I've never been thrilled about it. The first year I get good pretty good performance, but after 18 months it is basically rendered worthless. I haul out on schedule every 2 years for a bottom job.

    I thought I'd query the pool of tribal knowledge. I'm typically home in the FL Keys, but also South Florida and the Bahamas. What are people putting on their Burgers, Browards, Aluminum Chris-Craft Roamers, Strikers, etc...? Any recommendations on copper free antifouling bottom paint?
  2. Capt J, May 26, 2022
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Seahawk makes a good one for aluminum yachts. But 18 month lifespan for bottom paint is pretty normal.
  3. hat4349, May 27, 2022
    #3
    hat4349

    hat4349 Senior Member

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    I have to agree with Capt J, I always used Seahawk on my Roamer. I'd repaint the bottom every winter though, so I won't try to stretch it into years.
  4. rtrafford, May 27, 2022
    #4
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    I've been using Trilux 33, haul annually. Prop Speed on running gear and bottoms of trim tabs. Works well. SoFla, Bahamas, Northeast.
  5. Pascal, May 27, 2022
    #5
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Hull material aside it’s tough to get anything working behind 18 month in SoFl

    how many coats do you usually use? Maybe an extra 1/2 coat near the waterline?
  6. rtrafford, May 27, 2022
    #6
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    I use two coats and then a third at the top 18-24 inches.
  7. Scallywag, May 31, 2022
    #7
    Scallywag

    Scallywag Member

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    Thanks guys. With the move away from copper paint I was hoping there were some newer products out there with better performance that I was unaware of. Maybe I'll throw some cayenne pepper into my mix this year hahah
  8. olderboater, May 31, 2022
    #8
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Are you using ablative, hard, or hybrid?
  9. Scallywag, Jun 1, 2022
    #9
    Scallywag

    Scallywag Member

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    I've been using ePaint SN-1 which is a hard paint.