Hi to all..
Well, in a few days I plan to paint my Mac 26X.
I want to clean deeply with pressurized water and tools and apply new painting starting from scratch.
The problem is that the boat is in a river mouth where tides are significant making a continuous "sanding" of the antifouling applied. In other words the boat is always moving at some speed: Sometimes, when the river and tide add their currents may go up to 15 knots.
I wish you give me some recomendations, based on similar circumstances, about how many layers of paint, and if possible the HEMPEL product to use. This products are available on my local area but I have no idea of the specific one for this case.
Thanks
Not sure if this will help or not. I'm putting on 3 coats of anti-fouling instead of the required 2 that most people apply. The reason is that I'll put on 2 coats of black and then 1 coat of dark blue over the black. Now I'll be able to see when I wear through the blue since the black will show up. I can then see which areas need to be re-coated more often.
This might cost a little more up front, but I think in the long run will be more cost effective and easier to know when to touch-up or totally re-coat.
As far as the paint to use maybe call a couple of the paint companies and ask the tech guys the question. I'm going with a harder ablative that doesn't rub off as easily going on and off the trailer and that also can dry out and be re-launched. If your boat is always going to be in the water you have more choices. I'd also ask around your local area as to what works best there as I was going to use one paint, but found out that it worked well in the northeast, but not so well in Florida.
Thanks for your answer and advice.
My 26X is going to be always in the water but is a great idea the two colors as a warning to repaint when needed. I will consider your advice in the three coats (you´re right in the money saving).
The final step is to find what kind of antifouling. Asking people in my area I found that there are "fast" antifoulings used when sailing frequently which appear to be very fluid when touching the hull. As I said the boat is going to be "sailing" even if at shore due to the water flowing.
The other option which I think I will consider, is the more solid antifouling but more durable. First layer in black and two more in red.
Thanks again.
If you are interested I have a copy of a 2007 Practical Sailor article that compares different hard and soft paints over 2 years (for some of them) against each other in two different locations on test panels. PM me your e-mail address if you would like me to try and send it to you (it is a PDF file).
We ended up buying a paint recommended by some guys on another board that had experience with it where we were going.
Also are you going to put on a barrier coat? Now would be the time if you are. After some recommendations we bought
Sea Hawk's Tuff Stuff...
...from the guys in the link as it was less than others and seems to be easier to apply (2 coats).
The reason I'm going with the colors the other way around than what you are thinking of is that 1 gallon will do 2 coats. I'll use one whole gallon for the first two black coats. Then 1/2 of the second gallon for the 3rd coat. Now I'll still have 1/2 of a gallon left of that color to paint in the future.
We first clean the bottom. Then using blue tape we mask from the black water line stripe. This gives you a nice white stripe between the black water line and the new bottom paint. Then sand the bottom using 80 grit sanding paper, and hopefully a sander that sucks, no really one that will attach to a vaccuum and suck in the sanding dust. Then wipe the whole thing down using a solvant wash. This part is really icky! Make sure to use proper face mask and clothing to protect yourself. Then we use Pettit Ultima SR in black. Before the bottom paint you can use an epoxy barrier coat. We get 2 coats out of a gallon can. Follow the directions on the can for temp. and re-coat times. This is a really difficult job, one that I like to pay someone else to do. Best of luck.
Thanks bwygirl..
The hull is near to show the protection of gelcoat i some areas (specially bow and stern due to water flow).
I plan to clean and sand up to that protection and probably, a new protection coat will be necessary.
After that, I will aply one black antifouling and two red coats.
I need to take the boat out of the water to find out how much paint I need and evaluate the situation.
I hope the next time the black color will be the warning to start all over again.
Thanks again
