BOTTOM PAINT OPINION

[NiceAft]

You can never k now what the future holds, and perception can affect your (and others) enjoyment. If it were me, and the situation allowed, I do it properly. Yes, it's a little more work.

I would like to use the cheaper paint. But should I skip using a traditional bottom paint?

thx mates!

I understand, and normally would agree, but to say "properly" does not apply when the process is not needed at all in fresh water. A barrier coat to prevent blisters, is all that is needed. The critters that a salt water environment presents, are not there in fresh water lakes.

Now, disposable income comes into the picture. If one seriously wants the protection out of precaution, then a less expensive ablative paint can't hurt. You don't need the most expensive product.

https://support.jamestowndistributors.c ... er%20lakes.

In the post by NavySailor, fresh or salt water use is not stated.

[OverEasy]

Hi NiceAft!

Spot on! The right answer depends upon the use environment.
Weekend use in fresh or salt water isn’t gonna be an issue for a plain slick ol’ epoxy barrier paint coating.
Regular marina slip or mooring in fresh water is also gonna do well with that same paint coating.
The difference comes with a longer term brackish or salt water marina or mooring environment, especially if one is talking about season long (weeks to months) durations.

We’re in that latter category and for us an epoxy barrier coat with two coats of a good roller applied ablative works best for our situation.
We primarily motor about the rivers and estuaries down here in SC and do it frequently… about 300 operational hours/3 month season.
Our experience is the ablative lasts 2+ seasons before needing to be reapplied after a good scrub and wash.

We looked at copper coat type applications but those are more beneficial if a boat is always in salt water and never gets hauled out as the copper oxidizes and needs to be sanded just prior to launching to reactivate it even if only out of the water for a week or so. So that wasn’t a good solution for our usage.

To each their own….

Best Regards
Over Easy