Bottom paint - How often

[bfritz616]

Hello
We have a 2002 450 Carver that has always been in fresh water. How often should the boat be pulled for a bottom paint job? and for a buff and wax?
Thank you

[waybomb]

Welcome aboard!

In water year round, out in the sun? I'd wax it at least 3-4 times a year. Don't let it get chaulked up.

As for bottom paint, I'd ask around your area what others do. Here in Mi, we boat from now through October, and generally every other year we paint the bottom.

[Wkuhilltopperfan]

I've been told 3-5 years on the bottom job in our area. I'm sure water conditions can change time requirements

[Lyndon670]

My boat is professionally compounded and polished every year. Rub rail (superstructre) up on year 1 and hull on year 2.

This year is the superstructre year, and by this time it always needs it to bring back the lustre. My marina is starting the polish job any day now.

[Viper]

Qr Bbpost Hello
We have a 2002 450 Carver that has always been in fresh water. How often should the boat be pulled for a bottom paint job? and for a buff and wax?
Thank you

On bottom paint, really depends on the type of paint, water conditions, and boating habits. As Fred suggested, it's a good idea to get opinions from those in the same area if you are new there.

Polishing frequency depends on a few factors as well. The current condition of the gel makes a big difference. Those out in the open rather than a covered slip, will likely need at least a superstructure polish and wax every season or two depending on conditions. The sun really beats things up. Boats under cover can get away with just a waxing until some clouding starts to become apparent. Hull sides don't get as much direct sunlight as topsides so the finish typically lasts longer between polishings. May not be as definitive an answer as you're looking for but conditions play a large roll.

[Wayne162]

I sent a lengthy response to this post last night but once I hit send it disappeared and never posted, So he we go again! Currently I am living on the hard and bottom painting my Carver 405. Many things need consideration before deciding on a paint. Do you cruise or are you a go fast or off shore runner? Does your boat sit more than it moves, salt or fresh water? Is your boat in the water all the time or does it sit in the yard? Bottom line, considerations must be made. Here in South Carolina its warmer, 88 last week and my boat is in salt water all the time, and it sits dockside most of the time. I am painting it with an ablative with high copper and biocide to protect the bottom from sea life that wants a new home. An ablative steadily sheds microscopic coats with the remains of whatever tried to attach itself over the years exposing fresh biocide throughout its life. It is not affected when pulled out and left on the hard in dry air. It is a soft paint and also generally only needs a pressure wash and light sanding to apply new coats once worn off. This application suits my dock time and cruising. Alternatively, a hard paint or epoxy is a little smoother for the go fast crowd and off shore work where speed and durability is required. It comes in various levels of copper and other protective elements, but once the additives wear out you are left with a hard shell paint with no protective qualities. After multiple coats it has to be stripped and redone. Hard paint as I understand also looses its protective additives if stored out of the water for a period of time. In my case I choose Pettit Horizons for the bottom work on my boat, and it is being applied as of this writing. I also cleaned the running gear, sanded, primed and painted too. I used DRX or Dr.X, a spray on cleaner on the running gear. It foamed up the barnacle and I washed it off with a hose cutting my sanding and prep by more than half. I also used it on the raw water screens and they cleaned up nicely. I painted the gear using Velox as recommended by my diver for its resistance to chipping paint caused through electrolysis. I expect about 3 years out of the job. I also learned from a fella in the boat yard to use a product at Lowes called "Rust Aid" for $10 a gallon to clean rust stains off your fiberglass. He said once you use it, you will want to do the whole hull. I cleaned some anchor locker staining at the bow and took a swipe on the starboard side with a wet cloth with this stuff. In the time I walked to get the hose for a wash off, the spot was bleach white making the rest of the hull look dingy. So I wiped down the entire hull and rinsed. Amazing! A compound and waxing was also undertaken on the hull. I finished off with a few cocktails and a chaser of Alieve.......Attached are some photo's of the running gear before the bottom work.

[bfritz616]

Hello
Thank you very much for your reply!
Our boat is in fresh water in Missouri. It sits under a covered dock when not in use. During the season, which is typically April thru October, we take it out about every other weekend for about 8 hours each day. We are more of cruisers than go fast and usually spend most time coving out or at a restaurant area.
Today we are attempting to buff and wax ourselves!!
Your reply are greatly appreciated!!