Bottom Paint

[pair of jacks]

I've painted my bottom the last few years with Micron Extra- it's pretty expensive at $210 gallon- would love to save some $$ this spring- any suggestions for a quality alternative? Only interested in similar self-polishing (ablative) Thanks!

[BigLew]

First of all, make it a practice to purchase your bottom paint at the end of the season for application in the spring. Store it lid side DOWN until it is gettinng within a week of applying it and give it a good "shake" after paddle stirring it a bit.

There are only two REAL considerations in bottom paint. Are you looking for Multi-season products and/or smoothness of the finish. Multi-season products will cost you about 50-75% more than single season products. Smoothness will also cost you more.

Bottom line is; for moored boats that sit for longer periods between uses in water that is essentially stagnant (non-tidal or current effected)use a hard finish or a non-ablative product. For most regularly used power boats or boats moored in moving water, use an ablative product. West Marine or other large suppliers with their own house label it can be a real savings. Most of it is made by only two manufactures only and one supplies Petit and the other supplies Interlux.

Also keep in mind that the extent of fouling is location dependent and that no two bodies of water have the same fouling potential regarding relative location. Also, the amount of cooprous oxide in the paint is the biggest consideration - the more the better when it comes to performing as an anti-foulant and cooperous-oxide tends to be in higher concentrations the greater the red component of the selected color.

Needless to say, the chemisty changes significantly in fresh water and in that case, fresh water products should be used.

Just my two cents from training while working at Boat US and West Marine in a past life. Good luck.