Because our customers own a wide variety of boats in diverse locations and climates, these suggestions are somewhat general. However, one thing is certain: haulout and painting the bottom are two of the most complex and expensive maintenance tasks boat owners face with regularity. If you are doing the entire job or a part of it yourself, start out with five Ps in mind: Plan, Patience, Prep, Prime and Paint.

Plan ahead

Planning helps make paint jobs smooth and economical. You can't change the weather, but you can pick a favorable time when the conditions are good. Manufacturers say it's best to apply paint when temperatures are in the 50º- 85ºF range and humidity is below 65%. If you don't have access to a heated shed, plan to do the job when conditions in your area are closest to these parameters. Before haulout, perform other maintenance operations and inspections and check your boat's electrical system because improper grounding can neutralize the effectiveness of antifouling paint. When hauled out for a bottom job, allow extra time for chores such as disassembling and lubricating seacocks, replacing worn transducers and inspecting rudder bearings. You may want to pull and inspect the propeller shaft and bearings.

Be patient

• You shouldn't rush paint jobs, especially when you are working in open air. Sometimes the weather does not cooperate. It may be too cold, too hot, too humid, or too windy to start a job. In that case we recommend you wait until conditions improve. The results will be worth the extra time. Not only will the coat of paint look better it will deliver better performance (e.g. protection against growth) and it will last longer.
• Don't cut corners sanding and cleaning the surfaces (especially metals) you intend to paint. Priming and painting haphazardly cleaned surfaces will cause headaches later.

Basic Preparation

• Before you start, be sure you have everything you need-tarps, drop-and-tack cloths, cotton rags, masking tape, stirrers, clean receptacles, thinners, washers, protective clothing, gloves, eye protection and the appropriate respirator.
• Bottom paint is toxic and much of the work is done directly above your head. Don't breathe it or get it on your skin or in your eyes. Set up your work area in a fashion that prevents sanding residue or paint from escaping into the environment. Wash up and thoroughly clean the work site when you finish.
• Check the bottom paint compatibility chart to see if the paint you plan to use is compatible with what's on your boat now. If old paint must be removed because it's incompatible or too deteriorated to overcoat, be sure to have our West Marine Bottom Paint Stripper System or other material on hand. The care and effort you put into preparing the surface for each succeeding coat will directly impact the paint's effectiveness. (See Dealing with Old Paint below)
• Use solvent dewaxer to dissolve mold release wax on new fiberglass hulls. Follow suggestions about solvents and the generous use of clean rags in the West Advisor on Topside Painting. Be careful not to compromise the epoxy barrier coat that protects against blistering as sanding may violate the warranty.
  
   
  Other pages: : 1 * 2 * 3 * 4 * Next>>