Bottom Paint Pricing Below
Fiberglass Hull Boat Bottom Paint
IFiberglass Boat Bottom Paint Pricing
- Boats 18-24’ Cost $3500-$6000*
- Boats 25-30’ Cost $5000-$8000*
*Cost will vary depending on age, condition, and previous bottom paint
Aluminum Hull Boat Bottom Paint
Aluminum Boat Bottom Paint Pricing
- Boats 18-24’ Cost $3500-$6000*
- Boats 25-30’ Cost $5000-$8000*
*Cost will vary depending on age, condition, and previous bottom paint
Recent Bottom Painted Boats
Best Marine Bottom Paint For My Boat
What is The Best Marine Bottom Paint for my Boat?
Antifouling paint, also known as bottom paint, is a paint that is applied to the underwater portion of a boat’s hull in order to thwart off any marine life such as barnacles, weeds, and other organisms from attaching themselves to the bottom of your boat.
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Ablative (Soft) Bottom Paint
Ablative, or self-polishing, bottom paints are designed to gradually wear away as your boat moves through the water, continuously exposing fresh biocide. This process ensures ongoing protection against unwanted marine growth as long as there's paint on the hull.
Advantages
Continuous Effectiveness: The paint remains effective as long as it is present on the hull, preventing marine organisms from attaching.
No Buildup: The gradual wearing away prevents the buildup of old paint layers, simplifying future maintenance.Disadvantages
Stationary Ineffectiveness: If the boat remains stationary for extended periods, the lack of water movement means the paint doesn’t self-clean effectively, reducing its anti-fouling properties.
Unsuitable for High Speeds: Fast-moving vessels cause the paint to wear off more quickly, necessitating more frequent reapplications. -
Hard Bottom Paint
Hard bottom paints, also known as hard modified epoxy or non-sloughing paints, work differently. The paint itself doesn’t wear away; instead, the copper biocide within it is gradually released. Water penetrates the paint, slowly depleting the biocide until none remains.
Advantages
Durable Coating: Creates a tough, hard surface that is ideal for fast-moving boats.
Long-Lasting: The paint layer itself remains intact longer, providing prolonged protection in high-speed conditions.Disadvantages
Difficult Removal: Once the biocide is depleted, the hard paint layer can be difficult and messy to remove, especially with multiple layers.
Potential Peeling and Cracking: Over time, paint buildup can lead to peeling and cracking, necessitating a full stripping of the hull. -
Hybrid Bottom Paint
Hybrid, or semi-hard ablative paints, offer a middle ground between ablative and hard paints. These paints provide a combination of the benefits of both types, creating a smooth yet durable surface that resists organism buildup.
Advantages
Versatility: Suitable for a range of boat speeds and conditions.
Durability and Protection: Provides robust protection while allowing for repeated haul-outs and higher speeds without sacrificing effectiveness.Disadvantages
Compromise on Performance: Hybrid paints may not excel as well as pure ablative or hard paints. They offer versatility but might not provide the same durability for high-speed boats or the consistent self-polishing action needed for frequent use.
Higher Cost: Hybrid bottom paints are typically more expensive due to their advanced formulation. This can be a significant consideration for budget-conscious boat owners, especially when factoring in potential increased maintenance and reapplication costs.
The Best Antifouling Boat Bottom Paint
Choosing the best antifouling boat bottom paint is crucial for maintaining your vessel's performance and longevity. Here are some top antifouling paints on the market and why you should consider using them:
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Pettit Paints
Pettit Hydrocoat Eco
Type: Water-based ablative
Features: Environmentally friendly with no harsh solvents, easy application and cleanup, effective in both fresh and saltwater.
Benefits: Its water-based formula makes it less harmful to the environment and user-friendly for DIY boat owners (Boating Magazine) (Practical Sailor).
Pettit Trinidad SR
Type: Hard modified epoxy
Features: High copper content for superior antifouling, durable coating.
Benefits: Excellent for high-fouling areas and suitable for boats that remain in the water year-round (Practical Sailor). -
Interlux Paints
Interlux Micron 66
Type: Ablative
Features: Self-polishing, effective in high-fouling waters.
Benefits: Provides multi-season protection, reduces paint build-up, and maintains hull smoothness (Boating Magazine) (Practical Sailor).
Interlux Ultra 300
Type: Hard eroding
Features: Suitable for high-speed boats and frequent use.
Benefits: Offers excellent antifouling protection, with a hard, durable finish that withstands abrasion from high-speed travel (Practical Boat Owner).
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Hempel Paints
Hempel Tiger Xtra 7100
Type: Soft eroding biocide
Features: High coverage rate, easy to apply.
Benefits: Provides reliable antifouling protection with a self-polishing mechanism, making it suitable for frequent use (Practical Boat Owner).
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Why Use These Paints?
Performance: High-quality antifouling paints keep your boat’s hull clean, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
Durability: These paints offer long-lasting protection, with some designed for multi-season use.
Environmental Considerations: Options like Pettit Hydrocoat Eco are designed to be more environmentally friendly, using less harmful biocides.
By choosing the right antifouling paint based on your boating habits and local conditions, you can significantly enhance your boat’s performance and longevity. For tailored recommendations, consulting with a local boatyard manager can provide insights specific to your region's waters (Boating Magazine) (Practical Sailor).