Bottom painting a 1996 boat for the first time ?

[mvandale]

I just bought this old 1996 Explorer 225, it's never been painted but I have to because it will be in a slip all season.  The bottom looks great, do I need to have barrier coat applied or can I just have it sanded and bottom and use ablativ bottom paint ?

[RickK]

Ablative is the way to go IMO.  It wears away as you cruise around and washes the growth off.  I have it on mine and it lives on a trailer (was painted when I bought it).  Petit Vivid has a good line of colors too.

[mvandale]

Thanks, I'm definitely going with the ablative, I wasn't sure about applying a barrier coat first. From what people have been telling me it doesn't sound like I need a barrier coat.

[uglystick]

I researched bottom paint a lot before I painted mine. The yard wanted an insane price so I did it myself. I used Interlux Micron extra ( I think it was the extra) I talked to the home office and 2 techs. Just sand with 80 grit then apply. No one said I need a barrier coat except one yard. They just wanted the extra money. The Interlux is expensive locally over $250 a gal. At Jamestown Distributors I found it for$217.99 with free shipping. Plus Interlux is supposed to send me a $20. rebate. Haven't got it yet though. There was some local Petit & an off brand for about $100 per gal. the shrimp boats use. There hauled every 6 months to a year though.