Hi Andrei, I keep my M17, Seafrog, in the water 24/7. When it came time to consider bottom painting, I got a mix from various boatyards regarding using a barrier epoxy (Interlux 2000e). Some said yes and some said no. Those that said yes said only a couple of coats, not 5-7, followed by a couple of ablative antifouling coats would be more than adequate. . I hope they were right... I'll find out later in December when I pulll her out for a few months. Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: "robbin roddewig" <robbin.roddewig@verizon.net> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 9:49 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Help: bottom paint, Interlux 2000 or none?
Hi Andrei, fresh water is much more adept at getting behind unprotected gel coat and creating blisters than salt water. After repairing a bunch on my M-17 I would not leave the boat in the water (or salt) without a barrier coat. We had a power boat in the water every summer in MI and never had bottom paint. Just left a light brown stain. I am not an expert but I would consider at least barrier coat. The Interlux I used (2000e?)was not terribly expensive. Practical Sailor has a great article this month about bottom paint. Might be worth looking at. I also grew weary of rigging and launching my boat and now keep it at a slip so I can use it more.
Robbin
Andrei Caldararu wrote:
Howard and Bill,
The one thing I am most afraid of is not fresh water slime, but gelcoat blisters. Indeed the sailing season here is May-mid October, so 5.5 months. Is the issue with gelcoat blisters mostly from saltwater?
Just a dinghy with a set of oars probably won't do: the mooring is about 800 feet away from the ramp where I can get in the water in a public spot, and I don't want to bother my friend by going through his back yard every time I want to go sailing. Or would it? I was thinking perhaps a canoe instead, so I could also enjoy it by itself.
Thanks, Andrei.
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