clear bottom paint or sealant?

Jorday

Member
Joined
Mar 14, 2022
Messages
9
Reaction score
3
Points
3
Age
42
Model
Express 330
Just picked up a 2021 express 330. no bottom paint. I am in freshwater, northern lake huron. The water is pretty clean here. Not interested in the usual bottom paint look. what are my other choices?
 

nuclear

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2020
Messages
219
Reaction score
81
Points
28
Model
Seafarer
You can find white bottom paint as well, it doesn't stand out quite as much.
 

family affair

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2010
Messages
1,306
Reaction score
293
Points
83
Location
Ohio
Model
Islander
You don't have many choices, but they are:
- lift
- dry stack
- armored hull enclosure
 

family affair

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2010
Messages
1,306
Reaction score
293
Points
83
Location
Ohio
Model
Islander
Hull Maxx is the only clear product, but it will not prevent scum build up. It is also slightly less expensive than gold plating!
 

Jorday

Member
Joined
Mar 14, 2022
Messages
9
Reaction score
3
Points
3
Age
42
Model
Express 330
instructions from grady says it needs to be painted if it's going to be in the water for more than a few days?

id do a lift but i don't think the marina will allow me to do so.

sounds like it's probably gonna be hull max
 

DennisG01

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Sep 1, 2013
Messages
6,839
Reaction score
1,214
Points
113
Location
Allentown, PA & Friendship, ME
Model
Offshore
The Grady "recommendation" (it's not a requirement) is most likely for salt water.

Before you paint, check with others in the same area that don't have bottom paint and see how they're fairing. Don't worry if it's a Grady, or not, that makes no difference what so ever.

Another thing to check is to see what your marina charges for a "short haul" with bottom wash.

I have no experience with Hull Maxx, but from a quick read, it looks like it still requires ocassional brushing/cleaning... meaning, either hiring a diver or doing a short haul.
 

Chessie246G

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2021
Messages
285
Reaction score
99
Points
28
Age
46
Location
Maryland
Model
Explorer
You will likely get algae growth within a week or so. There is no way around that without some form of biocide bottom paint. Petit does sell a hybrid bottom paint available in white, but it will not stay white forever.

My bass boat will get discoloration is its wet for more than about 3-4 days at a time.
 

Sauza45

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2021
Messages
92
Reaction score
22
Points
8
Location
Sarasota
Model
Canyon 271
I understand the purpose of bottom paint, but having had a boat with bottom paint on it I will never do that again. I would exhaust all other options before I bottom paint.
 

Chessie246G

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2021
Messages
285
Reaction score
99
Points
28
Age
46
Location
Maryland
Model
Explorer
I understand the purpose of bottom paint, but having had a boat with bottom paint on it I will never do that again. I would exhaust all other options before I bottom paint.
out of 100% curiosity, why are you so against bottom paint?
 

Jorday

Member
Joined
Mar 14, 2022
Messages
9
Reaction score
3
Points
3
Age
42
Model
Express 330
trailer is an option. I do already have a trailer for this boat, and I am able to keep the boat on the trailer at the marina so all i would have to do is hook up the boat in the marina parking lot and back it into the water. it's still kind of a lot of work but it is an optin.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chessie246G

blindmullet

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2015
Messages
449
Reaction score
106
Points
43
Location
Florida
Model
Explorer
Interlux VC Performance - super slick surface that can be polished. Good for trailer/stack boats.
 

Sauza45

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2021
Messages
92
Reaction score
22
Points
8
Location
Sarasota
Model
Canyon 271
I don't like bottom paint because it takes away from the boat both in looks and performance. You will have to have it redone every
year or 2 depending on your situation. That is not cheap. having said all that I do understand that bottom paint is a needed thing in
certain instances. I had a boat that was in a wet slip and it needed to be bottom painted, but I still had to clean the bottom all the time
and you never get it good.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chessie246G

Chessie246G

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2021
Messages
285
Reaction score
99
Points
28
Age
46
Location
Maryland
Model
Explorer
Interlux VC Performance - super slick surface that can be polished. Good for trailer/stack boats.
Just finished my Explorer in VC Performance, only draw back no antifoul.... Ill be in the high/dry so didn't need antifoul.
 
  • Like
Reactions: blindmullet

SkunkBoat

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2017
Messages
4,260
Reaction score
1,479
Points
113
Location
Manasquan Inlet NJ
Website
www.youtube.com
Model
Express 265
Pardon my rant.
you can't have your cake and eat it too.

330 is 11,000 lbs dry, 11'7" beam. It is not a trailer boat no matter what anybody wants to try to believe.

If you own one you keep it in the water and have the bottom painted and maintained. You go to the marina and hang out on the boat.
..or you put it on a lift behind your lake house.

The cost is not relevant. It's a boat. Its a big expensive boat and you own it.

and the bottom paint is underwater. You only see a thin line.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: nuclear and Byram

loubeer

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Sep 6, 2017
Messages
173
Reaction score
66
Points
28
Location
Newport Beach, CA
Model
Express 330
Pardon my rant.
you can't have your cake and eat it too.

330 is 11,000 lbs dry, 11'7" beam. It is not a trailer boat no matter what anybody wants to try to believe.

If you own one you keep it in the water and have the bottom painted and maintained. You go to the marina and hang out on the boat.
..or you put it on a lift behind your lake house.

The cost is not relevant. It's a boat. Its a big expensive boat and you own it.

and the bottom paint is underwater. You only see a thin line.
Your rant is excused - you're right! If you want to play - you've got to pay (I know!). Hey - our maintenance/operating costs are peanuts compared to the Viking, Hatteras, Bertram, etc. battlewagons!?!?!
 

Jorday

Member
Joined
Mar 14, 2022
Messages
9
Reaction score
3
Points
3
Age
42
Model
Express 330
I think i'm gonna look in to a hoist.