Bottom Paint

[Fishtales]

Hi,
Each spring I see a thread or two on this topic. I painted the bottom this year using Pettit Hyrdocoat as I usually do. I find this perfect for my environment (south of Boston), I wash with a pressure washer and acid when the boat is hauled and usually get 2-3 years with this multi season ablative paint that cleans up with water. I have not had much build up at all and use the larger scotchbrite pads to roughen the areas and scum line before painting. What paint are others using and what has been your experience?

 

[onoahimahi]

Same story for me - I used Hydrocoat last year, pressure washed in the fall, and only required a but of touch up this spring. My boat had never been bottom painted so I went with the Pettit barriercoat, followed by a coat of red Hydrocoat and finally a coat of black Hydrocoat. I'll never go back based on the simplicity of the water clean up and not having to breath the traditional stuff. The only minor drawback is that, depending on how long the can has been sitting, you have to stir it very thoroughly, and then stir it some more...