Bottom paint

[GH02050]

I am getting ready to apply a fresh coat bottom paint on my 2016 232 Gulfstream. This is my first boat with an aluminum bracket. I was planning on using a budget friendly cpp ablative for the hull but I understand it can't be used on the Aluminum bracket. Now I'm not sure if I should buy CCP for the hull and get a quart of an Aluminum safe paint for the bracket of just buy a gallon of something will work on both the bracket and the hull. Both surfaces are currently painted. I'm not sure what the previous owner used.

Any suggestions on bottom paint given the above description... What would you do ?

 

[DennisG01]

It's sort of a 50-50 thing... there's no "best" answer. I just use an Eco (no metals) paint on everything to keep things simple. BUT... this largely depends on the water you are in as some paints work better in some areas than others. Do this... ask locals what works - and make sure to ask the locals that have been there for a long time, not just some guy on the dock that regurgitates internet searches and then claims to be the "expert" Find the guys that are quietly, sitting back and smiling.

 

[GH02050]

I appreciate the reply. I have no issues with the performance of cheap CCP for the fiberglass hull, I've been using it for many years & works well in my area. The aluminum add a new wrinkle for me.

I can't be 100% sure but I believe the previous owner used an the same ablative paint on the aluminum bracket as was used on the hull. Most likely has copper in it. I have a small amount of corrosion which I suppose is to be expected on a 10yr old boat but would like to preserve what I got the best I can. I'm temped to leave it as is and just make sure I have fresh anodes on there at all times. It sure would be the easy way out and allow me to move forward with my season. BUT.... I think I am going to chemically strip the paint off the bracket to get a better look at what is going on under the paint. If I do this, I will apply an epoxy based barrier coat then finish with Aluminum friendly bottom paint. Boats can sure be a pain in the arse!

 

[DennisG01]

I think that's a good plan. It's "probably" OK the way it is... and covering it up with known-metal free is also "probably" OK. But if you're going to be thinking about all season, best to do it. I'd probably do the same thing if I was in your shoes.

If you're good with cheap stuff for the hull, go for it. I use the metal free stuff on everything mainly because of the price I can get it at, it's just easier.