Boat Maintenance
Most manufacturers recommend applying at least three coats of bottom paint along the waterline and other high friction areas. Any scrubbing should use the least aggressive means necessary to remove slime or algae.
Bottom Paint Test Checkup
Antifouling test panels rated after 4, 14, and 30 months.
When we last reported on bottom paint, several manufacturers were introducing new copper-free paints in response to increased pressure from environmental groups and regulatory agencies. Another key trend is a move toward water-based paints with a low VOC. At this point in our tests, results are mixed with many of our newest paints. A full Value Guide detailing the performance of almost 30 new paints at four months; over 50 hard and ablative paints at 14 months; and close to 20 hard and ablative paints at 30 months is included in this month’s report. Paints from Blue Water, Epaints, Pettit, Interlux, and Sea Hawk continue to do well. Find out which ones are top rated for racing sailboats, aluminum hulls, cruising boats, and environmental friendliness.
More Boat Maintenance
-
Mailport: March 2012
— Letters to Practical Sailor, March 2012. This month's letters cover subjects such as: Durabak Feedback, Inflatable... -
Where Credit is Due: March 2012
— Letters to Practical Sailor, March 2012. This month's letters cover subjects such as: Smart Plug and Forespar. -
A Look at Anchor Rodes
— We generally recommend high-grade, three-strand nylon for anchor rodes because of its cost effectiveness and... -
WipeOut Eraser vs. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Subscribers Only — A few months ago, we noticed that our dock neighbors were cleaning their decks with spongy-looking nanofiber pads.... -
Mailport: February 2012
— Letters to Practical Sailor, February 2012. This month's letters cover subjects such as: Engine-Free, Titanium, Sabre... -
Where Credit is Due: February 2012
— Letters to Practical Sailor, January 2012. This month's letters cover subjects such as: West Marine/Navico Reps,... -
A Toast to Ziggy the Iguana
Subscribers Only — Ordinarily, we don’t enlist animal subjects for our testing at Practical Sailor, but our report of odor-eating... -
Traction in Action: PS Tests DIY Nonskid Options
Subscribers Only — Boat owners looking to put some stick back into a slip-and-slide deck have a few options: apply a deck paint with a... -
Slippin' and Slidin
Subscribers Only — A good DIY nonskid offers effective traction (obviously) and is easy to apply, easy to clean, durable, and gentle... -
Products — Boat Maintenance: The Essential Guide to Cleaning, Painting, and Cosmetics
