Bottom Paint Primer?

[Fill Ess]

I need to bottom paint the tender before the season starts, since it stays in the water.

The surface is high-density polyethylene so it's more porous than fiberglass.

I'll be using ablative but I haven't been able to get a good answer on whether or not to use a primer. It's never been bottom painted before. The build-up of growth is insane without it.

 

[Pirate Lady]

I always had the initial work done by dealer when I bought new, or it was already done when used.
But, based on life experiences I would say you absolutely need primer. The ablative will slide right off without, in fact, you may need to scuff the bottome before you primer but get a second opinion. Maybe check with the selling dealer.

 

[paulswagelock]

I would suggest you scuff it using a maroon scotch brite pad and an abrasive prep compound like S90 or bio blue. Then use the primer from the same company you pick for paint.

 

[sbw1]

Follow the directions on the can.

 

[ttmott]

Total Boat epoxy primer - Totalprime. Call them first for compatibility with your boat's hull material.

 

[Fill Ess]

Ok thanks for the advice so far. The tender came from WM and same for the ablative. I called them but they didn't have a good rec for primer to go along with their bottom paint. I just picked up a good primer to go down first and I will scuff the hull first for sure.

 

[Skybolt]

... The tender came from WM and same for the ablative. I called them but they didn't have a good rec for primer to go along with their bottom paint. ...

I would return the paint from WM. You can't just use any paint on PVC or Hypalon. This has been formulated just for this application.

https://www.totalboat.com/products/inflatable-boat-bottom-paint

 

[Fill Ess]

I would return the paint from WM. You can't just use any paint on PVC or Hypalon. This has been formulated just for this application.

https://www.totalboat.com/products/inflatable-boat-bottom-paint

Even on a rigid tri-hull? This is not an inflatable .....

 

[Skybolt]

Even on a rigid tri-hull? This is not an inflatable .....

Ah my bad, didn't realize the pic was the boat. Yeah tough one on that, that is really plastic so you will need a primer for sure.

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/product/product-detail/97828

 

[Fill Ess]

Ah my bad, didn't realize the pic was the boat. Yeah tough one on that, that is really plastic so you will need a primer for sure.

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/product/product-detail/97828

Ok thank you. Good call on the plastic. It does flex a tiny bit -- more than a fiberglass hull obviously but doesn't need to bend like a Zodiac.

The alternative is not to paint it, but I get this after a month in the water even with daily use

 

[Skybolt]

Ok thank you. Good call on the plastic. It does flex a tiny bit -- more than a fiberglass hull obviously but doesn't need to bend like a Zodiac.

The alternative is not to paint it, but I get this after a month in the water even with daily use

View attachment 142444

I had one of those and kept in on the weekends only, that helped a lot. Personally I would get a jetski dock and leave it on that. They work wonders and saves all of the "work" needed to keep the bottom clean. You could make one cheaper then buying a used one though.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Hey Phil,
Do what i do. Pay someone, give them the address to the bar to come by for payment.

 

[Fill Ess]

Well .... found a good primer and 2 coats of blue ablative. Should be good to go for the season!

 

[Fill Ess]

2 coats of blue over primer. At this rate a gallon will last at least 5 years!

 

[Pirate Lady]

2 coats of blue over primer. At this rate a gallon will last at least 5 years!

View attachment 143020

I just finished my gallon. Third year. So about $33 a year for paint. Ablative, i only paint what flaked / rubbed off. I don’t believe in full bottom every year. Took me about 15 minutes. Including stirring. Main boat, not dinghy.