Bottom Paint - Maxum Boat Owners Club

rgreenwell8962 · 10-11-2010, 06:17 PM

Since we got our 2500 scr, we have not had to redo the bottom paint. I had the lower unit painted last year, but the bottom was still in good condition. I anticipate having to do it this year though and was curious as to how much I should expect to have this done, how many coats I should have put on, et cetera. I live in the Pacific Northwest, moor year round in fresh water.

Thoughts and suggestions greatly appreciated.

shrew · 10-13-2010, 01:13 PM

I had mine sandblasted, barrier coated and painted for somewhere around $700 2 years ago. I was in the process of swapping out an engine, painting the engine compartment, installing a new holding tank, sanitation lines and head and didn't have the time. Personally, I would paint the bottom myself if I had the time. It's not hard.

If the bottom is good now, then all you'll need to do is completely clean it, give it a good rub down with some kind of mineral spirits. Each paint manufacturer will tell you in the instructions how many coats, recommended thickness in mil. and what to use to prepare the surface.

rgreenwell8962 · 10-15-2010, 06:49 PM

Thanks Shrew,

Do I have to take the existing bottom paint off?

shrew · 10-18-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgreenwell8962

Thanks Shrew,

Do I have to take the existing bottom paint off?

It depends on the condition. If there is a lot of chipped paint, especially if it's been since painted over, or if you have a significant amount of build up, then yes. If the paint is smooth and even and there's not a lot of build up, then you can usually prepare it for the next coat. It'll be impossible to determine the type of paint you have on there, but most anti-fouling have instructions on how to applied over an existing coat of paint. Follow the instructions on the can exactly and you'll be all set.

rgreenwell8962 · 10-19-2010, 05:38 AM

Thanks Shrew. reading up on it now. Looks like the temp needs to be above 50. Could be a problem.

shrew · 10-19-2010, 01:04 PM

Bottom painting is a spring project. Many paints have a max time they can be dry before they need to be 'reactivated'. To reactivate it usually requires some kind of sanding. Most people put on antifouling paint as the last step to commissioning. I'd wait until the spring.

rgreenwell8962 · 10-19-2010, 09:38 PM

Canal in Ballard said it'd be $455 plus paint. They use Seahawk Sharkskin at $14 per foot plus $70 haz fee. Thats $805. I figured while it was out of the water I'd get the lower unit serviced. Lake Union Sea Ray can come out for $65 off site fee plus $290.81. All said and done I am looking at about 11 hundred bucks. THat doesnt include zincs, if needed. B.O.A.T.!!!!! Wishing I had a trailer and heated garage that I could do this myself. The paint is only about $140!!! Jeeeez! This is going to hurt!

seapuppy · 10-19-2010, 09:55 PM

now you know why I dry store mine at dagmars...cheaper in the long run...

SP

Nimh · 10-20-2010, 08:59 PM

Yeah, isn't boat ownership fun, Rich?

What does the "lower unit service" entail? Depending on how far they dig, that sounds a bit high, but I expected the on-site charge.

I can't recall which outdrive you have, but I did manage to find somebody fairly inexpensive for zinc kits online last season. I think it was these guys...
http://www.boatzincs.com/mercruiser-zinc.html

They also sell bottom paint. DIY?

seapuppy · 10-20-2010, 11:05 PM

repainting the bottom is fairly easy...tape...plastic drapes...plastic for the ground...paint....zinc's can be had fairly easily....

the drive inspection involves taking the drive out...(b3's are heavy as hell and need a stand)...inspect gimble bearing...coupler...check alignment of engine......re-grease splines and prop hub......reinstall drive....

SP

Nimh · 10-20-2010, 11:50 PM

Yeah, I've done a few bottom paint jobs with dear old Dad many years ago. None of it was hard as it was tedious, especially prep. We could knock out our 32 footer in an easy weekend on the hard - pulling her out on Friday evening, and back in the slip by Sunday afternoon in time for supper. Our boat now is bottom-paint-less.

Steve - do you have Lake Union Sea Ray do your drive inspections also? Is that still part of warranty/service for the new boat?

seapuppy · 10-21-2010, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nimh

Steve - do you have Lake Union Sea Ray do your drive inspections also? Is that still part of warranty/service for the new boat?

yep....LUSR aka Art is the guy..he has the lift for the B3 drive and can do both in a day....unless there is something wrong...but yeah...I just don't have all the proper tools aka alignment bar....etc...

Steve

Nimh · 10-21-2010, 12:38 AM

Cool, thanks Steve.