[C320-list] Bottom Paint

[Allan S. Field]

Max - Assuming an ablative paint has been used, what you are seeing or
experiencing is normal.  The paint acts like a bar of soap, sloughing off as
the boat moves through the water and taking the growth with it.  But you
need to know what kind of paint was last used as not all paints are
multi-launch/multi-season.  We use Micron Extra with Biolux which is a
multi-launch/multi-season paint.  

Interlux (the manufacturer) recommends putting one color of paint on then
cover it with another color.  You don't repaint until you see the bottom
color showing through.

Every 2 years, I very gently sand the bottom to get any growth off that did
not come off with the power washing, plus to ensure a smooth surface for the
new paint.  USE A MASK OR HOOD WITH FILTER, HAT, GLOVES, EYE COVERING AND
OVERALLS; this stuff is very toxic.  I also use a wet vac with a drywall bag
inside and use an orbital sander for the sanding; you don't want the dust
flying around the marina.  I then put 3 coats of ablative on with 5 coats on
the leading edges.  We sail about 50-55 times per season so this works well
for us.

As for repainting in the Spring, ablative can go on anytime the temp is
above about 50 degrees, assuming it is multi-season/multi-launch paint.  The
Interlux website has much more info on this that should be helpful.

Hope this helps. 

Allan S. Field
Sea Shadow - #808
Herrington Harbour South
Rosehaven, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Max Ruddy
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 12:02 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Bottom Paint

I recently purchased a 1995 320 and upon getting it ready for winter I  
notice when I clean the bottom portion where the previous owner  
applied bottom paint some of the color
comes off on the rag.  The bottom was painted black so as you can  
imagine all my sponges and rags are black.  Is this typically how  
bottom paint reacts, and if so what is the
proper way to handle repainting in the spring.

Thanks,

Max
Sail La Vie #270