Paint Process for protecting the Outside of the Hull of Boat?

Question

I understand that a newly plated hull will need to be primed before being antifouled. But I have since been told that because my boat is a static houseboat in Seawater that I dont need to treat it with Antifoul, and that a good quality primer will suffice? I have also been told that I can maybe use "Bitchumen" instead? Can anyone shed any light for me please, my Hull will soon be finished and iv got to make a decision quickly as to the route im going to take! Thanks ever so much :))

Answer 1

if the boat is never going to run, you don't really need anti fouling.......however, it will grow an amazing ecology in no time of slime, barnacles, maybe even mussels........if you can haul the boat out every few years..which you should just to maintain the sea cocks and check on whats happening below the water....then put a low cost anti fouling on that will give you a few months or so before the boat looks like a biology product.

Anti fouling or not you should have several sealer coats on the bottom over the glass...if its being finished to a "gel coat stage you still have to seal the gel coat with something, because fiberglass isn't waterproof, just highly water resistant.over the years water WILL find its way in and then its a mess to fix...consider at least few coats of epoxy over the bottom, and maybe then the Interlux silver bottom primer ( sorry don't have the part number) and then a cheap bottom paint......

Answer 2

epoxy primer will create a waterproof barrier to protect your boat

a mastic epoxy is the best for steel

best bet is to get an applicator with a airless to apply the right amount of coats and thickness to protect. this will also take alot less time

Only apply antifoul if you intend to slip it every 1 - 2 years to maintain the bottom.

bitumen is not the way to go if you want your boat to last