Winter 2012-2013: Projects: Bottom Paint

Really wasn't much after the big upgrades last winter.

The electronics are just fine.

The sails are just fine.

The batteries, solar etc upgrades are doing great!  I hook up to shore power in the winter only to run a 115v space heater to keep the moisture/condensation down.

The waste hoses concerned me.  RT has had several masserator pump failures, the combo salt/waste corrodes the stainless steel pump head bolts.  Further, the Dragonfly is reputed to have problems with the holding tank rotting.  To date, the holding tank flexes (whomp sound) when pumped so it is still solid.  The hoses are also original, but of high quality.  Further, Strider was in fresh water and Fred hardly ever used the head (easy to see why and hence the upgrade last winter).  I pulled one of the hoses and found it to still be in great shape.  I did replace it with a 1.5in PVC hose - which actually fits better than the original.

Interior is in great shape - just need to keep it clean, wood oiled and leather treated.

Exterior always needs polishing.  Found Flitz works great!

Replaced the ratty main and genoa sheets, genoa traveler lines.  Also got a bottom job.

Strider had Interlux VC17 on her when purchased.  The previous owner put her on the hard every winter and added a coat of VC17 in the spring prior to launch.  During our travels last summer, I noticed some of the paint was flaking off, exposing paint layers underneath.  Too many layers!  Further, algae beards grew very quickly in the marina, 2-3ft in a couple weeks!  VC17 is a slick racing paint, but does not handle long term exposure to salt water.  Made for fresh water....

It was difficult combing through all the product literature and culling the unacceptable.  Interlux or Pettit?  Micron CF W/Biolux/Econea or Trinidad SR.  Liked the colors available with the Micron, but decided on the Trinidad SR.

From the product info:

"Trinidad SR is a hard, protective paint that yields the most durable finish for long-lasting performance that still allows for easy burnishing. It can be applied over most hard antifouling coatings. Be sure to remove old, soft antifouling paint before applying to any surface. Excellent adhesion to fiberglass, wood and steel hulls, but do not use on aluminum.
Trinidad SR is the standard by which all bottom paints are measured. It remains the longest lasting, strongest antifouling paint available. Utilizing the dual biocide combination of a high copper load and slime resistant Irgarol, Trinidad SR provides unprecedented resistance to all fouling. Its hard protective coating has excellent adhesion, and withstands the toughest abuse. Left in the water, it will provide years of dependable service. So effective it earned Practical Sailor’s "Gear of the Year" honors twice."

 Red, Black, Green (yah, right):  Blue (lightish, but could work...)

Skip at Marine Servicenter was very patient and helpful!