To paint or not to paint?

[DLH]

Any advice for painting bottom? New boat arriving this spring will be kept on a lift, but will make extended trips were boat would be in the water for long weekends, etc. Chesapeake Bay area. If you don't paint, should the hull be waxed for protection? Any recomendations?
DLH

 

[Megabyte]

In our part of the Bay, painting the bottom would not be required when keeping the boat in the water over a long weekend. She might get a little dirty or stained, but you shouldn't get barnicle growth in that short a period of time.

Brown water stains are easilly cleaned with a number of normal cleaning products such as Formula 409.

 

[Porkchunker]

I'm on a trailer with no bottom paint. I've had mine in the water for 3-day sessions many times with no problem. Have had it at the CBBT for a 5-day trip each Nov or Dec with no problem.

If you are on a lift an only plan to be in the water 2-5 days at a time, I wouldn't bother with the cost and headache of bottom paint.

 

[DLH]

Thanks guys. Looking forward to the Spring season!