Which bottom paint for brackish water

[Ludicrous40]

Almost done scraping off the old paint. Want to buy the right ablative paint and hopefully minimize my yearly maintenance.

What would you guys recommend for my area (Merrimack River in Newburyport, MA)? The slip is on the west side of the Rte 1 bridge, such that the boat is sitting in a good mix of fresh and saltwater. When using the boat I'm almost always on the salty side.

Will I need a different type of paint for the bracket, or is there a good solution that is ok for both the fiberglass and the aluminum?

thanks

 

[TWOBOATER]

Interlux Micron CSC is supposed to be good on all hulls in all waters. Sea Hawk Cukote does well in brackish water too. You should use Interlux Tri-lux (out of a can, not aerosol) on the aluminum bracket.

 

[POGE]

For my bracket and tabs I used West Marine PCFA ( pricey copper free ablative) (copper free is a must for the metals) it worked very well with dual biocides. It is not water based like hydro coat, but it really worked well. Two coats on the tabs and bracket and you'll be amazed at the end of the season.

I use Hydro coat on my hull because I paint it on the trailer so clean up is very easy. It performs OK with just one coat, not as good as PCFA mentioned above.

 

[DaleH]

For a single-season ablative, West Marine CPP in black is awesome and now carries a $40 rebate, otherwise $140/gal.

 

[Megabyte]

I will let you know at the end of the season, because this year I am going with Pettit 'copper free' ablative.
The issues between copper, aluminum, and stainless prompted the switch.
I'm hoping it was a good call.

 

[miky2884]

Pettit hydro coat. Great stuff you wont be dissapointed

 

[dcunniff]

Been using Hydrocoat for years, paint it on a trailer too. Been using Trilux spray as well for years. But not in brackish water.

Has been in salt water in harbors, rivers to bays, and now just fresh water lake.

Have to scrub tabs, aluminum more.

Dana

 

[DaleH]

All my buddies on the Mack love Hydrocoat.