Paint below waterline

[Oldboat]

Morning. I’m sure the question of using awlgrip/awlcraft below waterline has been talked about and I do like to stay within spec but have crossed the line at time. My 13 whaler has has oyster white awlgrip top bottom for 5 year and sits in the water in keys for up to 10 days no issues looks great. I painted the bottom of my project 23 seacraft with oyster white awlgrip on hull sides and bottom with signature series 13 year ago and again no issues after 10 days in water in keys.has any one else had good results on their boat bottoms with awlgrip/awlcraft and has anyone had bad results after leaving in water up to 10 days. I want to paint my hull complete sides and bottom with awlcraft 2000 aqua mist . Thx

[DonV]

I found in the canal at my old condo in Islamorada ten days was about the limit to leave the boat in the water, especially in the summer. After that the "grass" starts to grow below the water line and it's tough to get off even with the toughness of gel coat. That being said my transom is Signature paint and it's been cleaned many, many times over the nine years it's been on there and it still looks great!! I'm thinking constant applications of Colinite wax helps!! Good luck.

[Oldboat]

Thx Don. Not sure if it helps but I have let both boats I have painted with awlgrip sit for 30 days or more after painting befor I put in service and it seemed that they shelled or got harder .

[Kraken]

I have the same question. Do I have to gelcoat the bottom or can I just paint the whole boat with awlgrip? I trailer a lot. Will paint hold up to trailer wear? Will paint hold up to two weeks in the keys?