New paint job

[ricknewman]

I'm in the process of getting my '78 23'cc painted. One of the prospective painters doesn't want to do the bottom saying that the awlgrip won't hold up on the bottom due to the friction from the water. The other painter says that its no problem. The boat stays either on the trailer or on the lift. Which of these guys is right? I've already bought the awlgrip so thats what he's using.

[Old'sCool]

Mine's been great for 10 years. Awlgrip is NOT supposed to be left in the water as blisters may occur.

[Kwaugh5p]

I was told by my painter that alwgrip can only stay in the water for a couple of days than it will blister. I am choosing bottom paint as I will sometimes leave my boat in for almost a week sometimes.

[strick]

I have left a boat in the water for up to 10 days with no problem on awlgrip bottom.

strick

[DonV]

The biggest problem here in Florida is algae growth on the bottom before you have to worry about blisters. I have the Signature paint on my transom and it's never blistered, however in the warm Florida water it never stays more than 5, 6 or maybe 7 days anyway. As far as the friction of the water hurting it, I don't think so. That paint is very hard and slick. If you are worried, have the bottom gel coated and the sides pained the color you want.

[ricknewman]

I'm going with it. I had one of my previous Seacrafts completely awlgriped and had no bottom issues but I sold the boat after just a couple years and didn't get to see how it held up.

[AyeSpy]

Awlgrip...As I'm sure you know, the faster the current of the tide, the more growth you will have. I've never heard of the paint blistering, but then again, I haven't heard of Gelcoat having that problem either. This is just what I was told when I was in the US Navy, but it was said that there was hot pepper powder in the bottom paint to keep growth and barnacles from growing on the hull. Just what I was told...

Chris.

[ricknewman]

Just got her back from the shop and am pleased with the results. Now I've got to get busy putting her back together. It doesnt look like the weather is going to cooperate for the holiday weekend anyway.