Ron56
11-15-2007, 12:05 AM
If any of you have heard of this please let me know about it.
I have read somewhere about a mixture of paint and I think graphite to
paint the bottom of a boat and make it very resistant to scratches and abuse. If any of you know of this or something better please let me know
the details. Thank you. Ron56
Gilbert
11-15-2007, 01:29 AM
I have talked to guys who have mixed graphite in epoxy for a bottom coat. It was intended for a trailerable boat which would be kept indoors also to avoid UV rays. A slippery bottom was the goal.
You can add a few things to paint to increase it's slipperiness, Teflon, graphite, etc., but your results require care.
Racers routinely wet sand the bottom of their boats before race day, with 2000 grit or better to get a baby's butt surface. Fancy wax jobs and all the rest, all have to be "rubbed" to the desire luster to maintain the coating, which of course you eventually wear through and have to redo.
Graphite in epoxy will harden the surface, making it more resistant to scratches and dings. Epoxy will not last long if exposed to UV, so as Gilbert has mentioned, these craft are covered and kept dry so the coatings last long enough to justify the additional costs.
A rubbed bottom will only account for a fractional increase in top speed, but if this means you're at the front of the fleet, rather then mid fleet, crossing the finish line then it's worth it. On pleasure craft it's a waste of money.
If you want to increase the abrasion resistance of the bottom, then a Xynole or Dynel sheathing may be in order. These fabrics set in epoxy, will dramatically increase abrasion resistance.
Ron56
11-15-2007, 10:39 PM
Thank you for the input gentlemen. I will look into your info.
Ron56
