Question 1

What type of antifouling paint should I use on my yacht?

Accepted Answer

The choice depends on how much the boat moves. Ablative (self-polishing) paints like Micron 66 work well on boats that cruise regularly — they wear away gradually, releasing biocide evenly. Hard paints like Trilux 33 suit boats that stay in one place and get regular hull cleans. Copper-free antifouling is required in some regions (California, parts of the EU) and recommended for aluminum hulls to prevent galvanic corrosion. For racing boats, thin-film performance coatings like Vivid reduce drag but need more frequent reapplication.

Question 2

How much does a bottom paint job cost?

Accepted Answer

A standard bottom paint application (pressure wash, light sand, two coats of antifouling) runs $20-$40 per foot of waterline — roughly $1,000-$3,200 for a 50-80 foot yacht. Full stripping to bare gelcoat, barrier coat and paint adds $50-$80 per foot. Haul-out and launch fees are separate. Materials (paint) typically cost $200-$400 per gallon and coverage is 300-400 sq ft per gallon. Budget for a full barrier-coat job every 8-10 years to prevent osmotic blistering.

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