and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Our own waterfront rafter of turkeys came by the chandlery for a visit last Sunday. (Our boatyard cat was not impressed, she’s hiding under the steps.)
A little nautical knowledge
What is the difference between hard and ablative paint?
When you schedule your bottom paint package here at BMC, we’ll ask if the current bottom paint is hard or ablative. Here’s a quick explanation of each.
Hard paint is just that. It is a hard epoxy paint which coats the bottom of your boat with an antifouling barrier. It should be maintained by a diver scrubbing the growth periodically to keep the bottom of your boat smooth and release fresh antifouling. Just one coat, with an additional coat around the water line and leading edges is all you need. Hard paint builds up, and after many layers, will need to be removed down to the primer to avoid “sick” paint. Hard paint is great for boats that don’t get used often.
Ablative paint is “soft” antifouling paint. It gradually sloughs off releasing more antifouling as your boat moves through the water. The movement of the boat through the water helps keep it clean, with a diver gently cleaning it when necessary. Two coats, with an additional coat around the water line and leading edges, is required for ablative paint. Ablative paint is great for boats that are used more often.
You cannot put hard paint over ablative paint because the ablative paint sloughs off and will take your hard paint with it.
Ultimately, you choose which paint you want and we’re here to help with any questions or suggestions for your boat.
Give us a call at 510-843-8195.
