On Fri, 31 Oct 2003 09:17:13 -0500, Ryk
wrote:

I'm planning to do a full bottom job this winter season and have not
yet decided what to put on after I get the old crap off. The preferred
bottom paint around here (Lake Ontario) is VC-17 and it works well. It
would be my choice except that I may head south some time, probably
only for a season or two.

A local authority warns that VC-17 is "not for salt water" and says he
doesn't know of anything that will coat over it.

The Interlux web site says VC-17 is for fresh or low fouling salt,
which probably doesn't include anywhere southern ;-) They suggest VC
Offshore for salt with higher fouling loads, but it is not clear if it
can be applied over VC 17.

Can anybody comment on VC-17 performance in the tropics? How about VC
offshore? Any experience with applying anything over VC-17?

Thanks for the input....

Ryk

You will have to remove all of the VC-17 in order to apply anything
else. According to Interlux's information, VC-17 has to removed before
anything else can be applied on top.

Having done this job myself I can tell you it is a long job but well
worth it. Use a 5" Random/Orbital sander. It took me two 8 hour days
to do the bottom of my 34 foot sailboat. Tough job, but the bottom is
much faster.

As for the paint I chose. I used SEALIFE 1000. Hard paint will last
many years and will work anywhere you go, as well as the Great Lakes.

Check them out at: http://sealifemarine.com/product.htm

Good luck,