On Fri, 8 Oct 2010 15:00:54 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

So, I've got a question about boat paint... From what I've read, the hard
coat paint (epoxy?) is typically used on racing sailboats and those that are
pulled out rather than stored, and the ablative variety is more for cruising
boats that are typically not hauled out. Now, I read about a paint that does
both.. by Interlux I believe. Is this yet another sort of compromise that
isn't as good as either method by itself for it's particular application?

Books and lenghty articles can, and have, been written on the topic of
bottom paints. It's more complex than just cruising vs racing.

First consideration is what kind of paint, if any, is on the boat now.
Ablative paint can be applied over hard paint but not the other way
around. In other words, if the boat already has ablative paint you
must stick with it unless you take the bottom all the way down to
fiberglass and start over. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, it's
an expensive mistake that will need to be redone.

Next consideration is how the boat will be used. In the water 12
months a year, or hauled out every winter? Ablative paint can
usually be hauled out without repainting if it is still in good
condition. Hard paint varies but usually requires new paint if the
boat is hauled.

Last but not least, what are the locals in your area using, and what
are boat yards recommending? Not all paints work equally well in
different areas and usually the better yard managers will give you
good advice. Don't cheap out. The cost of the paint is small
change compared to the labor and haulout expenses.