Painting Bottom Opinions please...

[TI Frank]

Hi Guys,
Normally I trailer my 17cc. This year I have a slip in NJ. I'll probably be leaving it in the salt water for 4 weeks at a time. Using it 3-4 times a week. Do I need to paint the bottom? What would the down side be? If it were fiberglass I probably would paint it.

Also, have anyone of you guys taken a 17cc out in the ocean and had any problems with 2-3 foot chop?
Thanks much,
Frank

[Fishahn]

3 foot chop can be a literal pain in the --s on my 210 so I imagine it can't be too much fun in the 17cc. I'd rather ride in 7 foot swells than 3 foot chop!

I installed trim tabs last year to help in the chop, they do help til it gets to rough!

[fridaysoff]

TI,
I have a 170CC with 60 HP Yamaha 4 stroke. I've been in 2-3' chop and it was manageable. That said, I do not go out when it's 2-3'. I'll go out when it's 1-2' and head back in if the wind picks up any more. I've never been soaked on my 170 by the wind spray, but I'll slow down and ease back in if it gets real bad. I hate going to the dentist and making my fillings rattle trying to bang my way back in the inlet is a sure way to have to go see him. It's still the toughest little 17' boat I've ever been on.
John D.

[TI Frank]

Thanks guys....I'm with you....about the chop. This will be my first year with this boat being my primary boat. I'm too old to be "testing the waters". My concern was that I go out in flat seas and invaribly the wind kicks up when the sun rises.

Any suggestions on painting the bottom? Could I leave it in salt water for 4 weeks at a time and still power wash the bottom? Or do I need to paint?
Thanks for the replies,
Frank

[NCangler]

Hi Frank. I can add a quick word on leaving the boat in the water. I left my 210 in the water for 10 days once down in Oriental, NC and the bottom was a mess. I power washed and scrubbed a lot to get most of that off and some of it never did come off because of where it was located underneath (my back isn't what it used to be ). The water down in Oriental is a brackish mix of river and salt water but I would strongly recommend either bottom painting as prescribed by Triumph or not leaving it in the water. Hope this helps.
Randy

Originally Posted by TI Frank

Any suggestions on painting the bottom? Could I leave it in salt water for 4 weeks at a time and still power wash the bottom? Or do I need to paint?
Thanks for the replies,
Frank

[Genelie]

Okay I heard of bottom painting hulls....WHAT does that do / or prevent??????

[Mainer]

I leave my 17' cc on a mooring up here in Maine. I haul it every 3 or 4 weeks to power wash it. I have not had any troubles.

[TI Frank]

mainer...........is that salt water or brackish? Or are you talking about fresh water?
Thanks,

Gene......these salt water slips usually require an antifouling paint to prohibit marine growth. I'm sure you've seen what can grow on fiberglass. I've seen as much as 2-4 inches of algae and mollusks. I just didn't know if Triumph's bottoms needed paint if stored for a short period.

All replies appreciated.
Frank

[Mainer]

Hi Frank,

Sorry I should've been more specific. It is pure salt water. Not brackish at all. I use it a couple of times a week on average. I haul it every 3 or 4 weeks to give it a good pressure wash. I haven't had any problems with staining or discoloration. Let me know if you have any other questions.