Bottom Paint

[Tom Lanzilli]

Can someone tell me how much paint it takes to apply one coat?  My plan is to apply 3 coats all together one probably red and the next two blue.  It would be helpfull if I can buy the right amount of paint while it is on sale.

[Gary Ambrose]

I use an ablative paint that wears away each season.  So I do one coat reapplication each year in coastal Maine sailing.  The boat is in 6 months a year.  The can suggests 400 sq. ft. per gallon of coverage.  It takes me 4-5 quarts per coat.  Hope this is helpful.

[Ron Hill]

TJL : You didn't mention if you are starting from the barrier coat or not.  If you are here's what I did.
1. Put on one coat of hard bottom next to the barrier coat in contrasting color to the barrier coat.
2. Cover the single hard bottom coat with a contrasting color ablative coat.  One coat!

Remember the old Chinese proverb : The more bottom paint that you put on , the more you'll have to take off!!

One single coat of ablative is good for about 1 to 3 years.  I've found that a re coat after 2/3 years is necessary to protect against slime, NOT barnacles.  You need to haul the boat in that time to clean off the junk from the running gear anyway.

To answer your question on the amount of paint per coat.  I can do my bottom with 1 gallon per coat.  
I'm sure you'll get all kinds of advice.    

[Stu Jackson]

and, if you can buy the stuff on sale, then get as much as you can afford.  You'll surely need more in the future. ...and it's not going to get any less expensive.

[John Fogelgren]

For "Hard Bottom Paint", what size  roller do you suggest - 1/4" or 3/8" nap?  And do you dilute your paint with paint thinner?

[Jeff Kaplan]

 i use act single season ablative antifouling paint and can do the bottom and rudder with one gallon...jeff

[Ron Hill]

John : For a smoother finish use a 1/4" nap.
On thinning the paint? - you'll need to watch the weather and humidity.  If It's hot and dry the roller will start to "pull" and you'll have to thin the paint.  Usually the best time to paint is early AM.