Epoxy bottom choices ?

[Lightwave395]

My boat is having several years of AF removed by a grit blaster in a few days.
I've hunted around old posts to get a consensus on a fresh epoxy coating for afterwards, which I've conceded I'd be wise to do, particularly on a nearly 30 year old boat - she did have gel shield applied around year 2000 but I have no idea how well.

Having conceded I will, subject of course to the hull condition being revealed, I'm just wondering, aside from the solvent vs solvent free debate what the actual difference in practical terms is between Gel shield at £100 for 2.5L and Jotun Penguard HB Epoxy Coating (which can also be applied at low temperatures) at £48 for 5L ?

Any opinions, scientific or subjective gratefully received, even if I'm daft to compare the two...

 

[Quandary]

I used the Penguard HB, it was a winter application in Scotland so needed the low temperature additive, easy to apply and satisfactory performance. I applied a coat of Jotuns vinygard 88 immediately before antifouling. The old antifouling had been scraped off by hand. When I took off the antifouling again by the same method after some years the epoxy stayed in place, at least as hard as gelcoat.

 

[caerolusmagnus]

I have had good success with VC Tar 2.
Used original Coal Tar Epoxy on a Contessa 32 which has spent some twenty years in Florida Bahamas area and hull under body is still sound.
Now on Rival 32 which takes the large 2 litre can.

 

[Lightwave395]

I used the Penguard HB, it was a winter application in Scotland so needed the low temperature additive, easy to apply and satisfactory performance. I applied a coat of Jotuns vinygard 88 immediately before antifouling. The old antifouling had been scraped off by hand. When I took off the antifouling again by the same method after some years the epoxy stayed in place, at least as hard as gelcoat.

Appreciate your feedback, at half the price for twice as much I think I'll go with the Penguard option too - how long did you wait to apply the vinyguard ?

 

[Quandary]

Appreciate your feedback, at half the price for twice as much I think I'll go with the Penguard option too - how long did you wait to apply the vinyguard ?

It was put on as the final coat of Penguard was going off, which meant that I started it immediately on the first side. The vinygard 88 is Jotuns version of Primocon but I like it better. Very versatile primer, it does a good job on the steel of the boat cradle and I have also used it as an outdoor wood primer.
Jotuns prices were what attracted me first but I found the performance to be excellent. I suspect that because their target market is commercial marine and oil industry they do not apply a 'yachty' premium. You have to buy bigger tins but it keeps.