Optima flaking at water line

[davidwf]

I raised the water line about an inch this year and dutifully primed the area using Primocon, but the Optima has flaked off where it was out of the water, it did this within the first 3 weeks of launch.

Is this normal with Optima, I don't really want to use a boot topping if I can help it.

 

[Chris_Stannard]

In my experience yes. Optima requires a boot topping for the wind and water bit

Chris Stannard

 

[Robin]

Our Optima is taken above the actual waterline, no problem but it is over Gelshield/Micron not Primocon. Primocon used to need overcoating within a short time which has changed with different versions, maybe Optima needs applying soon after the Primocon since it does not have a strong solvent base like say Micron. I had heard advice to apply 1 coat of 'hard' antifoul before applying Optima if starting from a bare surface or one recently epoxied. Why not ask International, they are usually very helpful.

 

[kdf]

You have to be careful with Optima - its a water based paint and is fussy about what's underneath it. You should call International and they will tell you whether the Primocon is ok. They may suggest going back over the affected areas with sandpaper to cut the primer a little more. I have to resan the entire boat after I put on Tar 2 with Optima on top - just didn't take at all. Hopefully you wont have to do this.

 

[davidwf]

Many thanks for replies, I am going to the boat show and will look out the Internatioanl stand, although I expect I will need to apply a boot top.