Underwater Primer

[robmcg]

The boat has just completed an osmosis treatment. Thinking ahead to getting her back in the water I was wondering if the hull would definitely require priming before antifouling (many new boats are not primed before their first antifoul coat). If the collective wisdom is to prime then is there any material advantage to priming in more expensive epoxy primer or just slap on the cheaper underwater stuff? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[jerryat]

Use either International or Blakes underwater primer. When I epoxied our boat, I used International's UW primer on the hull, but didn't have enough to do the keel - also epoxied.

Big mistake! The anti-fouling (Int'l Micron Plus) remained perfectly adhered to the hull, but came off in sheets on the keel!

I had to clean the rest off of the keel - pretty easy - and apply the above primer last year. Perfect adhesion now!

 

[oilyrag]

Agree with Jerryat except you can get the same type of product from Jotun at half the price of Primocon here : http://www.shepherdmarine.com/product_details.php?C_ID=2&ProductID=156

(No connection other than as satisfied customer etc. etc.)

 

[Caer Urfa]

Agree with other but I have always used ProCon, one advantage it is a bonding coat and can be applied over other paints if you are not sure.
Proof is always in the pudding and I have found I get a better life (two years) by using ProCon as the primer before adding international Micron Extra, even then the hull generaly requires a quick sanding down and re-coating.
Boat Motorsailor, used in North Sea all year.

 

[mickshep]

Another big thumbs up for 'Shepherd Marine' Jotun products at fantastic prices and very very helpfull staff. Would never consider going elsewhere. Mike.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Not much sticks to epoxy, it should be cleaned of all contamination left by the curing process before sanding, or you will just spread it.

Sand with a 200 grit, but only to just get the high gloss off, then prime with high build epoxy primer, this too will need sanding before applying anti fouling.

We have applied a very light coat over the primer and then put on the first coat of anti foul, primer still wet, never had a flake fall in years.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[atelford]

MickShep, is there any link between your name MickSHEP and Shepard Marine by any chance ?

 

[maxi77]

Our 'new' boat has also just had osmosis treatment and the yard applied the first coat of antifoul to ensure proper bonding, all included in the price.

 

[markdj]

As long as the antifoul is put on before the epoxy is fully cured then it will stick. Gelshield specifies a time period, possibly less than 48hrs after application but check with the instructions. Basically it is the "wet on tacky" procedure.