bottom paint - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

19Mako · 07-06-2003, 01:20 PM

Hopefully some of you veteran boaters can help me,
I had that new bottom paint put on (clear Go Fast by Dolphinite) and the boat looks great, just like out of the showroom. You can't even see the bottom paint. There is a drawback though, the product doesn't work like the company claims.

There is marine growth on my hull and there has been some reports of this particular paint peeling off in sheets. So far the paint is still on my hull with no signs of peeling but I've noticed the marine growth is increasing. Along the waterline are green grassy substances and the bottom is covered with a brownish green slime. Is this common with other boats with bottom paint? Should I expect some marine growth? I've also found tiny barnacle like things growing on the transducer wires.

If you check the Dolphinite website, you'll see numerous complaints about the product failing and the company now has issued an advisory to suspend using the product until further notice. They have been supportive so far and have advised me to hold on to all receipts since they are going after the actual manufacturer of the paint.

JohnR,
maybe you can recommend something since the dealership has agreed to repaint the bottom. I've taken the boat out of the water this morning, taken pictures to document the product failure, and power washed and scrubbed it back to new again. Also what is up with the yellowing? Now theres 2 coats of teflon wax inside and out on the entire boat. Looks so good I don't want to put it back in the nasty water.

So if anyone is thinking about using Dolphinite's GoFast bottom paint, DON'T!

thanks,
Anthony

Van · 07-06-2003, 07:24 PM

ANTHONY,
I happen to know of a company that is doing testing and analysis on that product. (no names right now), but this is exactly why they are testing the product..
You definately have a grip with Dolphinite. I don't know what theywill be able to do about boats that have used it though, but keep on them.......Good Luck.....

If you go with good old bottom paint I suggest an ablative.
Personally i use ACT by interlux Ablative Copolymer, works just fine. There are plenty of reputable paints out there.
Again Good Luck..
V.

likwid · 07-07-2003, 12:17 AM

Depending on the boat, I'll swear by either VC Speed or VC Offshore and Interlux Fiberglass Bottomcoat.

No matter what you put on the bottom, depending on where you are, you're gonna have growth if you leave the boat in the water.
All the hardcore toxic stuff is illegal now, but then again, cleaning the bottom gives you an excuse to go for a swim.

Mr. Sandman · 07-07-2003, 07:52 AM

I am sorry to hear about your experience with that paint...But I am also glad you posted it as I was planning on stripping mine to the gelcoat and using that stuff next season.

179 · 07-07-2003, 08:23 AM

My boat is bottom painted and stays in the water, I still 2-3 times a season pull it out and powerwash the bottom, the growth comes right off. Just watch the washer's pressure it can take the paint off too...

JohnR · 07-07-2003, 12:29 PM

Anthony - sorry to hear it crapped out on you. Won a lot of good reviews but didn't stick and didn't anti-foul....

capesams · 07-07-2003, 07:51 PM

Always buy the best you can afford. bottom paint with the highest copper content is your best bet. ...one other thing , if your getting alot of growth on your bottom , your not useing the boat enough......one more thing , if you don't like sanding the bottom try ...WIL_BOND...your local hardware store should have it. cuts through old layers of paint so the new paint will stick. been useing it for years....NO MORE SANDING...

19Mako · 07-07-2003, 10:43 PM

I use the boat at least 4 times a week so there shouldn't be much marine growth. The Dolphinite company has since taken all it's telephone and email contact info off their site. I still think the dealership that performed the work is still somewhat reliable and should rectify the problem for their customers.

Do you guys think it would be fair for me to have to pay a couple of hundred to have it work done over? I'm kind of new to this.

Anthony

capesams · 07-08-2003, 05:19 AM

did you ask them to put that brand of paint on or did they pick it?
if you asked for it I'd say your on your own.
if they said to use it, let them foot the bill.

19Mako · 07-08-2003, 04:30 PM

Ouch, I think I suggested it and pretty much wanted something to keep the boat looking original. The dealership did some research on their own and but couldn't find anything to match the color of the boat.

I think they painted 7 other boats with the Go Fast bottom paint.

Anthony

capesams · 07-09-2003, 05:51 AM

sorry....if the paint was flakeing off, you could hog tie them for a new paint job, cause they did a sloppy prep job. but thats not the case... now you need to see if there is something that'll go over top of that and stick.....good luck!

nor-easter · 07-09-2003, 04:54 PM

I would suggest going to the outfit that applied the stuff to your boat and asking them to apply (whatever your choice of paint) to your bottom. Ask them if they would be willing to clean off the stuff that didn't work and prep the surface for the new coating.
You pay for the paint, see if they will pay for the application.
If they turn you down you know who not to do business with in the future!

beachwalker · 07-09-2003, 06:16 PM

Hey,

I don't have a BIG boat but use Interlux and "Normally" get small amounts of growth, especiall as the water warms. With a small boat (19' Whaler) I hop over the side and scrub it down every week. It cleans off the growth and prevents heavier build up.

A big boat requires a diver.

I spent most of my life racing sailboats where everyone is a freakin'nut about antifouling and the bottom line still is that there is NO perfect anti fouling. When it is,it pollutes.......

Good luck with Dolphinite. Make em' reimburse the costs.

Another bunch of marketing liers are exposed !