Bottom Paint Frequency

[archangel]

Diver stated that it was time for bottom paint, last done 5 years ago. We get bottom cleaned every month , zincs changed when needed. We have owned the boat for 15 years, waited 7 years for the first haul out. Both haul outs required some blister repair , yard always stated that our hull looked o.k. during the maintenance. Would appreciate some advice , or experiences from other sailors who wait an extra few years for the bottom paint ritual. Also, we had a dripless installed on the shaft last haul out , was advised that they need to be serviced periodically . Was curious at what the maintenance involves. Thanks for the response.

 

[Loren Beach]

Quite a bit of "PSS seal" discussion in this recent thread: https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads/32-3-“dripless”-pss-v-traditional-stuffing-box-opinions-please.21856/page-2#post-178114

 

[Frank Langer]

I have never let my bottom paint go longer than every three years, and most sailors here refresh it annually or at most every two years, so I'm a bit the exception. It might also vary with the kind of paint used and water conditions in your area.
I would suggest talking with local folk and local boatyards about their recommendations, as conditions, algae and critters do vary.
Frank

 

[bgary]

It depends. Salt water, fresh or brackish? warm water or cold? hard-burnished racing finish or ablative? Is the bottom scrubbed or just wiped down periodically? Is the boat used a lot or does it mostly sit in the slip?

My ablative lasts about 3 years in the Puget Sound. Sometimes more, but... 3 years is about right.