www.iFourWinns.com

Recently bought a new 318 Vista. Need to apply bottom paint for the first time. Any info on the process would be appreciated. Will be boating in Lake Michigan. What is the best type paint to apply.

for best results apply a barrier coat to avoid future blisters. I like the pettit vivid, and intralux (sp) also makes good paint. first and foremost make sure you or the painter take the time to prep and get all the wax off the gel coat.

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2000 268 Vista "Reely Nauti"
http://www.facebook.com/#!/rivercruiser

Four Winns hull process includes a barrier coat in it. If you pull your boat out during the offseason and only have the boat in the water 6-8 months out of the year - the hull will dry out anyway. You do not need a barrier coat. Sure, it's preventative safety, but it's not needed on a 318 any means.

I didn't do it, and I keep my boat in 365 days a year. Going on year 3 of my petit hydrocoat on our 318. From my end of summer inspection, it'll be fine for at least next season before I do a touch up and new coat.

Of course, I may eat crow at some point and find out my hull has blisters and damaged because I didn't use a barrier coat.

When new Ocean Alexanders make it to the pacific northwest, the company pays for bottom paint for a buyer. They don't spec a barrier coat because they don't feel it's needed in their 3.5 million dollar yachts. They have a barrier coat i the hull lamination process as well.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA