Which Antifouling Paint Should I Use On An Aluminum Boat?

by John January 1, 2006

Question: I bought an aluminum 40ft Roberts from the original owner and am in the process of many changes. One area which seems very gray these days is what bottom paint to use. An epoxy barrier coat is there but I do not want any copper impregnated paint anywhere near my boat. Could you please [...]

Why Is Morgan’s Cloud’s Hull Painted?

by John January 1, 2006

Question: You call painting an aluminum hull a mug’s game yet you painted your hull?

Should I Apply Antifouling Paint To An Aluminum Boat?

by John January 1, 2007

Question: I’m thinking of leaving the bottom of my aluminum boat unpainted since I’m afraid of electrolysis caused, or at least made worse, by antifouling paint, particularly if the bottom is scratched. The boat is in fresh water, so she will not foul much.

Should I Use Coppercoat Antifouling Paint On An Aluminum Boat?

by John January 1, 2007

Question: We are considering applying Coppercoat to our aluminum boat and would be interested in your thoughts. I have attached some correspondence that I had with the makers of Coppercoat that may help:

True Grit

by Phyllis May 18, 2007
Phyllis chisels off the wooden eyebrow of aluminum expedition sailboat Morgan's Cloud using a 5lb maul.

I’m going to make a confession here: I think brightwork is beautiful. However, since I’m the one that ends up maintaining it—that’s because John insists I’m so much better at it than he is, which is a rotten trick and one I fall for regularly—I also believe it doesn’t belong on our boat.

What Should I Paint On My New Aluminum Boat?

by John February 1, 2008

Question: You say you would not paint aluminum. Ok, it is hideously expensive (I have been quoted £10,000 just for materials), it is difficult to key, and we have been advised to sand blast and paint the same day (tricky!). So, if you were to start all over again with a newly built boat, what [...]

What Problems Do You Have With Painting Aluminum?

by John February 1, 2008

Question: Where do your main problems with the paint on Morgan’s Cloud lie: with the paint becoming chipped from wear and tear, or from inadequate preparation, or from salt water working under the paint edge?

Why White?

by Phyllis February 18, 2008

Question: Why did you paint Morgan’s Cloud white? I thought she looked better painted dark blue.

Tips For Using Zinc-Based E-Paint Antifouling

by John June 18, 2009
Waterline bottom paint failure on aluminum expedition sailboat Morgan's Cloud.

We have been using various formulas of zinc-based antifouling paint (copper is out for Morgan’s Cloud since she is aluminum) from E-Paint for 12 years with varying results. For the last three years we have been using their ablative ZO product with generally good results.

It’s Painting Time Again

by Colin May 1, 2011
It's hard work keeping a boat looking good

As the old saying goes, you pay for your pleasures, and that’s certainly true when it comes round to the annual re-fit. The many little jobs that were just too awkward afloat, added to the big ones like antifouling, can all back up and lead to a formidable worklist. And to top it all, there’s [...]