With all the different bottom paints out there, its hard to know which to choose. It seems like every manufacturer has something which in their opinion makes them better than the other guys. Not only that, but even different product lines by the same manufacturer can seem to contradict each other, each one claiming to be the best for your boat.

Truth is, the perfect paint for each boat differs depending on many factors. Type of water the boat will be used in, type of hull, how fast the boat will be going and a host of other factors enter into the equation making a definitive guide on which paint is best all but impossible. So why am I writing this, you ask? To tell you the process under which you can find the perfect paint for your boat and budget.

First choice to be made is brand of paint. Sometimes cost will determine this, but make sure you ask around. Everyone has their own opinion as to which brand is best, so ask people whose opinion you trust. Interlux and Pettit are two of the most popular, but there are plenty more. Once you have chosen the brand you want to use, check out the manufacturer's web site for helpful information on what the best paint is for your application. If they get too technical, take notes and either ask someone who knows such things(marinas and boat mechanics, if you are friendly with any), or call the customer support line for the brand you are looking at. Manufacturer's web sites can be helpful after you have chosen your paint as well. They usually list important information like how many coats to use and which thinner they recommend.

Once you have processed all the information, you should have a pretty good idea about what paint you want to use. You may want do a google search and get some reviews on that particular line, just to make sure you have all the facts. Just remember, don't be scared by a couple bad reviews, as long as there are an abundant amount of good ones.

Choosing the right bottom paint can seem overwhelming given all the different choices, but if you follow these simple steps you can make an informed decision on the perfect paint for your boat. Below is a chart which will give an estimate of how much paint you will need for your boat. Until next time, see you on the water!

G=Galllons Q=Quarts

TYPE OF BOAT:					SAIL					POWER
WATERLINE LENGTH(FT)					20	25	30	35	40	20	25	30	35	40
AMMOUNT OF PAINT					3Q	1G	1G2Q	2G	2G2Q	3Q	1G	1G2Q	1G3Q	2G1Q
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