Marinette Bottom Paint

(not to be confused with barrier coat)

Until the mid 1990's most boats (fiberglass included) used anti-fouling paints containing Tri-butal- tin (TBT). When this type of anti-fouling paint was outlawed by the EPA in the mid 1990's paints containing Cuprous-Oxide became the primary anti-foulant paints. Unfortunately for aluminum hulled boats Cuprous-Oxide is not compatible. Cuprous-Oxide will cause the aluminum hull to corrode and pitting will occur.

Anti Fouling bottom paints containing Cuprous-Oxide should never be used on an aluminum hull.

There are anti fouling paints that are compatible with aluminum hulls.

Trilux 33 - Available from Interlux (www.westmarine.com) is compatible with aluminum hulls and is the primary anti-foulant used on Marinettes.

EP-ZO - Available from epaint (www.epaint.net) is compatible with aluminum hulls

More tips and painting information available with an NMA membership

Back To Home