Although it’s normal to wax the exterior of your boat and clean the interior to a spotless finish, you might be less familiar with the process of painting the bottom of the vessel. Also known as anti-fouling, this step can benefit both old and new boats in several often surprising ways. Here’s what you should know about painting the base.

Why Should You Paint the Bottom of the Boat?

1. Protect Performance

“Fouling” refers to the variety of marine animals and plants that take up residency on the submerged portion of your boat. Microfouling can occur when unwanted elements like bacteria and algae attach to the vessel, while macrofouling happens when animals and weeds settle on the base’s surface. You can prevent both issues by applying anti-fouling paint to both old and new boats. The coating is designed to prevent the growth of the various algae and other life forms that may colonize on the bottom of the boat. This ensures that the boat won’t suffer any performance issues related specifically to these growths, such as propeller or hull damage, or reduced speed.  

2. Improve Appearance

As animal and plant life build up on the hull of the boat, it can take away from the vessel’s visible beauty. Protecting the finish on the hull is key to improving the boat’s appearance in a number of ways: it prevents fouling, minimizes the impact of harsh salt water, and can lessen the severity of potent ultraviolet rays, all of which can take their toll on the boat’s otherwise pristine finish.

3. Reduce Consumption

The last thing you want to do is invest in a new boat and deal with skyrocketing fuel costs in the aftermath. You can safeguard your investment simply by painting the base. Doing so reduces the odds that the vessel will run slowly and consume too much fuel during its travels. This is especially important if you purchased an aging or pre-owned boat, as its performance may be naturally slower than models with newer, speedier engines.

Are you in the market for a new boat or interested in purchasing a pre-owned boat within your budget? Turn to Petzold’s Marine Center in Portland, CT. The company has served the community since 1945, and they’re proud to offer a wide range of services for boating enthusiasts. If your vessel requires maintenance, they can handle it to ensure the boat is ready for the season. Visit them online to learn more about their boats for sale, or give them a call at (860) 342-1196.