Should you paint the bilge?

[djousset]

It's clear that my bilge was painted at one time (photos) but most of it is gone
now. I assume this is fiberglass? Which I believe can/will absorb water over time? So...should I be repainting this and if so what's the best prep and paint?

[s/v Jedi]

Clean and degrease everything really well, then use dewaxer and surface prep from Totalboat or Awlgrip, then use either Interprotect2000 or TotalProtect. You can choose white or gray.

Even though this is called a primer, for the bilge you can consider it all you need as there will be no UV damage.

These paints are a big step up from bilge paints.

[Fore and Aft]

djousset I would simply because it's easier to keep clean when its all one uniform surface. What's got me curious is the rust stains around the keel bolt washers and the modern fiberglass cloth in your bilge? I know the cloth is really not that modern but I usually see chop strand or woven rovings.
What sort of yacht and has she been repaired before?
Cheers

[coopec43]

I went into our nationwide hardware chain and asked for white epoxy marine paint to paint fiberglass bilge. She knew what I was on about but she went to where the rust paints were and handed me a tin of Rustguard. When I protested that it was for a boat she said "you can go to the marine section and get the same paint but you'll pay double the price" (And she said there was no need for a primer)





A similar product is sold by Wattyl and it is called Killrust

[djousset]

Originally Posted by Fore and Aft

djousset I would simply because it's easier to keep clean when its all one uniform surface. What's got me curious is the rust stains around the keel bolt washers and the modern fiberglass cloth in your bilge? I know the cloth is really not that modern but I usually see chop strand or woven rovings.
What sort of yacht and has she been repaired before?
Cheers

Hmmm...the bolts seem secure, nothing looks corroded, nor is there any flaking or leaking. I assumed the the rust color was just part of the deal. Should the bolts and washers be cleaned and coated with something protective? No repairs to my knowledge but the boat is newer to me. (Pearson 33) Looks to me like fiberglass cloth consistently throughout the bilge.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Clean and degrease everything really well, then use dewaxer and surface prep from Totalboat or Awlgrip, then use either Interprotect2000 or TotalProtect. You can choose white or gray.

Even though this is called a primer, for the bilge you can consider it all you need as there will be no UV damage.

These paints are a big step up from bilge paints.

Interesting Jedi. I'll have to remember this when the time comes. Like most I suspect I've only used these products to seal my hull for bottom paint, but your recommendation makes sense. They are epoxy based products after all. Any sanding also required as part of the prep you describe?

[Franziska]

Even though there are a number of bilge paints around, I'd use a clear finish.

Yes, black or white might look better, but a clear finish let's you spot anything problematic much earlier.

This seems almost mandatory on a wooden boat as ours, but might be worth considering on other materials too.

[Nicholson58]

We used Sherwin Williams Tile Clad. This is used for lining and waterproofing tanks. Two versions. Fast and ridiculously fast. It is two part epoxy, gloss white. Cost is far lower than anything else I could find. Mix only small amounts and use throw away brushes. I recommend thinning.

I painted the bilge and the hull anywhere it showed when floors or cabinets were opened. Bright white makes it easier to see in the usual dim lighting.

This coating closely resembles white epoxy pool paint for anyone familiar with that application. For that matter, 2-part epoxy pool paint would be another possible choice.

https://industrial.sherwin-williams....s.9934986.html

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Clean and degrease everything really well, then use dewaxer and surface prep from Totalboat or Awlgrip, then use either Interprotect2000 or TotalProtect. You can choose white or gray.

Even though this is called a primer, for the bilge you can consider it all you need as there will be no UV damage.

These paints are a big step up from bilge paints.

White! It shows any nasties you don't want in the bilge.

[Skipper Lee]

I used rust paint as well! (Tremclad)
Heard it works good, I hope so as i dont want a plugged bilge pump caused bt flaking paint.
I super duper cleaned it then scrubbed it again with TSP.

[Thumbs Up]

Sherwin Williams actually sells dozens of epoxy paint/primer products. Any of them work fine for the bilge. I always choose the 1:1 ratio primers (such as most of the Sherwin Williams', Awlgrip 545, etc. They are more shelf stable (even once opened), and easier to measure small quantities. Also less fussy about type of reducer. I have had bad luck with 3:1 products not hardening (including Interprotect 2000).

[Cadence]

I can recall, as a kid, using a stream jenny to clean the bilge prior to painting along with some sort of emulsifier. Wood hull but would work with any type hull I would imagine. FYI

[Clivevon]

Danboline

[Hudson Force]

Some might not like this unusual application, but I once saw a friend use white 3M-5200 thinned with acetone for a beautiful smooth white durable bilge paint. I liked it so much that I used the same for my engine room. Of course a good prep with cleaning and degreasing is important and, with the acetone as a thinner and carrier, good ventilation is very important. I just applied this on the fiberglass and not as a coating for any metals or fasteners.

[DeValency]

Originally Posted by djousset

It's clear that my bilge was painted at one time (photos) but most of it is gone
now. I assume this is fiberglass? Which I believe can/will absorb water over time? So...should I be repainting this and if so what's the best prep and paint?

Fiberglass hull of a good condition should not absorb water.
Definitely recommend to paint the bilge but need to prep it really well:
1. Thorough cleaning (it looks very clean already...)
2. Degreasing where necessary, especially under the engine.
3. If the fiberglass is too smooth or has an old paint, sand, vacuum and clean again.
4. Wipe well with acetone prior to painting
5. Epoxy primer should hold well, as most other paints will not. I used intelux 2000E
Turned out quite nice: