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Bottom Systems
Bottom repairs, bottom painting, blisters, and osmosis treatment.
If your boat stays in the water for the season — and up here in the 1000 Islands most do — bottom paint is your first line of defense. It keeps growth off the hull, prevents blistering, and protects against water intrusion into the fiberglass laminate. Without it, you’re asking for trouble.
We prep, prime, and apply bottom paint the right way. That means proper sanding to get good adhesion, quality primer where needed, and the right anti-fouling paint for your situation. There are different paints for different uses — boats that stay in slips all season need different protection than boats that get trailered in and out. We’ll help you figure out what makes sense.
Barrier coat is the big one for boats with osmotic blistering issues. Water gets through the gelcoat over time and reacts with chemicals in the laminate, forming blisters that pop up like acne all over the bottom. We grind out the blisters, let the hull dry properly (this part takes patience — you can’t rush it), and then apply an epoxy barrier coat that seals everything up before the bottom paint goes on.
Keeping your bottom in good shape means better performance on the water — less drag, better fuel economy, and a hull that lasts longer. It’s one of those maintenance jobs that genuinely pays for itself season after season.
When to Call Us
- Your boat’s been in the water all season and the bottom paint is wearing thin
- You’re seeing blisters forming on the hull below the waterline
- The boat’s been sitting for a few years and needs bottom prep before going back in
- Previous bottom paint is peeling or flaking off
- You’re noticing more growth on the hull than usual between cleanings
- You want a barrier coat applied before your first bottom paint job
- The boat feels sluggish — like it’s dragging through the water
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need bottom paint if my boat stays in the water all season?
Yes. If your boat stays in the water — and in the 1000 Islands most do — bottom paint is your first line of defense against growth, blistering, and water intrusion into the laminate.
What is a barrier coat and do I need one?
A barrier coat is an epoxy layer that seals the hull against water intrusion, and it's the key fix for osmotic blistering. We grind out blisters, let the hull dry properly, then apply the barrier coat before bottom paint goes on.
How do I choose the right bottom paint?
It depends on how you use the boat — a boat that sits in a slip all season needs different protection than one trailered in and out. We'll help you pick the right anti-fouling paint for your situation.
Can you treat osmotic blistering on the bottom?
Yes. We grind out the blisters, dry the hull (this part takes patience and can't be rushed), and seal everything with an epoxy barrier coat before repainting so the problem doesn't keep coming back.
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