Painting a boat's bottom is a vital part of boat maintenance. Painting a boat's bottom for the first time involves not only choosing the right paint, but also considering the cost of the application. It is essential for boat owners and ship operators to understand the cost of painting and the type of paint required.
This article will explore in detail the cost components of painting a boat's bottom for the first time and the type of paint that should be used.
What are the components of painting costs?
The cost of painting a boat's bottom for the first time mainly includes: the cost of the paint (hard antifouling paint, self-polishing antifouling paint, non-metallic antifouling paint), the area and number of layers applied, the construction cost, and other costs (such as the cost of docking the ship, the cost of removing the old paint layer, and the cost of post-painting inspection, etc.).
1. Paint cost：
Paint is one of the main costs in painting a boat's bottom. Different types of paint have different prices. Common types of boat bottom paint and their approximate prices are as follows:
● Hard antifouling paint: Hard antifouling paint is relatively cheap, about $20 to $40 per liter. Its advantage is that it is durable and suitable for high-speed boats.
● Self-polishing antifouling paint: Self-polishing antifouling paint is more expensive, ranging from about $30 to $60 per liter. This paint gradually wears away during the ship's voyage and continuously releases biocides, making it suitable for ships of all speeds.
● Non-metallic antifouling paint: Non-metallic antifouling paint is the most expensive, ranging from about $50 to $100 per liter. It usually does not contain heavy metals and is an environmentally friendly choice for ships with high environmental requirements.
2. Coating area and number of coating layers：
The amount of paint required for bottom painting depends on the area of the bottom and the number of coating layers. Generally speaking, two to three coats are required to ensure the best protection. Each liter of paint can usually cover an area of 10 to 15 square meters. Therefore, the larger the bottom area of the ship, the higher the amount of paint and the cost.
3. Construction costs：
Construction costs include labor costs and equipment usage costs. Professional painting construction teams usually charge by the hour, and the cost is about $50 to $100. The painting process needs to include steps such as cleaning, sanding, coating and drying, and each step requires professional equipment and technology to ensure that the coating is uniform and has strong adhesion.
4. Other costs：
In addition to the above main costs, there are some other costs, such as boat docking fees, old paint removal fees and post-painting inspection fees. These costs vary depending on the location of the dock where the boat is docked and the specific construction requirements.
How much does it cost to paint the bottom of the boat for the first time?
Estimation of the cost of painting the bottom of the boat:
Take a medium-sized yacht as an example, the bottom area of the boat is about 50 square meters. Assuming that self-polishing antifouling paint is selected, the price of each liter of paint is US$50 and two coats are applied. The specific cost estimates are as follows:
● Paint cost: 50 square meters / 12 square meters per liter * $50 * 2 layers = $416.67
● Construction cost: Construction time is about 20 hours, $80 per hour = $1600
● Other costs: $500 (including cleaning, sanding and inspection, etc.)
Total: $416.67 + $1600 + $500 = $2516.67
Therefore, using $50 per liter of boat bottom paint, paint a 50 square meter medium-sized yacht, apply two coats. It is expected to cost $2516.67, (including: paint cost $416.67, construction cost $1600, cleaning, sanding and inspection cost $500).
Which boat bottom paint is the best?
1. Hard antifouling paint：
Hard antifouling paint is suitable for high-speed boats, such as motorboats and speedboats. It forms a hard protective layer on the surface of the coating to prevent marine organisms from attaching. Its advantage is strong durability and suitable for ships that often sail at high speed.
2. Self-polishing antifouling paint：
Self-polishing antifouling paint is suitable for various types of ships, including leisure yachts and commercial ships. It gradually wears away during the sailing of the ship, releases biocides, and continuously inhibits the attachment of marine organisms. Its advantages are long-lasting protection effect and low maintenance cost.
3. Non-metallic antifouling paint：
Non-metallic antifouling paint is suitable for ships with high environmental protection requirements, such as scientific research ships and high-end yachts. It inhibits the attachment of marine organisms by physical or chemical means, does not contain heavy metals, and is environmentally friendly. Its price is higher, but its environmental performance is superior.
How to paint the bottom of the boat for the first time?
Steps for painting the bottom of the boat: preparation (thoroughly clean and polish the hull) → apply primer (increase the adhesion of antifouling paint) → apply antifouling paint (apply one to two layers of antifouling paint evenly) → check after coating (make sure there is no missing coating or uneven coating).
1. Preparation：
Before applying the bottom paint, the hull needs to be thoroughly cleaned and polished to remove the old paint layer and attachments. The quality of cleaning and polishing directly affects the adhesion and protective effect of the coating.
2. Applying primer：
Before applying antifouling paint, it is usually necessary to apply a layer of primer (Primer). The function of the primer is to increase the adhesion of the antifouling paint and prevent direct corrosion of the hull by seawater. The cost of applying primer needs to be calculated separately, and the price is approximately between US$20 and US$40 per liter.
3. Applying antifouling paint：
Depending on the type of antifouling paint selected, apply one or two coats of antifouling paint evenly. Each layer needs to be fully dried after application to ensure the integrity and adhesion of the paint film.
4. Post-coating inspection：
After the coating is completed, the coating needs to be carefully inspected to ensure that there is no missing coating or uneven coating. If necessary, local repairs are performed to ensure the overall effect.
Conclusion on the cost of painting the bottom of a boat
The cost of painting the bottom of a boat for the first time depends on many factors, including the type of paint, the area to be coated, the number of layers to be coated, the construction cost and other additional costs. Taking a 50-square-meter medium-sized yacht as an example, the total cost of painting is about $2,500. Choosing the right type of paint and a professional construction team is the key to ensuring the painting effect and protection effect.
Hard antifouling paint is suitable for high-speed vessels, self-polishing antifouling paint is suitable for various types of vessels, and non-metallic antifouling paint is suitable for vessels with high environmental requirements. For ship owners and ship operators, understanding the cost and paint selection of bottom painting can better maintain and manage the ship and ensure the efficient operation and long-term use of the ship in various marine environments.