Should you bottom paint an aluminimum boat?

Luther Plagmann: The best thing to do is first prime the hull with a barrier coat that blocks water infiltration. Then paint it with an ablative type bottom paint that does not build up over the years. Any good marine store will have a selection of quality paints for you to choose from.

Norris Rosener: If you are going to keep the boat in salt water you should paint the bottom. Pay close attention to what kind of bottom paint you use. Find the paint that is compatible with aluminum hull boats. If you put the wrong type of bottom paint on it will cause more damage due to galvanic corrosion. Bottom paint for aluminum boats is expensive, but so is the cost of the boat.

Anibal Scheid: only if you plan on leaving it in the salt water all the time.

Raul Tllo: IF you are in SALT water NEVER use copper based anti fouling paint right on the aluminum.......you will get galvanic corrosion and the copper will literally eat the aluminum in no time.....many coats ! of special barrier coats needed or an aluminum compatible paint..read the instructions or you will regret it!

Lynn Melbourne: nope.you should remove it from the water and leave it on the trailer.unless it cant be trailered, in which case its a LARGE boat, the absolute best thing is to not leave it in the water.pull it out, remove the drain plug, turn off the perko switch (install one if you dont have it already) and cover it. it will stay like new for a long time if you do that every time.depending on exactly what it is, leaving drive or outboard as low as it can go while ont he trailer may also be a good idea.since exhuast usually exits through the prop shaft, you want it down so the prop shaft can drain, or water cant collect from rain and then freeze and bust the drive.and outboards actually will completely drain the block if left down, which is good, and also protects against freezing temps....Show more

Adelle Weight: === 1st answer is correct about salt wa! ter .... otherwise no .... if you do plan to paint then you sh! ould go to a good automotive paint store and disuss what is available and what will do the best and longest lasting paint job for the cost ...........