The 10 Best Boat Bottom Paints
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in July of 2018. There's nothing quite as relaxing as taking your boat out to enjoy the water — until you get back and see all the barnacles, algae, and slime that have built up on the bottom of it. With these antifouling paints, you can keep those pesky hangers-on at bay, while improving your boat's fuel efficiency and speed. Some formulas come in a variety of colors to complement your vessel. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Total Boat Krypton
2. Interlux Micron Extra
3. Sea Hawk Tropikote
Editor's Notes
October 15, 2019:
Choosing a bottom paint for your boat is dependent on the ways in which you use and store your vessel. It's a task that needs to be addressed yearly, even if you've used a multi-season formula, it's smart to double check if it needs any touch ups.
We included some of the best copper-free alternatives for those who are eco-conscious. Total Boat Krypton and Pettit Ultima Eco both contain Econea which has been found to be an excellent biocide, especially when used in conjunction with zinc.
But you might require a copper paint if you're boating year round or in harsh conditions. You'll need a formula like the Total Boat Spartan or Sea Hawk Tropikote which contain a higher percentage of copper than most. Although the usage of copper for anti-fouling is currently under review by some states and the EPA, this metal has used reliably for centuries. Washington state went as far as banning copper-based bottom paints in its waters, only to reverse the ban before it took effect. It is a hot topic of debate whether anti-fouling paints add significant copper content to the water compared to other means of pollution from other industries. In addition, there are concerns that alternative bottom paint materials haven't been evaluated well enough to predict their effects on the environment.
Our selections are all brands that have registered their products with the EPA, but before choosing, take into account any local regulations as this can vary by state or community.
4. Pettit Ultima Eco
5. Total Boat Alumipaint AF
6. Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings
7. Total Boat Spartan
8. Total Boat JD Select
9. Interlux Fiberglass Bottomkote NT
10. Total Boat Underdog
Tina Morna Freitas is a writer who lives in Chicago with her family and three cats. She has a B.A. in anthropology with a minor in English, and has built a freelance career over the years in writing and digital marketing. Her passions for cooking, decorating and home improvement contribute to her extensive knowledge of all things kitchen and home goods. In addition, her 20 years as a parent inform her expertise in the endless stream of toys and equipment that inevitably takes over the homes of most parents. She also enjoys gardening, making and sipping margaritas, and aspires to be a crazy cat lady once all the children are grown.