Is VC 17 still the preferred bottom paint for fresh water?

[Chris Meyer]

I have used VC 17 for decades and like how it performs.  
I have read that there are some new products on the market like one from Rustoleum.

What is everyone using for fresh water?

[Don Reaves]

I’ve been using VC17M and the West Marine version of it for years with good results. It seems to be very popular with sailors on Lake Ontario.

[Chris Meyer]

Nov 22, 2023 0:18:47 GMT Don Reaves said:

I’ve been using VC17M and the West Marine version of it for years with good results. It seems to be very popular with sailors on Lake Ontario.

Thank you, Don!

[closequarters]

I was told VC17 was/is being discontinued by Interlux. May be worth finding an alternative.

[Don Reaves]

closequarters -- Good point. I heard this a couple of years ago and bought a supply that should last me several years. However, VC17M appeared on the shelves at our local West Marine this past spring, so now I'm not sure.

[Chris Meyer]

Nov 22, 2023 12:21:58 GMT closequarters said:

I was told VC17 was/is being discontinued by Interlux. May be worth finding an alternative.

I heard that as well but it is not true.   It is still available.

[rcsailor]

Thought I would add in my 2 cents...I sail /boat on Lk. Michigan and have been a VC17 user since 2005.  As discussed VC17 was unavailable, or at least difficult to find last year, spring of 2022.  My research indicated the EPA ended the than current formulation of the paint which appeared to include the Biolux additive in the VC17 Extra.  The reformulated VC17 was available, at least in the midwest, this past year.  As we painfully know The paint is now priced in the area of $100 a quart, and it is not even a full quart, with Interlux conveniently leaving space in the quart can to add in the copper additive .  I had 4 years of full hull coverage on my 44 ds and as a cost savings started just painting the water line and leading edges, and any touch-ups, every other year.  This has provided good results for me and a $300+ savings in paint costs every other year.  The reformulated VC appeared as a continuing good bottom paint with my hull cleaning up very well at fall haul out a few months back. As additional cost savings I use 90% isopropyl alcohol as a VC17 thinner to get every drop of material out of a used can and to clean up any paint goofs, provided the goof is still wet.  

[Chris Meyer]

Nov 26, 2023 16:28:37 GMT rcsailor said:

Thought I would add in my 2 cents...I sail /boat on Lk. Michigan and have been a VC17 user since 2005.  As discussed VC17 was unavailable, or at least difficult to find last year, spring of 2022.  My research indicated the EPA ended the than current formulation of the paint which appeared to include the Biolux additive in the VC17 Extra.  The reformulated VC17 was available, at least in the midwest, this past year.  As we painfully know The paint is now priced in the area of $100 a quart, and it is not even a full quart, with Interlux conveniently leaving space in the quart can to add in the copper additive .  I had 4 years of full hull coverage on my 44 ds and as a cost savings started just painting the water line and leading edges, and any touch-ups, every other year.  This has provided good results for me and a $300+ savings in paint costs every other year.  The reformulated VC appeared as a continuing good bottom paint with my hull cleaning up very well at fall haul out a few months back. As additional cost savings I use 90% isopropyl alcohol as a VC17 thinner to get every drop of material out of a used can and to clean up any paint goofs, provided the goof is still wet.  

good plan!   thank  you!

[ForGrinsToo]

We still use it, and thin by 1/3 for repeat application, using the Interlux 216 which is a mix of xylene and ethyl benzene. Since the VC17m is largely a mix of n-propyl and isopropyl alcohols, I might try the 90% as a thinner next Spring. We make sure to get the waterline (down 12 - 18") and any obvious thin spots. We generally get the entire 36i bottom with 3 qts mixing the finely divided copper and the solvent/matrix in a 2 L soda bottle.

I understand that the VC17 had to be reformulated to meet USEPA requirements and was very late to market in 2022. We went without and had no issues in northern Great Lakes.

Geoff

[Chris Meyer]

Dec 5, 2023 1:07:44 GMT ForGrinsToo said:

We still use it, and thin by 1/3 for repeat application, using the Interlux 216 which is a mix of xylene and ethyl benzene. Since the VC17m is largely a mix of n-propyl and isopropyl alcohols, I might try the 90% as a thinner next Spring. We make sure to get the waterline (down 12 - 18") and any obvious thin spots. We generally get the entire 36i bottom with 3 qts mixing the finely divided copper and the solvent/matrix in a 2 L soda bottle.

I understand that the VC17 had to be reformulated to meet USEPA requirements and was very late to market in 2022. We went without and had no issues in northern Great Lakes.

Geoff

Thanks Geoff!

Home port  Golden CO?   How wonderful!

Chris