What Paint/Preservative to use, Above and Below the Waterline, as well as in the Bilge?

by Fred van Mourik
(Auburn, ME)

I previously submitted a question regarding size and spacing to use for my 16' launch that will run with a 18 hp inboard diesel.

I have come to the point that I am finishing the outside planking.

It is lapstrake construction.

I treated both sides of the lap with Clear penetrating Epoxy Sealer and a bedding compound.

The plan is to the scribe the entire seam with a small gutter, which I then fill in with 3M 1400 or 1500 silicone.

I did not put 3M silicone between the laps as it would impossible to remove whole or part of the damage board, as 3M 1500 has great adhesive qualities.

After sanding I am considering painting the entire exterior with CPES, followed by paint.

Any suggestions??

The boat would stay in the water all summer, but this would be on a fresh water lake.

Do I still need some type of anti-fouling paint or what else would be appropriate.

For the inside the question is more daunting.

There will always be some water in the bilge, causing possible rot.

Should I pour hot Linseed oil in there as a preservative??.

I heard it will turn black over time, but I would do this only for those areas that would lie beneath the floor boards anyway.

I also understood that it is a treatment that can easily be repeated.

On pictures they always show some type of red (?lead) paint.

Is this still available??.

Any thoughts on other options, like Cetol Marine??

Thanks for any suggestions.

Fred