Bottom Work & Hull Protection Services in Everett, WA

Bottom Painting

A high-quality bottom paint job is crucial in preventing biofouling, corrosion, and drag, all of which can compromise your boat’s performance and lifespan. At Everett Yacht Service, we offer:

• Selection of bottom paint systems: We guide you through choosing the right antifouling and ablative paints, taking into account your cruising grounds (such as Puget Sound, saltwater vs. freshwater), boat usage, and budget.
• Proper surface preparation: Before applying any new bottom paint, we ensure the hull is clean, dry, and thoroughly sanded. This involves removing old, loose coatings, sanding, repairing minor gelcoat or fiberglass damage, and ensuring proper masking of waterlines.
• Barrier and primer coatings: If needed, we apply barrier coats or epoxy primers under the antifouling systems to protect the underlying gelcoat or laminate.
• Application and Finishing: We apply multiple coats according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring proper drying times and environmental conditions.

A properly done bottom paint job can reduce drag, saving fuel, and prevent fouling, which protects hardware and minimizes maintenance in the water.

Paint Removal

Sometimes the best bottom job begins with removing what’s already there. Paint removal is a critical step when old antifouling is failing, peeling, or multiple layers have built up. At Everett Yacht Service, we manage this safely and thoroughly:

• Assessment and planning: We inspect the existing coating layers, check for the integrity of the barrier coat, and determine whether complete removal of the gelcoat or fiberglass is required. This helps prevent damage and ensures the new paint will adhere properly.
• Options for removal: We use mechanical removal (sanding, scraping), peeling, and media blasting (such as soda, glass bead, or similar gentle media) if needed. We match the method to the hull material (fiberglass, wood, metal) to avoid harming the substrate.
• Environmental controls & safety: Paint removal generates dust, debris, and potentially toxic runoff. We employ containment, proper disposal, and follow environmental best practices. Worker safety (PPE, ventilation) is also a priority.
• Surface restoration: Once the paint is removed, we restore the surface by repairing any underlying damage, fairing the surfaces, and sanding to the proper profile, ensuring the substrate is ready for priming or barrier systems.
• When applying barrier coats to seal the gelcoat or fiberglass laminate, we always ensure a chemical bond between the barrier coat and antifouling, leaving you with a high-quality job.

Blister Repair

At Everett Yacht Service, we provide a thorough inspection of the hull. When blisters are present, we will inform the customer and assess the severity of the water intrusion with a moisture meter.

• When dealing with larger and less frequent blisters on the bottom, we will grind, fiberglass, and fair accordingly.
• Sometimes the hull is full of minor blisters that extend down into the fiberglass, requiring a process known as “peeling.” This process will remove the bad layers of fiberglass. Fresh laminate will be laid over the top, faired, and then coated with a barrier, followed by anti-fouling paint.

Why Should You Choose Everett Yacht Service for Bottom Work

• Our facility in Everett is well-equipped to haul, support, and work on vessels below the waterline.
• Decades of experience with bottom coatings, paint removal, and substrate preparation result in a lower risk of failure, peeling, or premature fouling.
• Attention to detail: ensuring color consistency, clean lines, sealing around thru-hulls and fittings, and applying drag-reducing finishes.
• Commitment to environmental responsibility: proper containment, waste disposal, low-VOC and approved paints, and compliance with local environmental rules.

If your boat is due for bottom maintenance, showing signs of fouling, peeling paint, or high fuel bills, or you’re preparing for the next haul-out, don’t wait until it worsens. Contact Everett Yacht Service today at (425) 212-9923 or via our contact page to schedule a bottom assessment, request a quote, or plan your bottom paint or paint removal project. Let us get you back in the water with a clean, efficient, and protected hull.