Painting below the waterline

[Mark T]

I'm working on a cold molded hull and need advice on painting below the waterline. The vessel is a 15' cold molded Harbinger by Bolger. The hull was built in the late 70's but was never completed.
I've sanded the hull down because the original paint was failing. What should be used below the waterline. I'm used to building canoes that only see the water when in use. I use Interlux brightside paints on them. This paint isn't designed for below the waterline use.This boat may be in the water for time periods up to a week . Is there bottom paints that are designed to be left exposed to the air during times it is stored on a trailer?
Comments please.
Mark T

[Todd Bradshaw]

Hydrocoat works quite well for that type of use and is water-based, so there are no nasty fumes or solvents involved. Application is easy and cleanup is a simple soap and water affair. After fooling with a bunch of different bottom paints (modified epoxy, vinyl, VC-17, etc. over the years, it's the only one I use any more. It slowly wears away, so you'll never have to sand off old dead bottom paint (a major problem with modified epoxies and no fun at all!). Each season, you simply eyeball the Hydrocoat and if it's looking sparse anywhere, you roll another coat over the offending area. It's tough enough to survive trailer sailing and it can sit out of the water for long periods and still work just fine when you go back in. It can even be burnished if you want the smoothest possible surface.

[Mark T]

Thanks for the info Todd. I looked up Hydracoat at Jamestown Dist and it does appear to fit the bill. Saved me a lot of search time.
Thanks again.
I'll see if I can get some pics up of the project.
Mark T