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Super Slick Application on aluminum?

J

JD

Well-known member
Does anyone have experience putting on the Super Slick epoxy? I have a jet drive aluminum boat I'm refitting the bottom on and it would be an excellent time to apply this stuff if I'm going to do it. The guy at Fasco said to just rough it up with 80 grit and apply it, but he didn't really sound like he had time to talk with me and I didn't know if I should ask others opinion. And how does this stuff hold up? Does it hold up on an airboat good? This is going to be a river runner with the occasional log hitting(by accident) running a real shallow and stump filled water. Airboats are fine, just not enough room for all the things I need to bring each trip. Thanks for any replies
 
Slick bottom won't hold up very well to what you are describing. Polymer is what we put on boats around here to go in areas like you are describing.

As far as the application, you pretty much just scuff up the bottom real good, clean it with acetone, and apply the slick bottom evenly. You can roll it on but spraying works better in my opinion. Don't go too thick or it will chip easier when you do hit things.

Check into putting polymer on your hull. I think you'd be happier with it than slick bottom of any sort.

Adam
 
Slick bottom doesn't really do its thing in the water. On dry ground is where it shines

If you want something to protect the bottom of your hull, poly is where it's at. However, it's heavy and if you don't really hit stuff hard, it's probably not worth the weight or expense.

I've been running my glass boat for several months now with nothing on the bottom and the only parts that are noticeably scratched are where it rides on the trailer.

JMO, for what it's worth
 
I am lead to believe that this is not an airboat. He said it is a jet drive aluminum boat. Being in the aluminum airboat business for 25 years and using Fasco products from day one I have probably put more steelflex on aluminum hulls than anybody I have ever met. It will offer protection aginst the aluminum wearing. The Super Slick 2000 will decrease the drag the boat has on the water. Giving better speed and fuel mileage. On the airboats it really makes them slide over the grass easier. You can actually slide the boat around on the trailer by hand. If your hull has ribs on the bottom polymer will not work for you. I use a large 7" grinder to prepare the bottom. The rougher the better. I use a 36 grit disk. It grinds the flat bottom good, but you need to watch corners and edges. You can easily grind through your hull. If your hull is thin i would not use as aggressive of a grinder.I have several tricks and tips I have learned through the years to ensure a glass like smooth finish on the bottom. If you have any questions or need and advise I can offer you the help you may need. Just PM me and I help you out.
Mike
 
JD":2kotiibi said:
And how does this stuff hold up? Does it hold up on an airboat good? This is going to be a river runner with the occasional log hitting(by accident) running a real shallow and stump filled water.
Click to expand...

This is the direction I was aiming my advice for for. Slick bottom is good, no doubt, I ran it on my old hull and loved it. But, from my personal experience, it won't stand up long to hitting logs and stumps, unless he plans on idling everywhere. But, I guess some protection is better than none if he can't put something like polymer on because of his hull design.

But, I'm no expert by any means.... :wink:

Adam
 
Yeah Adam,
Sometimes I wish we did'nt have polymer, but then I start thinking about hitting a rock, or running dry.

It will chip off. Always did, always will.
One good thing about epoxy is it is easy to fix and replace.
Good thing to, cause it will need to be fixed.

I think the hull wetted surface may be complex shape than an airboat hull, but I'm just guessing. I don't know what type of hull that jet boat has.
Polymer may not be feasable for the hull JD has.

I shoulda said good post'in to everybody, cause it is ALL good advise.
 
Mike, appreciate your info. So I assume you can do small sections at a time. I have about 22 foot of bottom to do and a good 17 feet down each side averaging about eight inchs high to the water line....Cowboy/BlackPowder, this will be for running rivers and the occasional log hitting. I'm going to try to avoid them, but up river they are numerous and the water level is seldom the same. The hull is 3/16 and I just finished putting on 3/8" reverse chine down each side and I put a 18" pad leading to the hole in the bottom at the rear where the water intake is. Between the pad and the outside chine I'm putting an 1 1/2 flat bar verticle from the transom about 7 feet forward, just to help a little more with any slideing issues. I'll have to try to post some pictures....much easier to understand. And the slick bottom is mainly going to be for fuel mileage and performance, I just hope it's not to hard to repair when I do ding it. Thanks a bunch and anymore input is appreciated. JD
 
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