graphite bottom

[tx river rat]

I am building a Freedom from Jem. And have a question about the coating of the bottom.
First some back ground
this boat will be mainly used on the Brazos river which is shallow , rocky ,in places gravel bars, and sand bars. and this boat is to use.
Was wondering what ya'll thought about running the graphite finish all the way up to where the deck meets the hull.
Ron

 

[dangermouse01]

I guess the experts have all gone camping.
I have seen kayaks with the hull painted black, and a varnished deck. Looks pretty sharp. Dont see why an all epoxy-graphite hull would be any different. Other than not much benefit from the graphite above the water line.

Go for it

DM

 

[hairymick]

Hi Tex,

Mate, I am no expert, but I have trouble getting the graphite to screed off flat. when you sand it smoothe, It will go grey.

If you want a black boat, I would suggest, that you use graphite on the bottom and paint above the waterline.

 

[JEM]

I don't think you need to run it up that high. Maybe just 1-2" above the upper-most chine.