Boat bottom coat

[Winerocks]

Wondering if anyone has used any coating like Wetlander or gatorglide or anything similar to their Scarab. I ask because I boat on the Illinois and Kankakee Rivers, and pull up to sand bars a lot. It’s taking a toll on the bottom of my boat.
These coatings for the most part are glorified silicone epoxy bottom paints based.
any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Seadeals]

Do you have a keelguard already? I like a very tidy boat but no longer expect to see my reflection in the bottom of the hull. Plus, I don’t spend a lot of time on my back under the trailer. The important thing to me is just making sure to repair any scratches that may occasionally compromise the gelcoat under there.

 

[Winerocks]

I’ve got a guard, but it doesn’t do much to help the scratching from the sand on the bottom.

 

[Seadeals]

I painted the lower hull of my last boat with Awlgrip. It is normally a topside paint but can work well if the boat is in water less than 72 hours. Extensive time under water will eventually blister it. Roll and tip method left a very smooth finish and looked much better than the old blistered polyflake gelcoat; but I don’t think you would want to go through any of that. Have you thought about backing up to the bar with a bungee’ bow anchor in the river and a shore spike in the sand to keep her afloat? It is also makes a nice bench at the beach with toes in the water.

 

[Winerocks]

Hey Seadeals,
I do use my anchor and spike when appropriate. I use an end-post anchor at the stern with a dock-line. It’s a 2’ rod with a loop at one end and an auger st the other, anchor at the bow. Works great in some areas. Others, the best is to drive the bow onto the beach. The bow on the beach is where the scuffing happens.

 

[Scarab 215]

 

[Winerocks]

Scarab 215, that is the stuff I was wondering about. It’s got to be better than nothing. I may put some on later this season.