1. What is a Boat Bottom Paint Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the amount of bottom paint needed for a boat based on its dimensions and paint coverage.

Purpose: It helps boat owners and marine professionals determine how much bottom paint is required for maintenance or new applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• LOA — Length Overall of the boat (feet)
• B — Beam (width) of the boat (feet)
• 0.85 — Adjustment factor for hull shape
• C — Paint coverage (square feet per gallon)

Explanation: The formula calculates the approximate wetted surface area of the hull and divides by the paint coverage rate.

3. Importance of Accurate Paint Calculation

Details: Proper paint estimation ensures complete coverage, prevents waste, and helps budget for marine maintenance costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the boat's length and beam in feet, and the paint coverage (default 300 sq ft/gallon). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why the 0.85 factor?
A: This accounts for typical hull shapes, as the wetted surface is less than LOA × beam.

Q2: What's typical paint coverage?
A: Most bottom paints cover 250-350 sq ft per gallon, but check your specific product.

Q3: Should I round up the result?
A: Yes, always round up to the nearest gallon to ensure you have enough paint.

Q4: Does this include multiple coats?
A: No, multiply the result by the number of coats you plan to apply.

Q5: How accurate is this estimate?
A: It's a good approximation for planning, but complex hull shapes may require more paint.