Interlux Paint Racing Bottom Paint

When tenths of a knot decide a race, the finish on the hull matters as much as the sails or the engine. Interlux racing bottom paints are made for that job: hard, slick, low-friction coatings that can be sanded and burnished to a mirror-smooth surface. The line centers on the VC Performance family, which the brand developed around fluoropolymer technology to reduce hull drag.

VC 17m: The Original "Non-Stick" Racing Antifouling

VC 17m is described as the bottom paint industry's original non-stick technology. It uses a PTFE additive, similar to Teflon, that markedly reduces friction and leaves a smooth, low-drag surface. It is a very flexible coating, which is why it is also a popular choice for inflatables. It is a thin-film, single-season, self-burnishing antifouling, and it is commonly chosen by freshwater racers and performance powerboat owners. Check regional restrictions before purchasing, as some versions are not sold for use in California.

VC Offshore: Hard Vinyl Performance for Salt and Fresh Water

VC Offshore is a hard vinyl antifouling formulated with a Fluoro microadditive. After the final coat cures, it can be wet sanded with fine-grit paper and polished, which yields a very hard finish with reduced friction. Interlux recommends three coats, and an extra coat is advised if you plan to burnish. It is suitable for both fresh and salt water. It is a performance coating rather than a heavy-duty antifoulant, so it is not intended for harsh fouling environments. Vinyl-based paints like this have specific compatibility rules: they should not be applied over non-vinyl antifouling paints or directly over aluminum without proper barrier coats.

VC Performance Epoxy: A Hard Racing Finish Without Antifouling

Not every fast boat needs antifouling. VC Performance Epoxy is a two-part, fluoro microadditive epoxy that cures to a hard, semi-gloss white finish designed for the underwater surfaces of high-performance powerboats and racing sailboats. The additive adds lubricity and makes wet sanding and burnishing easier. It has no antifouling or foul-release properties, so it suits trailered or rack-stored boats, and boats that are cleaned frequently, such as go-fast powerboats and offshore sportfishing vessels whose owners have a diver scrub the hull before each trip. Key points to know:

• Mixes 1:1 by volume, with a typical three to four coats as needed
• Applies by brush, roller or spray
• Stain-resistant and abrasion-resistant, which helps with trailer rollers, lift pads and forklifts

Choosing the Right Interlux Racing Finish

Match the product to how the boat is used. Freshwater racers and powerboats that want a flexible, self-burnishing single-season coat often look to VC 17m. Saltwater racers and performance boats that want a harder, more durable burnishable surface typically choose VC Offshore. Dry-sailed and trailered boats that never need biocide can go with VC Performance Epoxy. In every case, surface preparation and careful thin, even application determine how smooth the final result is. These coatings are generally incompatible with many other paint systems, so always confirm compatibility with the existing bottom paint before recoating.

To see the wider range of coatings from this manufacturer, visit the full Interlux Paint brand page. For more background on how racing bottom paints work and how to shop for them, browse the complete Racing Bottom Paint category.