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How Much Paint Do I require?

There are two easy steps to estimate the amount of paint that you will require.

Step 1: Work Out The Surface Area Of Your Boat

Depending on what part of the boat you are painting this will affect the amount of surface area you will need to cover.

Underwater - All dimensions in metres.

Long Keel (displacement).

Length of waterline x (breadth + depth) = square metres.

Medium Draft Sail Boats (semi-displacement).

Length of waterline x (breadth + depth) x 0.75 = square metres.

Deep Keelers, Racing Yachts.

Length of waterline x (breadth + depth) x 0.5 = square metres.

Topsides - (overall length + breadth) x free board x 2 = square metres.

Decks - (No allowance for cockpits/coamings).

(overall length x breadth) x 0.75 = square metres.

Step 2: Estimated Litres of Paint

Don’t forget when estimating the volume of paint you need for painting your boat to allow the following for waste and surface roughness:

Spray Application: Typically 30% wastage

Brush / Roller: Typically 5-10% wastage