Epoxy Boat Paint: Narrowboat Hull Repair, UK

5th December 2024

Industry: Commercial
Location: UK
Application: Narrowboat Hull Repair, Epoxy Boat Paint
Products: 501 CRSG

The Challenge

During a scheduled five year renovation of a 12 metre narrowboat, a detailed inspection of the hull below the waterline revealed significant structural concerns. Following the removal of old bitumen coatings, the metal substrate was found to be suffering from severe localised corrosion. This resulted in deep pitting which threatened the hull’s integrity. Typically, such damage requires “over-plating” (welding new steel over the old), a costly and heavy process. To avoid this, the client required a more efficient narrowboat hull repair using a high performance epoxy boat paint system to restore the steel’s surface and provide a long term barrier against freshwater corrosion.

The Solution

The narrowboat hull repair strategy focused on using specialised epoxy boat paint to create a permanent, impermeable seal. The process began with pressure washing, followed by abrasive blast cleaning to an SA2 standard (SSPC-SP6) using aluminium oxide. This created a 50-micron angular profile, ensuring maximum mechanical adhesion for the new coatings. To restore structural smoothness, 302 Epoxy Repair Paste was applied to every pitted area, filling voids.

Once the hull was rebuilt, two coats of 501 CRSG, a high build epoxy boat paint, were applied via brush and roller. Selected for its surface tolerant properties and its extreme durability in submerged freshwater environments. Each layer contributed to a total dry film thickness (DFT) of 500 microns, creating an industrial grade shield against oxygen and moisture. The entire application was managed under controlled conditions, ensuring the epoxy boat paint could cure fully before the vessel was returned to the water.

Results & Benefits

302 Epoxy Repair Paste filled deep pits to restore hull thickness, removing the need for heavy steel welding
The 501 CRSG provides a barrier which will outlast traditional canal boat blacking products
Fast return to service, the repair took just six days, including a full 48 hour cure period
Selecting epoxy boat paint over welding creates a stronger hull, the solution significantly extends the asset’s operational lifespan
The system reduces downtime and saves money, you can apply this coating yourself without specialist training