How long does rytex usually last

[Amirde]

I'm very new to boating, as in not yet a boater. About to put a deposit down on a boat that was blacked with rytex exactly two years ago. I was wondering how long I should expect rytex to last?

 

Thanks 

[GUMPY]

Rule of thumb is two years from application but can be pushed to three if it's still in good condition.

Edited August 30, 2022 by Loddon

[blackrose]

Another year or so. No bitumen based blacking lasts very long. 

 

Edit: another rule of thumb is that when you start to see rust spots on the hull on the waterline, you have about another year to get it out of the water. 

Edited August 30, 2022 by blackrose

[David Mack]

If you are having an out of water survey done on this boat, it would be an ideal time to get another couple of coats of blacking on. Otherwise you should probably look at doing it over the next year or so.  Doing the job properly requires warmer weather (or a heated dry dock) so consider booking a slot for next summer.

[LadyG]

1 hour ago, David Mack said:

If you are having an out of water survey done on this boat, it would be an ideal time to get another couple of coats of blacking on. Otherwise you should probably look at doing it over the next year or so.  Doing the job properly requires warmer weather (or a heated dry dock) so consider booking a slot for next summer.

Depends on the situation, we are assuming OP wants a survey on the hull (recommended), then can find a slot for a haul out,  and a surveyor, then assuming the survey encourages purchase, the boat can be power washed off, air dried, any rust wire brushed and treated, then the hull blacked. This prep could easily take two days and the blacking two days. Even assuming OP is available to do own blacking, the yard may or may not be able to fit the procedure within their schedule.

Of course if OP purchases without survey, boat can be left till next summer, but one can never guarantee that a booked slot will be warm and dry. If the current blacking looks in good condition, ie not rusty along waterline, it would probably be ok to leave till next year.

Edited August 30, 2022 by LadyG

[Sea Dog]

Rylards do 2 bituminous blacking products: Rytex and Premium. Rytex is quite thick and pretty good at absorbing scrapes, Premium is thinner so gets into nooks and crannies well but also has improved diesel resistance. Many advocate a system of mixed coats, and I and others have used a Premium -  Rytex - Premium sandwich, finishing with a topcoat of Premium, to pretty good effect.