Why paint a bilge which will never see the light of day?

[Bill-OC24]

I am inching closer to laying down the sole - still lots to do beforehand, of course.  

 

Other than looking nice before it is sealed up tight (glued down), why would I want to paint bilge space which I have no access to?  The outer compartments of my build will receive foam board flotation with plenty of drainage space underneath.  My plywood was epoxy encapsulated X3 and then covered with 1708 glass.  Under those circumstances, what does painting gain me?

 

And for that matter, why paint the compartments holding the fuel tanks?  Same conditions apply.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Captain Tim]

The paint is to give the epoxy UV protection. No sun, no need for paint. 

[Don Silsbe]

I agree, with one exception.  A white bilge makes it easier to find things, if you do have access to that area.

[Bill-OC24]

These are the answers I wanted to hear - thanks!