While spring usually heralds the start of boating season for most of us, for others it means facing up to long-postponed projects. This will be especially true if your launch has been postponed due to the spread of Covid-19. During these trying times, some of us who still have free access to our boats have a chance to take on some bigger projects we’ve postponed. If you own an older boat, that project probably might be removing the years of antifouling paint that have built up on the bottom.
In this blog post you’ll find links to a number of useful articles to help guide you through this process.
When one of our contributors recently bought an Endeavour 42, he faced a common scenario. First, he wanted to make sure the bottom paint wasn’t hiding any blisters, the notorious pox that afflicts gelcoat on older boats. Second, he wanted a waterproof, epoxy barrier coat to keep moisture out of the hull laminate. Third, he wanted to raise the waterline slightly to prevent slime from growing on the topside when he was loaded down for cruising.
There are several possible ways to approach this project and we’ve documented them all in Practical Sailor. Some of the articles are fairly recent, others go back more than a decade, but they remain as valuable today as they were when they were first published. Although there have been some small leaps forward in the technology used to remove bottom paint, gelcoat, and outer laminate (if needed), there have been no truly revolutionary changes. Probably the most notable change over the past ten years or so is the wider selection professional companies that specialize in this sort of work. This increase in competition has helped to contain the cost.
Whether you want to hire a professional or do the work yourself, here are some articles that can help set you down the right path.
Estimating the Costs of DIY Paint Removal
Advice on Sodablasting Your Hull
Practical Sailors Favorite Antifouling Paint Removers
Tips on Removing an Old Epoxy Barrier Coat
Favorite Bottom Paints by Region
As a lifelong boater and cruising sailor, I’m the owner of a Little Harbor 38. Any sailor who knows Little Harbor sailboats also knows these fine sailboats require considerable maintenance athe o , I’m an avid reader of Practical Sailor. I read PS cover to cover. Your articles are insightful and have helped me become a better DIY boat fgtful
As a lifelong boater and cruising sailor, I’m the owner of a Little Harbor 38. Any sailor who knows Little Harbor sailboats also knows these fine examples of a Ted Hood sailboat, require considerable annual maintenance. I’m an avid reader of Practical Sailor. Your articles are insightful and have helped me become more knowledgeable about sailboat systems, maintenance and an overall better boat owner. Peter Lassen
Hello to all
In this puzzling continuously, I honey you all
Esteem your relations and friends
Bravo for your professionalism, keep making the best of your projects.