Bottom sanding progress

[speakrdude]

Here goes boat bottom restore #3. Every time I finsih one, I say I'll never do another. But they look so nice when I get done.

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[Lazy Daze]

I hope you got your arms in shape! Are you actually sanding, or soda-blasting?

By the way, you don't have those blocks sitting right on the ground do you? Can't tell from the pics if you've got some 3/4" ply under there, or not.

Good luck!

 

[speakrdude]

Actually it's a lot easier than you would think. I use a product called Captain Lee's Spra Strip. Non-Acid stuff. Come's with a spray bottle. Spray it on, wait, putty knife (or equiv) right off. As a trick I borrowed from that other expensive strip stuff, I cover it up with wax paper (cheap at Wal-Mart) for a couple of hours. Comes right off. Then use a sander to get the rest off.

Yes, I am using plywood underneath. We've had a ton of rain here too. A lot of the time, the plywood is under water!!

This is how I have down all three boats now. The hardest part is laying on your back, holding orbital sander for hours. I will post more as I progress.

 

[Lazy Daze]

As a trick I borrowed from that other expensive strip stuff,

Peel-Away?

You might do well to invest in a 3' square, foam block for under the bow. Maybe a couple of stands - just for safety's sake - especially since you're on soft ground. Just a thought!

Do you have one of those cheap Tyvek-type suits? Their under $10. Those suits (with hoods), a respirator and eye protection completely covers you up.

 

[speakrdude]

And two more days worth. Yes, arms are numb.

 

[sbw1]

Here goes boat bottom restore #3. Every time I finsih one, I say I'll never do another. But they look so nice when I get done.

Why not put a good ablative paint on it and be done with sanding? Agree with the need for jack stands too. Looks like an accident waiting to happen.

 

[SCORPIO]

Really needs some keel blocks at the tramsom for good support too. BTW the sanding job looks good and I'll bet your arms are tired. Been there!

 

[speakrdude]

While I own the boat, It will be fresh water and on a lift. So no bottom paint for me. I will successfully sand up to 600 grit, then polish. It should look factory new. Love the look of a white hull.

 

[speakrdude]

More progress pics. Havn't quite figured out how to sand the propeller tunnel areas yet though. And yes, My arms are sore.

 

[tginz]

I am doing the same job and will post pictures soon. My bottom was already sanded, primered, and painted from the dealer. We are now trailering and not leaving it in the salt water, so I wanted back to original polished gelcoat. I started with 220 dry to remove the heavy. Wow, what a mess. Now I'm moving in sections starting with 600 wet sanding, then 1000 wet, then 2000 wet, followed by 3M compound, finished off with wax. In those areas, I've finished it truly looks like brand new factory. It can be done! I have about 50 hours in now. The boat is in a heated warehouse, so it will continue to be a good winter project. I would recommend a Harbor Freight JitterBug random orbital sander. It is pneumatic and can be used with lots of water during wet sanding. For 24.99, if only lasts this project it will pay for itself! It was been a blessing for the 600 & 1000's job. The 2000 is still best by hand.

I noticed your blocking. Be careful, please. We lost a 16 year old boy in our neighborhood 8 years ago. The family's 18 foot Boston Whaler was blocked up. Rain and wet ground caused an issue. He was crushed to death while his mother tried to lift the boat. Sad...

Be careful and enjoy the polished bottom.

tginz

 

[JV II]

Please don't lay down under the prop tunnels and sand them before blocking your keel. When one of your existing blocks gives way the boat will go straight down faster than your life will flash by. At least with a keel block you will have time to see your life flash by and that might be enough to record more memories.