Project Boat - Blister repair/bottom paint

[rdalepeak]

Ok, all you bottom fixer-uppers out there... I need expert opinion(s) on what I am about to tackle.

I have recently acquired a 1987 270 DA, bought it on a trailer, been sitting in the Warrior River for some time, but used very little. There is little if any bottom paint left below the waterline... and yes, blisters are present.

My plan.... grind out the blisters, let them dry out for a few days, fill the holes with MarineTex, sand all the unaffected areas, coat with Pettit Barrier Coat, then bottom paint with Interlux ACT. Does this sound like a viable plan? Are all these products compatible with one-another?

The boat is still on the trailer in my back yard, but will be lifted clear to get to the entire bottom.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Dale :smt024

 

[tobnpr]

I wouldn't use marine tex, I'd use thickened West System (or MAS or whatever you might prefer) for the smaller blisters. The blisters must be ground to solid glass and some may need to go far deeper than you'd expect. These should be filled with layers of glass for necessary buildup prior to filling/fairing with thickened epoxy.

To do it right, you need to look for and mark the blisters immediately after hauliing the boat while she's still wet. Here ya go:

http://www.westsystem.com/ewmag/17/pdf/repairinggelcoat.pdf

 

[Sorrento 25]

Read this.

 

[rdalepeak]

Thanks for the link, but frankly I got so bored of reading about in-depth analysis of "why" and found no answers for my original question, that I just closed the window and began reading other threads here.

Dale

 

[rdalepeak]

I wouldn't use marine tex, I'd use thickened West System (or MAS or whatever you might prefer) for the smaller blisters. The blisters must be ground to solid glass and some may need to go far deeper than you'd expect. These should be filled with layers of glass for necessary buildup prior to filling/fairing with thickened epoxy.

To do it right, you need to look for and mark the blisters immediately after hauliing the boat while she's still wet. Here ya go:

http://www.westsystem.com/ewmag/17/pdf/repairinggelcoat.pdf

Thanks for the info and link... I think I will go with your suggestion. :thumbsup:

Dale

 

[tobnpr]

Dale:
Since you mentioned there is little bottom paint left, you should consider barrier-coating the bottom after your blister repairs if you're going to keep the boat long-term. You would need to strip whatever paint might be left, but an epoxy barrier coat would prevent any future blisters so you don't have to do this again.
Check out Interlux Interprotect.

 

[Sorrento 25]

Thanks for the link, but frankly I got so bored of reading about in-depth analysis of "why" and found no answers for my original question, that I just closed the window and began reading other threads here.

Dale

Wait until you start repairing those blisters for the second or third time because researching the proper repair the first time was too boring. :smt038

This article is most relevant to your original question. You cannot simply open them up and let them dry for a few days.

The other articles detail failed repairs and suggest that in some cases blister repair may not be worth performing.

 

[rdalepeak]

Wait until you start repairing those blisters for the second or third time because researching the proper repair the first time was too boring. :smt038

This article is most relevant to your original question. You cannot simply open them up and let them dry for a few days.

The other articles detail failed repairs and suggest that in some cases blister repair may not be worth performing.

I quite understand the need in doing complete research on the problem, but some of the Surveyors that had written articles in this case seemed to just enjoy hearing themselves talk. The link you provided this time was a really good one... they were clear and straight to the point on the theory AND the cure. Thanks!

Dale

 

[rdalepeak]

Dale:
Since you mentioned there is little bottom paint left, you should consider barrier-coating the bottom after your blister repairs if you're going to keep the boat long-term. You would need to strip whatever paint might be left, but an epoxy barrier coat would prevent any future blisters so you don't have to do this again.
Check out Interlux Interprotect.

The plan of action that you describe is pretty much what I plan on doing. One of the things I was not sure of was what type of sealer/filler to use on the blisters once they were ground out and dry. Reading the info on the West System link was great. The link Sorrento 25 gave me was very informative as to the potential problems that could occur if the hull was not washed down thoroughly with water after opening up the blisters. Thanks Sorrento!

My plan is now:

1. Open up and properly grind out the blistered area.
2. Wash down the hull throughly with water.
3. While they are drying, begin sanding off all the remaining bottom paint.
4. When the blisters are dry, repair/seal them with West System Epoxy. using layers of matting where appropriate.
5. Apply two good coats of Barrier Coat on the entire bottom below the waterline. I had considered Interux's Interprotect, so we are on the same page there.
6. Apply two good coats of Bottom Paint, more than likely another Interlux product... yet to be determined.
7. While all this is happening... in my spare time :smt101 I will be checking out the electrical system and troubleshooting why the tilt cylinder pump is not working.
8. Buff out and polish everything above the waterline.

The boat is really in good shape structurally and the Mercruiser has been well maintained. The First Mate wants to recover all the cushions in the v-berth and salon. Down below the galley is in top notch shape as well as the head (MSD).

The outdrives have a lot of gunk encrusted, and the props will require replacing. While there, I will probably replace the water pump.

All in all, she is really a good boat needing some TLC that she has been needing for quite some time. We sanded and oiled all the teak last weekend and just that alone made a great difference.

Yet another project in the near future will be replacing the upholstery in the cockpit. I guess it's a good thing I like working on boats the way I do. The current plan is to put her in the water no later then next spring.

I really appreciate everyone's help!

Dale

 

[Sorrento 25]

Sounds like you are in for the long haul Dale! You have your work cut out for you.

I performed a similar restoration on my boat with emphasis on stripping many peeling coats of bottom paint to sound gelcoat, sanding/polishing the gelcoat topsides, and upgrading the options/electronics/electrical system.

I'd still like to reupholster the cabin and cockpit and barrier coat the bottom. Currently I am in the process of replacing the pp with a electric head/holding tank.

Stay in touch, post pics, and keep us updated!

 

[rdalepeak]

Sounds like you are in for the long haul Dale! You have your work cut out for you.

I performed a similar restoration on my boat with emphasis on stripping many peeling coats of bottom paint to sound gelcoat, sanding/polishing the gelcoat topsides, and upgrading the options/electronics/electrical system.

I'd still like to reupholster the cabin and cockpit and barrier coat the bottom. Currently I am in the process of replacing the pp with a electric head/holding tank.

Stay in touch, post pics, and keep us updated!

"Long haul"... yes, it will be a while before she will be ready to splash, but it will be worth it. I an a converted blue water sailor and tend to be "overly concerned" about having things in order before leaving the dock. I feel the time and labor invested in bringing her back to a sound condition will be worth every dollar and bead of sweat. I will be posting some pics within the next few days. Thanks again for your advice, support and patience.

Dale :smt024

 

[AKBASSKING]

Dale,

It is funny you and I are in the same boat so to speak.

I am doing the same thing you are, but with a 1986 300DB. Lucky for me I don't have the blister problem you have. The "other captain" is also going to reupholster the inside. She has been working on all the teak inside and out while I have been rubbing and buffing...rubbing and buffing. Just about done.

I do have several places I will need to repair the gel coat where small cracks are around snaps and things like that. All rubber stuff on both engines will need to be replace and the wood in the back of the cabin will need to be replaced.

It is a labor of love and has become an obsession.:smt009

I am hoping to have her first voyage next year.:thumbsup:

 

[rdalepeak]

Dale,

It is funny you and I are in the same boat so to speak.

I am doing the same thing you are, but with a 1986 300DB. Lucky for me I don't have the blister problem you have. The "other captain" is also going to reupholster the inside. She has been working on all the teak inside and out while I have been rubbing and buffing...rubbing and buffing. Just about done.

I do have several places I will need to repair the gel coat where small cracks are around snaps and things like that. All rubber stuff on both engines will need to be replace and the wood in the back of the cabin will need to be replaced.

It is a labor of love and has become an obsession.:smt009

I am hoping to have her first voyage next year.:thumbsup:

Yes, it seems we are in the same situation, but mine does seem to be somewhat better than yours. The engine compartment is in good shape (well, she needs new batteries, and the battery charger needs booting) with good hoses, belts, etc., but the outdrives are in terrible shape. They look as though they have been through a war!

I am finding "little things" here and there that the previous owner (or the one before him) had done, or left undone. For instance, I am now running down loose wires from under the console to find out where they go.

Finding new trim tab switches, toggle switch weatherproof boots, new bilge vent louvers, troubleshooting outdrive tilt problems and other miscellaneous things needed to make her "right" again has been somewhat of a challenge... and YES, bordering on... well, ok... IS now an obsession.

But I love the water (I scuba dive, lived in the Keys for a couple of years, and once lived and bluewater sailed aboard a 38' Morgan sailboat in the Virgin Islands for another couple of years. Looking back, it seems I had followed in Jimmy Buffet's footsteps for many a year (born and raised in Alabama).

In the end, and with everyone's help here in CSR, this converted sailor gone $$powerboater$$ will prevail and "Cherokee Dancer" will once again cruise with her head held high.

Hmmm.... did I mention I have an old Barton A-27 windlass?:smt100

Dale