Hello everyone,
Came across iboats while looking for info on curing times and after 2 hours of distraction reading forum threads decided to just join and post it here. I just recently refinished the hull of my rowing shell (first time doing any boat repair), a late model Alden Star that I take either in estuaries or the ocean ( Seacoast New Hampshire) when the wind permits. Sanded down original epoxy which had spider cracking throughout and then used pre-kote and two coats of brightside. My problem is that I am itching to get back in the water and am wondering if I risk permanent damage to the paint-job by taking it out for a spin only 24 hours after the final top coat. I went to West Marine for wax and was told that I should wait 2 weeks for the paint to cure so that I don't risk stretching it when I buff? Is this a legitimate concern, given the short dry time? I know dry and cure are not the same by any means but two weeks... And what am I risking by taking it out? This boat is rugged and in fair shape for its age, and I don't care about cosmetic issues, only protecting the structural integrity. All opinions would be greatly appreciated, and thanks to everyone for this awesome forum, I don't own other boats but I am a deckhand on a commercial fishing boat out of Seabrook NH, so if anyone has questions pertaining to that I'd be happy to answer them as best I can.
Came across iboats while looking for info on curing times and after 2 hours of distraction reading forum threads decided to just join and post it here. I just recently refinished the hull of my rowing shell (first time doing any boat repair), a late model Alden Star that I take either in estuaries or the ocean ( Seacoast New Hampshire) when the wind permits. Sanded down original epoxy which had spider cracking throughout and then used pre-kote and two coats of brightside. My problem is that I am itching to get back in the water and am wondering if I risk permanent damage to the paint-job by taking it out for a spin only 24 hours after the final top coat. I went to West Marine for wax and was told that I should wait 2 weeks for the paint to cure so that I don't risk stretching it when I buff? Is this a legitimate concern, given the short dry time? I know dry and cure are not the same by any means but two weeks... And what am I risking by taking it out? This boat is rugged and in fair shape for its age, and I don't care about cosmetic issues, only protecting the structural integrity. All opinions would be greatly appreciated, and thanks to everyone for this awesome forum, I don't own other boats but I am a deckhand on a commercial fishing boat out of Seabrook NH, so if anyone has questions pertaining to that I'd be happy to answer them as best I can.