Hull Painting--Also Bimini Question

[ihopeitfloats]

I recently bought a 1978 Sportcraft and am going to paint her before she goes in the water next spring. The previous two owners did a crap job painting the hull, and I'd like to do a proper job.

The POs seemed to just glop on layer after layer of paint, and some layers peeled away, giving the paint a weird, ugly, layered look (please see pictures). The third pic shows where paint chipped away to what seems to be the bare fiberglass base.

Can I use a sander to sand away these paint layers? If so, once I get it down to the fiberglass, what sort of primer should I use? After priming, can I then just apply the first layer of antifouling paint, or does there need to be a layer of something else between primer and antifouler?

Are all antifouling paints created equal? Do I need to spend an eye-watering amount on that, or will a just-slightly-nauseating amount be sufficient?

One last question: I would like to perhaps change the trim color from maroon to royal blue. I see from previous threads that Simply Spray seems to be the go-to brand for changing bimini color, but will I get a weird dark color if I try to put royal blue Simply Spray on top of maroon bimini fabric?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

DJ in NY

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Hull Painting--Also Bimini Question

You don't want to sand it down to bare fiberglass, only to the gel coat. The type of bottom paint will be determined by the body of water it will be in, locals will be able to tell you what works best in your area. And this is only if you will be leaving the boat in the water, if it stays on the trailer when not in use you don't need antifouling paint. Is primer needed....check the directions for the product you plan to use, they will explain how to get the best results.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Hull Painting--Also Bimini Question

Try "Peel-Away" for the paint removal. Don't sand it . . . the dust will be toxic, plus you will most likely dig into the gelcoat and be posting a thread about fixing that sort of thing.

It is going to be quite a job to get all of that paint off . . . probably several applications of the paint remover. It may take weeks.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Hull Painting--Also Bimini Question

C​heck the web for reviews on the Simply Spray stuff. . . Most are not good. The good reviews seem like they are 'planted', not genuine.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Hull Painting--Also Bimini Question

I agree with using a paint stripper if it will work. I don't know what brands work best but stay away with anything that has methelyene chloride(sp) in it because it will soften the gelcoat. Sanding will be a long and costly job, lots of plugged sandpaper.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Hull Painting--Also Bimini Question

I doubt you could sand it off even if you wanted too. Dont even try it.

Here is what I would do.

0. Get a full suit/gloves/resporator . ( full face respo would be optimal ).
1. layout some plastic that will more than cover the bottom working area of your boat.
2. Drive the boat over the plastic.
3. Try a scraper first before you bust out the chemicals. The way its cracking and crazing ill bet that most it will come off in flakes.
4. If you need the strippers then ask your wife first .. but you may have to use them to help whatever paint is above the waterline ( its a pita to get that stuff off ).
5. You will end up using 80 grit sandpaper to prep for your usual bottom paint or primer/epoxy coating.

Lets get that far and go from there. Get all the BP off and post up some pics to see if your ready for the next step ..

YD.