She's been splashed

[Diver Down]

We just finished 3 grueling weeks of removing bottom paint down to the gel coat (estimate 25 coats of paint) and starting over with four barrier coats and three coats of ABC #3 ablative. She's back in the water now and after a weekend of cleaning up the blast dust and other messes, we're ready for the summer cruising.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

She's a pretty girl.

 

[Texastailboard]

Congrats, you mentioned that you had it blasted, might I ask which method and cost? We too have one on the hard at this time about to have blasted, with multiple bottom jobs still on the boat

 

[Diver Down]

We chose to go with the sandblasting option based upon a bogus promise that we would NOT have to sand the boat after the blasting, i.e. we could wash the boat and go straight to applying barrier coats. The sandblaster did a lousy job and we were forced to use rotary sanders to remove all of the soft (ablative) paint from the hull before the first coat of paint. In retrospect, we wish we had hired the local soda blaster for this work. Blasting down to the gel coat ranges from $45 - 55 per foot. We probably removed more than 1/2 ton of old paint and it appears that the water line is about an inch higher now!

 

[Tinker]

You all worked really hard at a thankless job. Sanding off years of bottom paint is never fun unless you just like pain and sweat but you all did an excellent job. Southern comfort looked great and it is nice to hear that you are already seeing benifits from all the hard work. You all did it yourself and the care put in to the job was obvious. Built not bought. Now you just need to head for somplace with clear blue water so you can admire your work while snorkeling.

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

I see the props are painted... You use the bottom paint or one of those "made for props" paints ?

 

[Finalee]

Looking good!

 

[drburke]

Nice, nice, nice looking boat!

I am a fan of that name you got there--probably due to the beverage affiliation!

I have a simular "problem", uhh...inclination.

DAN

 

[Diver Down]

Thanks all for the compliments. Tinker, we know you saw the challenge we had and greatly appreciate your very kind comments. Also, you're right about the 'blue water'.... the new underwater lights don't offer much in the Elizabeth River/Dismal Swamp water. It's like installing LEDs in the bottom of a coffee pot!

 

[pizzazsdaddy]

Lookin' Good Diver Down!

Best Wishes. Welcome back to "afloat"!!!

 

[Kraken Diving]

Beautiful job she looks great