here's something about the first time I did a bottom job: http://www.blumhorst.com/catalina27/albums/1st-haul-out/1st-haulout-day2.htm
A few tips I've learned over the years..... YMMV.... 1. If the hull is white, and the topsides (the part of the hull above the waterline) are yellowed or stained brown, you may want to use an acid wash such as On/Off by Maritime Co. It'll get the white brighter and remove stains really quickly. It won't harm the gelcoat, and neutralizes with water. It's caustic, read the instructions and take care (gloves, goggles, ventilation, old clothes and water nearby for safety) 2. Prepping for bottom paint: If the bottom is in good shape (been properly prepped for previous bottom paint jobs): Around the boat yards here, we use wet "grill bricks" to clean off alot of old bottom paint. They're the same thing you use to clean bbq grills. You'll use 6 or more to do a C27 bottom, depending on the condition. Dunk them in a bucket and wet sand. YOu're less likely to sand throught a barrier coat with bricks than with emerypaper. For a bottom that has bumps due to old, sloppy bottom jobs, or to that weren't peven more smoothing, you can wet sand using wet-sanding paper on a "dry wall" sander (swivelling block on a long handle). If you're planning to go down to bare gelcoat, you'll want to wet sand using an air-powered jitterbug. 3. If you can, use a different color than you used before. That way, you know how deep you're sanding next time. 4. Avoid black bottom paint. The next time you haul out to work on the boat, the hull will get nasty hot and make it hard to do anything to the bottom. (ask me how I know.....) 5. I like the 3M products for buffing Finess comes to mind. Use a bungie attached to the lifelines to help support the buffer so you don't tire out as quickly. 6. When all else fails, pay the yard to do it..... Fair winds Judy B 1977 C27 TR #2349 San Francisco ________________________________ From: Bob Mann <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Thu, March 18, 2010 9:04:52 AM Subject: [IC27A] Re: waxing/painting Bryan, if you are using VC17 to paint the bottom, it'll be dry before you've walked 10 feet! So, saving some to paint where the pads were at is smart and very quick to do as the boat gets splashed. Bob Mann Windcatcher #5928 Lake St Clair, MI
