Take a look at that bottom. That's 100 man hours of work over 3 days. Last weekend was a learning experience like no other. It was epic. Rather than describe all the colorful moments of grinding, prepping, and painting, I'm going to make a list of stuff I learned. The sense of satisfaction this picture depicts is mind blowing.- 80 grit on an orbital sander does a beautiful job, but you're looking at 4 hours to do a 4 foot square. Go with a grinder soft pad at 60 grit. Don't go lower than 60.
- Have all your tools and safety gear ready to go for that opportune moment when 5 of your friends are standing around the boat itching to help out.
- Pizza can get at least 2 more hours of manual labor out of even the tiredest worker.
- Take all the "advice" you receive and pick and choose what you want to use.
- Paint takes at least twice as long to properly set up at night.
- Two grinders are better than one.
- Have enough power options for all your tools and lights.
- Keep companionway hatch closed to reduce yard dust inside.
- Remove oily outboard from well before grinding to prevent it from being coated in dust.
- Wire wheel brushes are awesome on the keel, but at 20 bucks a pop, make them last.
- Plastic mixing cups with barrier coat don't mix well.
- Wrap the roller in tape to remove all the lent prior to painting.
- Barrier coat seems to go on better with a foam roller than a normal fuzzy one.
- A fully enclosed face mask to keep out dust from the eyes while grinding.
- Etching seems to weaken old faring causing it to flake off.
That's about it. We'll haul out again in 6-12 months to install new through hulls and put on some more bottom paint. Coming soon...standing the mast.
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