[Public-List] bottom sanding

[crufone at comcast.net]

Roger, 

Confirm if the PO did install a barrier coat and if so what thickness he applied. I would strictly caution you against using any grit abrasive paper coarser than 80. If you have a barrier coat I might not even use 80 grit and move up to 120 for the final stages. There is absolutely no sense in removing the barrier coat if it was well done and well applied. 

FYI what you got from the yard is their way of getting the job done pronto with the minimal effort and cost. Why gouge and roughen the surface just to have to fair it down again?  This only make sense if they are doing the job to meet some kind of cost restraint. 

Personally I wouldn't let them near my boat. Especially since you have seen the mess they have made with others boats. 

Using the 36 grit even on a D.A. sander they will cut down through the bottom paint so fast as to not be able to control going directly through the existing barrier coat. Your existing barrier coat is an added valve for your boat.........I wouldn't waste it. Carefully smooth off what you have and do the fairing as you go. Remember bottom paint can be rolled and tipped just as topsides paint. The result is minimal orange peal. 

Since they normally work on power boats..............I would say their mentality is "with three 200's on the transom who gives a S--T how smooth the bottom is!!" 

Roger we know each other well enough that I can speak so frankly about this proposal to you.  I beg you don't let them mess up your beautiful boat. I have seen all the work you have lovingly bestowed on "Perfect Intentions". NOW is not the time to cut corners. You will be very unhappy with the appearance and the depreciation of in the water performance after "your Marina" gets done with her. 

Are you using VC-17 (a hard paint) on the bottom?  If so, you could fair in between coats. But it is not recommended. Better to fair first and then roll and tip the paint. 

If you are using any kind of ablative paint (a soft paint) then sanding between coats is a non starter.  Most instructions are to install coats within a certain time period. That is so one coat cures into the other. The previous coats are not quite cured before the next goes on, so sanding just makes a hugh mess. 

Michael #133  Call me 239.466.8802 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roger L. Kingsland " <r. kingsland @ ksba .com> 
To: " Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all" <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> 
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 1:51:54 PM 
Subject: [Public-List] bottom sanding 

Albergers , 

I have hired my marina to remove the bottom paint on good old 148 down to 
the barrier coat the PO did a few rears before I bought the boat.  The 
marina, used to working on power boats, recommends sanding the barrier coat 
and/or gel coat w/ 36 grit claiming finer paper will get gummed up right 
away from the left over paint after scraping.  I looked at other boats they 
refinished and the bottoms are pretty rough w/ lots of orange peal.  I am 
concerned that will slow down my race horse; after all, 1/4 of a knot means 
a lot more at 5 knots than it does at 25. 

I learned Practical Sailor is reporting on eco-friendly bottom paints this 
month and figure, if I use one of those, I can sand between coats to achieve 
desired smoothness.  Any suggestions? 

Best, 

Roger 148     




_______________________________________________ 
These businesses support your Association: 
http :// www .alberg30.org/store/A30supporters. html 
Please support them. 
_______________________________________________ 
Public-List mailing list 
Public-List at lists.alberg30.org 
http ://lists.alberg30.org/ listinfo . cgi /public-list-alberg30.org 

 1300310715.0