BOTTOM JOB

T

tgczar

Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
RO Number
24091
Messages
30
Fresh water kept 34' express, having bottom redone for the first time since owning. Is there anything in particular I should look out for as far as getting a quality job? Any advice appreciated.

TGCZAR
 
How old is the boat?

How many layers of paint?

Are you having it blasted?

Jonathan
 
2000 model. I am under the impression they will power wash then sand and recoat with an ablative finish. I have had the boat since 7/05. When it was hauled for hull inspection they recommended the bottom be redone before the beginning of 06 season. I chose to wait till this year.
 
Suggest you recall the phrase "smooth as a baby's bottom". Whatever is on the bottom must be cleaned, leveled and preped before any thought is given to applying new bottom paint. In your discussions with the yard management be sure to indicate your desire for a very excellent prep job. You might also arrange to visit the work site and take some up-close digital images before the new paint goes on. Might help to reenforce your interest as well as provide some motivation for a super-good job.
 
Salty-----that is a very good suggestion! I've found visiting the boatyard while my boat is being worked on, regardless of the job, pays dividends.
 
Good idea, hope my schedule allows. I just hope I know what to look for when inspecting. I guess it would be similar to preparing the substrate on a car before refinishing. Is there a common number of coats applied?
 
Minimum coats is 2 on the bottom and three at the waterline. I'd spring for 3 and 4, respectively.
 
Just going to the yard and introducing yourself to whomever is going to do the bottom job is a good idea. It shows you care and not just another "do the job so I can get outa here" type. One thing though, if you decide to discuss something with them then you should be brief so as not to be a pest.
 
Be amazed how far a simple handshake and sincere 'thank you for taking the time and effort' will get you with boatyard workers.
 
One time I inadvertently caught my boatyard taking some short cuts which would not be acceptable to me. My showing up unannounced changed their course for the better!
 
quote:
Originally posted by tgczar

2000 model. I am under the impression they will power wash then sand and recoat with an ablative finish. I have had the boat since 7/05. When it was hauled for hull inspection they recommended the bottom be redone before the beginning of 06 season. I chose to wait till this year.

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Sorry for all the questions, I thought when you said bottom job, you meant taking it all down and starting over.

Jonathan
 
No problem, I wasn't detailed enough in my initial post. Just having the anti-growth stuff, whatever you call it, redone. Gelcoat is in good shape as of last haul. I also asked them to inspect zincs while they're there. Any other suggestions while she's out? I am going to buff and wax after they finish the bottom.
 
Also, it's important to figure out what kind of ablative paint they are using. It they go with a less expensive paint,like ACT from Interlux, the boat must be in motion for the paint to be effective i.e. the water's abrasive qualities allow the paint to slough, causing more copper to be exposed. If you use a more expensive paint, like Interlux's Micron, the paint is formulated to slough through a chemical reaction with the water (good for floating condos). Go with a different color base coat and you can always gauge when you need more paint.
 
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