Have had this boat for 6 years, prior boat for 7, both fresh water. Always have used ablative bottom paint. My typical SOP has been in the spring, prior to launch, to do an inspection of what was there, if necessary a light scuff with either a scotch green pad or similar to smooth where necessary and then put a couple of coats of paint on. With the current boat, original ablative was blue and I switched to red, when the red gets to wearing through, and blue starts to peek thru, I know it's time for another coat.
This year, I'm pressed for time with a project at work and talked to the yard where I store (local Hunter dealer) about doing a light sand and paint. He's telling me that the paint is rough, flaking, won't adhere the way it is, and to do it right would be to take it all off back to gel coat, put a barrier coat, and essentially start over. What I thought was going to be a $600-800 job would now be looking at $5000.
So, those that use ablative, is there a point where one needs to start over? I don't have any blister issues, just some spots with flaking paint. I'm not opposed to doing it the "right way', unfortunately not sure it's in the budget this year (or if it's truly necessary or just the yard trying to make a buck).
Thoughts?
This year, I'm pressed for time with a project at work and talked to the yard where I store (local Hunter dealer) about doing a light sand and paint. He's telling me that the paint is rough, flaking, won't adhere the way it is, and to do it right would be to take it all off back to gel coat, put a barrier coat, and essentially start over. What I thought was going to be a $600-800 job would now be looking at $5000.
So, those that use ablative, is there a point where one needs to start over? I don't have any blister issues, just some spots with flaking paint. I'm not opposed to doing it the "right way', unfortunately not sure it's in the budget this year (or if it's truly necessary or just the yard trying to make a buck).
Thoughts?
