How do I resurect a derelict?

[njlarry]

Thanks to all for all your help so far.
Went to put chains on the stands yesterday and noticed that the bottoms have really bad barnecles (just scrapping them off will still leave a crust), the top sides are worn and faded paint-not gel coat, and the decks are painted and flaking with not much flat area so any sanding will be a total PITA.
I am wrong to consider just soda or sand blasting them and then painting? We have to get them painted before we put them at their moorings, rigging comes later!

 

[CloudDiver]

Soda blast, no sand blasting. Sand is too harsh and will pit the substrate. If you have the money from donations or a soda blaster willing to donate services its a great idea, it will save you many labor hours in sanding. Soda blasting will quickly get into areas that are difficult and time consuming to sand.
You may need to scrape the barnacles off first, the soda is more gentle and ergo may not get them off effectively. That's a question for the equipment operator.

 

[njlarry]

Ok, so far some volunteers have sanded the first boat completely. No luck at WM so wondering if there is any high quality house paint at Lowe's that would work? Will have to buy regular bottom paint.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Larry, NO> that's why real bottom paint costs so much. Ya know, after spending countless hours getting the OLD grunge off, why would you want to ever do that again?

http://www.baads.org/ may have some info on accessibility and seating.

Good luck, nice thing you're doing.

 

[JohnCTV21]

Let me know how much bottom paint you need.

I have a commercial account at a supplier with a marine paint division.

 

[njlarry]

Let me know how much bottom paint you need.

I have a commercial account at a supplier with a marine paint division.

Right now we have one Rainbow which is 24 LOA ready to paint. The other two will be readied this fall and next spring so next season we will have all three in the water for racing...we hope.
I know I need bottompaint that is "marine" but I was wondering if with all the new technology there might be a non-marine gloss or deck and topsides. As a start up we have a lot of other expenses just to get operational.
Plan is boat one "Puff" blue topsides. red bottom.
Boat two "Red" red topsides, blue botttom.
Boat three, "Elliot" green topsides, blue bottom.
All three with tan decks and white boot stripe.
Good news is we already have some special kids ready to enjoy sailing. So looking forward to getting them on the water.