Hull prep - step by step

[jmm]

Could someone who has been doing their own hull painting (below water line), provide me with a basic step-by-step list of tasks that I should follow ? I've got info overload after searching the weeb..My starting point is a 1983 Cat 25 full keel, that appears to have several layers of old bottom paint on it. I guess I need to sand the old paint off, but to what extent (how do I know how deep to sand? - will I hit gelcoat ?) What is the sequential order of applying new 'paints' to the sanded hull ? Do I need to apply an epoxy fairing prior to painting ? Is there a paint I should use (like Easypoxy) after sanding, but before applying a bottom paint (I plan to use Pettit Trinidad SR -as per practical sailor ratings) Help me out here folks ! Aaaarrgghh.. Remove old paintie. 1. sand entire hull area with 60 grit ?  2. rinse residue - allow to dry 3. sand again with 100 grit 4. rinse.   5. ? ?

 

[Ken Palmer]

Information is out there

I have never gone to the extent that you will be doing. My fresh water boat has VC-17 for bottom paint, and maintenance is a breeze. Wash the bottom, fix the chips or scrapes, and roll or spray on the VC-17.There are several books available, and an excellent on-line source for articles is SailNet.Com. I did a quick look and came up with one article listed on the link below. It has a little more information than you need, but you might poke around and see if there are some more articles. Good luck.Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty

 

[R. Young]

"Frugal" solution

You have many possibilities - here's a quick and "frugal" way.If the current coat of paint is in good condition i.e., doesnt have many blotted chips etc then you can paint over the old paint and avoid the paint removal step - this is not the best method but is practical if there are time and money constraints - and your not into Racing.(1)Wash(2)A Light sanding with 60 sandpaper just to remove a thin layer of the existing paint.(3) Clean the residue dust with a wash or better a solvent.(4) apply an ablative paint to minimize any more future buildup.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Pay to Sand

Think about paying the yard to sand, saving your time (and health) for blister repair and painting. I've done it both ways and after paying the yard to sand it, I'll never do it myself again.