Removing antifouling from tight curves

[Suncatcher]

I have had the delightful chore of sanding 25 years of antifouling with a drill and sanding pad. I've removed most but have not tackled the tight curves e.g. leading edges, hull to keel area. I've considered using a chemical remover. Is there any other way besides blasting or using elbow grease?

 

[Ken Cross]

A drill and sanding pad can get way closer than the photo seems to show. Edge it (holding the disk on its side or at a steep angle.) but be careful not to dig holes. This assumes the backing on your sanding disk is a bit flexible. Other options in limited locations are drum sanders in your same drill. Another option is a flapper disk attached to a small angle grinder.

 

[dlochner]

Boy, you are patient! A drill and a sanding pad?

There are some safe and environmentally friendly chemical strippers that will take care of the difficult to access areas. I've used this product with no ill effects : Paint & Urethane Stripper (Soy Gel) – Franmar Products

 

[capta]

I've never found a way to remove bottom paint that wasn't a whole lot of hard work. A good sander and a few good quality scrapers should get it done, and a few gallons of elbow grease, of course.

 

[Head Sail]

Taking the prop off would make it a lot easier.

 

[Gunni]

You should be using a random orbital sander with vac attachment, that paint is toxic and you are spreading it far and wide with a disk sander. Hope you have good PPE and know how to use it. And you are making a royal mess of the surface, taking it down to the laminate in places and generally creating a bunch of work to fair the surface after application of a barrier epoxy.

 

[agprice22]

A random orbital sander will do all but the tightest spot there. Then you can use a Dremel Mighty Max or other occillating tool with a small sanding head. I hope your sanding dust is not all over the boats next to you! I cannot say I would be very pleased to fin your sanding dust all over my boat.

 

[Suncatcher]

In another question I posted I noted that I was aware of personal and environmental concerns about sanding and therefore took precautions. Obviously should have done the same here. No other boats were effected, the environment has not changed and my life span hasn't changed

I was only looking for advice re tight curves. But FYI I fount the random orbital sander heavy and less precise than the drill.
I just tried scraping the outside curves and it seems to work well.

Thx for your input.