I have purchased a boat that has a name that just doesn't work. I'd like to change the name but in doing so need to find some way of removing the old name without damaging the gelcoat. The letters of the name seem to be adhesive plastic. ANy suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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I'm about to do the same thing....
From my reading I understand that heat from a hair dryer or heat gun will softhen the letters and that a plastic scraper can then be used to remove the letters. The use of a metal scraper is not advised. A compounding/waxing may be necessary to bring the gel coat color under the letters to match the surrounding area. Derek
From my reading I understand that heat from a hair dryer or heat gun will softhen the letters and that a plastic scraper can then be used to remove the letters. The use of a metal scraper is not advised. A compounding/waxing may be necessary to bring the gel coat color under the letters to match the surrounding area. Derek
Removing name
Check the archives. This subject has been discussed a number of times. In previous posts many people recommend oven cleaner as an excellent way to remove old names.
Check the archives. This subject has been discussed a number of times. In previous posts many people recommend oven cleaner as an excellent way to remove old names.
Just did it
If they are vinyl letters, a hair dryer is the tool. Heat a corner and work a plastic scraper (something with a tapered edge under the plastic and follow the heat until you have something you can get hold of. Keep pressure on the letter and keep applying heat where the plastic meets the boat. You will get some breaking and will have to start over but stay with it. After that you will have to remove every bit of adhesive. Acetone has been recommended but it can be nasty. Auto parts stores and even Walmart sell a remover that is a bit more environmentally friendly. Then, of course, wash it very clean and add your new name.
If they are vinyl letters, a hair dryer is the tool. Heat a corner and work a plastic scraper (something with a tapered edge under the plastic and follow the heat until you have something you can get hold of. Keep pressure on the letter and keep applying heat where the plastic meets the boat. You will get some breaking and will have to start over but stay with it. After that you will have to remove every bit of adhesive. Acetone has been recommended but it can be nasty. Auto parts stores and even Walmart sell a remover that is a bit more environmentally friendly. Then, of course, wash it very clean and add your new name.
Hair dryer on a Sailboat???
One reason I regularly give for switching from power to sail, is that guests on a power boat show up with their hairdyers, electric curlers, etc. Sailboat guests are a much more hardy crowd. But, I have been using one to remove some lettering and West Marine just suggested I use one to solve a problem with my newish dingy. Guess I have to eat my words and keep a hairdryer on the boat. Geez, go figure.
One reason I regularly give for switching from power to sail, is that guests on a power boat show up with their hairdyers, electric curlers, etc. Sailboat guests are a much more hardy crowd. But, I have been using one to remove some lettering and West Marine just suggested I use one to solve a problem with my newish dingy. Guess I have to eat my words and keep a hairdryer on the boat. Geez, go figure.
Wet sanding
After you remove the old vinyl with a hair dryer & scraper, you'll probably have a shadow of the old name. If the gelcoat is not perfect, you could probably get away with using VERY high grit sandpaper to wetsand the area. I think someone recently suggested another option so you might check the archives for some other suggestions. And don't forget a renaming ceremony to appease the gods! 48north.com has a good one as a permanent part of their site - the link is below.
After you remove the old vinyl with a hair dryer & scraper, you'll probably have a shadow of the old name. If the gelcoat is not perfect, you could probably get away with using VERY high grit sandpaper to wetsand the area. I think someone recently suggested another option so you might check the archives for some other suggestions. And don't forget a renaming ceremony to appease the gods! 48north.com has a good one as a permanent part of their site - the link is below.
Easy Off Oven Cleaner
If the name is painted on, spray Easy Off oven cleaner on the letters, let sit and wipe off. It really is that easy.
If the name is painted on, spray Easy Off oven cleaner on the letters, let sit and wipe off. It really is that easy.
Paint Remover
if the name is painted, simply use paint remover - special non harmful to gel-coat stuff is available at your local mariner ---or for about 1/10th the cost go to Home Depot!
if the name is painted, simply use paint remover - special non harmful to gel-coat stuff is available at your local mariner ---or for about 1/10th the cost go to Home Depot!
Hair dryer and Island Girl Pink
Michael, I just did this last month. Used a hair dryer and razor blade to remove the letters. Then I used some of the Island Girl cleaner to condition the gel coat and remove the excess adhesive. I can barely tell where the name was. Just be careful with the blade not to gouge the gel coat. A plastic blade might be better as others have suggested. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh 86 C-36 #560
Michael, I just did this last month. Used a hair dryer and razor blade to remove the letters. Then I used some of the Island Girl cleaner to condition the gel coat and remove the excess adhesive. I can barely tell where the name was. Just be careful with the blade not to gouge the gel coat. A plastic blade might be better as others have suggested. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh 86 C-36 #560
Thanks LaDonna,
LaDonna, Thanks for the link to Vigor's service. My wife and I have just purchased an '85 O'day 28 and will be moving her next month from North Carolina to Key Largo. We will be renaming the boat and this info is very timely indeed. I'm not extremely superstious, but do to the special relationship that the previous owner had with his boat, this ceremony might make the transition easier for all involved. As Vigor recommends, it is a practice of good seamanship. In matters of the gods, cant' be too careful can we. Thanks, PM
LaDonna, Thanks for the link to Vigor's service. My wife and I have just purchased an '85 O'day 28 and will be moving her next month from North Carolina to Key Largo. We will be renaming the boat and this info is very timely indeed. I'm not extremely superstious, but do to the special relationship that the previous owner had with his boat, this ceremony might make the transition easier for all involved. As Vigor recommends, it is a practice of good seamanship. In matters of the gods, cant' be too careful can we. Thanks, PM
Thanks to all!!!
Thank you all for the response to the request. Seems, as usual, we have a knowledgeable as well as "creative" group here. LaDonna, I agree, keep the hairdryer stowed in the tool locker and claim it's for drying fish for long journeys...almost as good as smoked trout. Thanks again all.
Thank you all for the response to the request. Seems, as usual, we have a knowledgeable as well as "creative" group here. LaDonna, I agree, keep the hairdryer stowed in the tool locker and claim it's for drying fish for long journeys...almost as good as smoked trout. Thanks again all.
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