spider webbing/crazing

[Larry Davidson]

I have a 1976 25' O'Day which is showing thin deck paint, as well as, spider webbing. I spoke to an expert at the Annapolis boat show that stated they could fix both conditiions at approximately $300 a foot ( rough figure). This is more than I paid for the boat - Has anyone done the jobs or could offer recomendations? I plan to keep the boat and will do what it takes.

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Deck painting

Hi Larry -There are several reading resources you should look into if you are thinking about repainting you decks. Depending on how much of a perfectionist you are, you may end up pulling all the deck hardware, grinding out the crazed areas (spiderwebs), filling, fairing, masking, and rolling, brushing or spraying on new paint. This is usually done in two steps (at least a couple coats per), one being the smooth area and the other being the nonskid areas. I'll bet you can do a pretty decent job without pulling the hardware and rolling on new paint. Look online and buy some books on the subject. You'll be amazed at how much newer your boat will look after the work.Best of luck,Trevor

 

[Ed Garcia]

Just did it myself

on my 1978 O'Day 25. You don't always have to grind down the spider crazing, some epoxy primers will coat over them for you. Deeper stress crazings, typically those near stanchions or cleats probably will. Basically use a dremel tool then fill with an epoxy compound and sand smooth. Word to the wise, anywhere I found crazing I made a point to reinforce the area better from below if it was accessable. I used the Interlux line of products and am very pleased with their ease of working and performance. I would also recommend removing the deck hardware, its not that hard really, you get a better paint job, plus you can rebed all the hardware with new technology sealants and not have to worry above nuisance leaking. To do it properly will probably take three to four weekends but the results are worth it. Good luck.

 

[Larry Davidson]

spider webbing

Ed,Are you referring to Interlux paint products for the new paint job? Also, did you need to do anything to the existing paint to obtain paint compatability between old and new. While we're discussing the 25', have you ever dropped the centerboard to check for wear and corrosion? I'm concerned due to the age of the boat, but it has only been in fresh water which helps. I'd hate to drop the centerboard -