bottom paint removal question

[bajadude]

I want to remove the bottom paint on my 2310 Parker. I never plan to keep the boat in the water- at least not more than several days. I feel the added drag of the bottom paint, evidently applied via roller, is costing me 2-3 knots in speed and reduced fuel economy.
There is only one coat of paint on there as the boat is fairly new. I dont see any evidence that any sort of primer was applied. I don't want to damage the gel coat, so sandblasting or grinding are out. I have found a product called Peel Away that supposedly removes bottom paint without harming the gel coat. Another product, Tagaway, seems like it could work . it is designed to remove grafitti from painted surfaces. Anyone have any experience with these products? Do you think I can get this paint off and have the smooth factory gelcoat again? thanks

 

[xtraham]

Re: bottom paint removal question

easy-off oven cleaner spray it on let it set pressure wash it off, has to be easy-off no other brands will do it
(dont let it drip on your trailer) I took mine off the trailer and sprayed about 2 foot squares each let stand for about 20 mins washed it off

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: bottom paint removal question

Don't expect too much of a speed gain; a little bit of roughness on a hull can actually help by giving the surface some "air slip" so it is not a full water contact with the bottom. Racing sailboats use a slight texture on the bottom for just this reason. If you notice, you will actually get a higher speed in a slight chop as the surface bond is broken by the air that gets between the hull and the water.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: bottom paint removal question

Don't expect too much of a speed gain; a little bit of roughness on a hull can actually help by giving the surface some "air slip" so it is not a full water contact with the bottom. Racing sailboats use a slight texture on the bottom for just this reason. If you notice, you will actually get a higher speed in a slight chop as the surface bond is broken by the air that gets between the hull and the water.

This is the second time I've read about this on this forum. While I believe it could be the case on a sailboat, or any other displacement hull for that matter, I would find it hard to believe on any planing hull...

 

[fstbttms]

Re: bottom paint removal question

Racing sailboats use a slight texture on the bottom for just this reason.

Ummm... no they don't.

Just sayin'.

 

[bajadude]

Re: bottom paint removal question

Don't expect too much of a speed gain; a little bit of roughness on a hull can actually help by giving the surface some "air slip" so it is not a full water contact with the bottom. Racing sailboats use a slight texture on the bottom for just this reason. If you notice, you will actually get a higher speed in a slight chop as the surface bond is broken by the air that gets between the hull and the water.

"Air slip" ...come onnn! You don't really believe that , do you? Anyway, I am talking about a PLANING HULL-not a sailboat. Huge difference.

 

[stevieray]

Re: bottom paint removal question

Hey dude, if the hull was prepped properly for painting, it most likely was either sanded or had one of those "etching" primers applied under the bottom paint. If it was applied to a bare smooth new hull, it probably would already be peeling off all by itself. Take off a small section of the paint first & check the condition of the gel coat under it - you may not want to bother to go further once you see it.

 

[tommays]

Re: bottom paint removal question

Generaly sailboats put more time into the smoothness of there bottom than a NASCAR team


The really serious boats will be dry sailed and have well over 100 hours into fairing the bottom on a brand new 100,000 dollar + boat

I would try a small area first ,many times the prep for a good bottom paint job leaves the gell coat beyond looking nice again :devil:


Tommays

 

[stevieray]

Re: bottom paint removal question

With all due respects Capt, ain't that what I just said? (I mean except for the sailboat part)

 

[QC]

Re: bottom paint removal question

I agree with studlymandingo. Sometimes rougher is better. Not all boats, and not at all speeds. That's what step hulls are about . . .

Edit: Don't really know about bottom paint and/or sailboat bottoms, but I also don't believe you will pick up anywhere near 2 knots. I'd want the paint off too, but if you are looking for speed, find things to leave on the dock.

I have seen good reviews on PeelAway. They seem very honest and will actually talk to you.

 

[flashback]

Re: bottom paint removal question

The peelaway will work well in your situation. I worked as a "yard monkey" for a few years and have tried just about everything.. If the peelaway dosn't work, then sanding is about the only choice you have unless you can find someone with a sandblaster that you can use ground up walnut shells instead of sand.... good luck

 

[mattttt25]

Re: bottom paint removal question

peelaway works, have used it in the past. but it's messy and expect to go over some areas multiple times.

as for improved performance, unless the existing paint is cracked and peeling, taking it off won't gain you much for your application. parkers are wide, heavy boats... maybe if you were talking about your 42' fountain i'd say heck yes, but just don't see it. you may gain 1 mph? maybe 100 rpms?

most important thing to understand is that if the bottom was properly prep'd, you're going to find a very matte finish beneath that paint from where they sanded with 80 or 100 grit paper. think about that before you go through all this trouble...

 

[bajadude]

Re: bottom paint removal question

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions. The bottom paint is chipped in several areas and actually appears shiny (not scuffed like you would expect) , which is the only reason I'm considering pushing forward on this. I'm hoping I'll get lucky... I also see no evidence of use of self etching primer. I suspect the dealer did a "quick and dirty" paint job- skipping normal prep. Pretty common from what I hear. The fact that he even sold a bottom paint job for a trailer boat speaks volumes about his ethics. Previous owner was reportedly a first time boat buyer, so it makes some sense. BTW the boat shows no evidence whatsoever that it was EVER kept in the water.d

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: bottom paint removal question

About 5 years ago I removed stuff from the bottom of a tri hull I had and gained 3 mph. (used an orbital sander I wish I could find that post on here) I had roughened the entire bottom with sandpaper. This created airbubbles and turbulance whiched helped the hull. I will not claim that I was being an inventor. Reggie Fountain actually drilled holes in the bottom of his boat to achieve more speed. It is the same principal as a golf ball. A perfectly smooth ball will not fly as far as one with dimples. It all has to do with physics and drag. A sailing huil is totally differant physics principal.