So how would you paint the bottom of a larger boat anyway?

[Homerr]

I'm getting ready to start restoration on a 26 footer.<br /><br />The bottom paint is peeling off badly, so I imagine I will sandblast (lightly of course) or use other means of removal.<br /><br />QUESTION:<br /><br />Obviously it should be off the trailer, but what if you don't have the means to do that?<br /><br />Could a person paint where he could (around the trailer's rollers) wait fot that to dry, and then move the boat back a bit on the trailer to paint the rest?<br /><br />Would this be feasable or should I consult a pro with a proper lift?<br /><br />How much would they charge to paint the bottom of something like this?<br /><br />Thanks again... I'm just full of questions tonight!<br /><br />H.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: So how would you paint the bottom of a larger boat anyway?

I wouldn't sand blast. I would sand it with a orbital/vibe sander. The boat can be lifted off the trailer if you do it in stages...a little at a time. The boat needs to be pulled off the trailer about 1-1/2 to 2 feet leave the front on the trailer. Add supports under each rear corner. Support the hull and use a floor jack and wood to lift it from the rear of the trailer. Now you are ready to pull the trailer SLOWLY from under the boat. Once the boat is ALMOST off keep adding supports under the keel very close to the trailer. Build up the blocking two supports in the rear and one in the front. It takes time but it can be done. Make sure it's sturdy and your ready to do hull work. Paint around the supports then add more to remove the ones you painted around and finish. Be careful. Really not a one man job.<br /><br />Bob.

 

[EGalvTex]

Re: So how would you paint the bottom of a larger boat anyway?

Homer,<br />Pressure washers work wonders in eliminating bottom fouling, they are much less troublesome and abrasive than sandblasters. Use an orbital or disc sander to do the left overs. Be sure to use an excellent set of eye protection when working under the hull. I learned the hard way with a $200 eye doc bill from anti-fouling paint flakes. After sanding, we normally just roll on the paint and brush the tight spots.

 

[EGalvTex]

Re: So how would you paint the bottom of a larger boat anyway?

I forgot the most important part:<br />when the boat is on a trailer, we normally lift it off with a bottle jack, followed by jack stands all the way round. We don't move the trailer out from under the boat, but raise the boat just enough to reach between the rollers and the hull. <br />Bottom jobs look and sound hard, but really only take a day or two if you have everything ready.

 

[Homerr]

Re: So how would you paint the bottom of a larger boat anyway?

Thank you!<br /><br />The bottle jack idea sounds great.<br /><br />I don't think it will be that difficult.<br /><br />H.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: So how would you paint the bottom of a larger boat anyway?

Depending on trailer design, it is possible lower the supports one by one. In combinations with additional supports that might leave room for the job.<br /><br />Pressure washers even has an accessory to add sand. A so called WET SAND BLAST which is'n as hard on the surface (and the surroundings). <br /><br />Remember a good primer on the hull before the antifouling to keep the water (and osmosis) away from the gelcoat and GRP.

 

[daveswaves]

Re: So how would you paint the bottom of a larger boat anyway?

Lots of good ideas, I just finished doing mine in two stages, I used the bottle jack to push the boat back 12 inches on my trailer, dont forget to release the winch or it doesnt move worth a ****. Use a 2x4 or 2x6 along the bow to protect form the jack. Dont forget to secure the trailer with jack stands or other support devices so that it cannot tilt on you. Then I painted the bottom, roller and tray, laying on your back under the trailer. Depends on your paint and drying conditions but I waited 60 hours then cranked the boat back to its normal spot on the trailer and painted where the rollers were. Worked great. Wear eye protection and old clothes!