Re-coating boat hull.

Christobull · Addict Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 898 City: Tulsa

We need to re-coat the hull of our boat. The previous owner left it in a dock most of the time and the water ate up the gel coat. What's the best way to paint the bottom where it sits on the trailer. We've thought about the idea of using a backhoe to pick the boat up, but I thought I'd ask to see if anyone has some advice on it first.

The backhoe is capable of lifting it safely. The boat is small enough and the backhoe is big enough, however you want to look at it.

pet575 · Posted: Jul 10, 2009 8:26 am Post subject:

Get it off the trailer and get it on some blocks, jackstands, etc.- something to give you a shot at as much surface area as possible. Then you just move it a small bit to get the spots covered by the blocks.

wrenchmonkey · Newbie Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 12

If YOU are planning on leaving it in the water, get some "bottom paint".

Otherwise, just sand and prep it like a car, and shoot it with acrylic enamel (car paint). Let it dry for a couple of weeks before you launch it. It'll look great, and hold up just fine.

Christobull · Addict Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 898 City: Tulsa

wrenchmonkey, no, it's always trailered and garage kept. We're thinking about just taping it off and painting it below the waterline. But, you're saying no clear coat or anything?

wrenchmonkey · Newbie Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 12

I'm saying paint it exactly like you would paint a car. just sand the entire surface, mask what you don't want painted. Shoot, wetsand, buff, clearcoat...

Christobull · Addict Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 898 City: Tulsa

wrenchmonkey, okay, I got you.