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mikeb
90 Posts |
 Posted - 05 Sep 2013 : 11:26:24
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My Norman 20 is painted on the lower part of the hull, extending to a couple of inches above the waterline. Above that is still gelcoat, and it's not in too bad condition, so I'm hoping a polish and tidy up will improve it.
The painted part is looking a bit of a mess though, I'd like to repaint it, but not sure what to use? I guess it depends on what is already on there, but it was done by a previous owner, and I've no idea what it is. Could it just be antifouling paint?
It's also had the bow painted up the stem (in white, so it's hardly visible), for some reason.
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nigel-in-oxford
United Kingdom
643 Posts |
Posted - 05 Sep 2013 : 12:23:12
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Its just anti-fouling slap a new coat of anti-fouling over the top. But fill those holes first with gelcoat filler.
Swin Ranger 22 "Chronophage" (Time eater)
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Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 05 Sep 2013 : 17:02:44
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+1 for the anti foul. If it were me, I would give it a serious pressure wash to remove as much as possible, and then slap a coat on top!! It is an annual thing, or every two years if you are lucky.
It is hidden underwater and therefore the quality of finish is not important. If you are staying in the water all year then it is usual to anti foul. If you are on a trailer most of the time, I wouldn't bother with the expense.
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 32 "Liberty"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
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Knighty
United Kingdom
654 Posts |
Posted - 05 Sep 2013 : 18:45:00
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Def fill that scrape first, looks deepish so i would go with epoxy as it,s below the water line. Scape any loose antifoul off then if any white gelcoat showing where the antifoul was paint on an underwater primer like Hempel or such then a coat or two of fresh antifoul. 2.5ltr tin should do a couple of coats on a 20.
I know some say all antifoul is the same but last year i went for a cheap tin of stuff i got off internet and it was crap, looked awful before it was even launched and most fell off by end of season. This year went back to Hempel/Blakes. |
Edited by - Knighty on 05 Sep 2013 20:21:14 |
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mikeb
90 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2013 : 10:19:12
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Do I definitely need to use epoxy to fill? I've got loads of polyester resin (for my transom repair, the place I bought it from said it was suitable for the job). The boat is made from polyester resin and gelcoat, so why do people say it's not suitable for repairs below the waterline? Is it the filler powder that makes it unsuitable, or is it just that the epoxy makes a stronger repair?
I've got polyester topcoat to paint over the repaired transom, does that mean that I don't need to use epoxy underneath it?
The antifoul comes to about 6 inches above the waterline, so I want a reasonable finish there if possible, as that is quite visible. |
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Knighty
United Kingdom
654 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2013 : 11:32:25
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I believe you can use certain polyester resin fillers but they have to be isopthalic or the filler can be absorbant and crack. Epoxy seems to be the recommended way.
I bought a small West Systems epoxy kit via ebay that came with the resins and various grades of the powder addative and even mixing cups and syringes for around 18 pounds.
Just mask off where the antifoul is now, or if you are anal like i was and put an adhesive pinstripe just above it mask off then slap it on, best with a cheap mini roller kit and cheapo brushes you can afford to bin afterwards for a few quid from B@Q. Nasty stuff so wear protective stuff. |
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nigel-in-oxford
United Kingdom
643 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2013 : 12:07:55
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Most of the advice about not doing repairs with polyester comes from..... West Systems! what a surprise.
I have been told by a fibreglass boat builder that polyester forms a better bond to old (higher water content)polyester than Epoxy (west systems) will.
I have also found that topcoat (gelcoat with wax in) works extremely well under the water. But it may throw off anti-fouling for the first season.
Swin Ranger 22 "Chronophage" (Time eater)
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Edited by - nigel-in-oxford on 06 Sep 2013 12:09:43 |
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cliveshep
Thailand
1324 Posts |
Posted - 08 Sep 2013 : 08:26:19
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Just to lay this one to rest - polyester is fine under water, it's the filler derivatives that are NOT.
All the car-body type fillers are polyester based but become absorbent with the filler powder and degrade. You can use polyester and chopped up glass mat to fill holes, sand down and add a coat of resin over to seal the fibres, or you can use an epoxy filler and sand and paint. Sanded glass fibre lay-up will take in water via fibre ends so you do need to seal it properly.
The cost of boating is insignificant compared to costs of a young wife and two teenage kids! |
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mikeb
90 Posts |
Posted - 08 Sep 2013 : 17:22:53
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| Thanks Clive, that clarifies why there are mixed comments about it on the internet. I've got polyester 'topcoat' to go over the top of the repairs, supplier suggested just adding some filler powder to it and using that to fill. |
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Topic |
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Painting the hull
