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dmksails · 09-06-2016, 14:21

The boat I purchased in May needs some cosmetic work done to the woodwork. All the accounts I've read so far has that type of work being done while on the hard.

Is it not allowed to sand wood while in the slip? I have some very nice carved wood accents that would benefit greatly from a touchup. (Tashiba-31)

BTW - I'm moored in Seattle.

Terra Nova · 09-06-2016, 14:25

Ask your dock master.

TurninTurtle · 09-06-2016, 14:29

Depends really on exactly what you are doing.

Minor hand sanding or even a bit of power sanding that isn't excessively loud and doesn't spread a mess around isn't likely to cause any complaints.
Similar for minor maintenance paint work.

And then there's the marina rules... Its inherent in having a boat to do some minor work almost every week. There will be some level of work that will be considered an annoyance to other live-aboards and you want to check if what you plan to do would cross that line.

A consideration is that any wood sanding and painting needs protection from getting wet while the work is being done until the paint is cured. So where the wood is will matter.

**JPA Cate** · 09-06-2016, 14:37

dmksails,

Your dockmaster can tell you if there are rules against hand sanding--
either before or after you start! Some places allow power sanding with a bag to catch the varnish dust, but fancy carved bits need careful work, and i bet that'll mean hand tools rather than power (although, maybe a dremel?????)

Good luck with your project.

Ann

Reefmagnet · 09-06-2016, 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmksails

The boat I purchased in May needs some cosmetic work done to the woodwork. All the accounts I've read so far has that type of work being done while on the hard.

Is it not allowed to sand wood while in the slip? I have some very nice carved wood accents that would benefit greatly from a touchup. (Tashiba-31)

BTW - I'm moored in Seattle.

The problem comes when replacing bits of the woodwork and all the rigmarole that involves. Sanding for a lick of varnish shouldn't be a big deal. And if it is, there's always, ahem, discretion or cordless tools at anchor.

Schooner Chandlery · 09-06-2016, 15:26

The dockmaster can give you the rules. It is possible to do a lot in the slip although we prefer to be at anchor when varnishing as it's just cleaner away from neighboring boats--not to mention big power boats cleaning their hulls with hoses and overspray of water onto the varnish.

If you're working on a nameboard or other bit of wood with carving that ends up requiring hand sanding in the slip, you CAN rig some plastic taped to the hull right under it. Depending on location, you can run plastic or a tarp in such a way to catch all the dust that may drop. If using a power sander, using something decent (we have a Festool vacuum that can be used with any tool with a dust collection capability though we also have a small Festool sander) makes a huge difference and may be required by your dockmaster. If hand sanding in a small area on the side of the hull (our covering boards overhang the hull for example) I actually have held the dustpan shoved up against the hull right right under the spot to be sanded (with the left hand) while sanding with my right hand. My husband is a better/faster sander than I am but dust flies everywhere when he sands -- thus the Festool for us...

Best of luck!

Moufflon · 10-06-2016, 08:28

May I suggest a clean up with oxalic acid and a softish brass wire might do?

**Lepke** · 11-06-2016, 17:00

I have an 83' wood boat and sand between coats.
Move to a marina that caters to commercial fishing. Maybe Fisherman's Terminal. Keep stuff out of the water. Nobody will bother you. Probably cheaper, too. Cleaner fuel. I haven't been in a yacht marina in 5 years.
I have a sander with a vacuum hook up and have no problem over the water. I've had harbormasters, USCG come and look, but never a word.
Sometimes you can rig a vacuum nozzle on or next to a tool you're using.

Stu Jackson · 11-06-2016, 17:22

Man, you live in the land of Environmental Nazis!!! Even if your harbormaster/dockmaster would accept it, some bozo walking the docks could report you to Save The Whale Foundation.

Just kidding.

Keep it clean and minimize the impact on the environment. Actual, eliminate the impact.

Not so hard.

It's better for everyone.

Good luck.

ramblinrod · 11-06-2016, 19:22

Also a good idea to hold noisy work for through the week at a decent time of day vs Friday Saturday or Sunday at dinner time.

spotfire · 16-06-2016, 18:26

I'm in Puget sound and I've touched up my trim a time or two.

Looks like minor sanding and painting is ok in Washington marinas, Try this link
http://www.cleanmarinawashington.org...MarinaBMPs.pdf

I'd take a minute with the dock master before I started though

**minaret** · 17-06-2016, 06:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Man, you live in the land of Environmental Nazis!!! Even if your harbormaster/dockmaster would accept it, some bozo walking the docks could report you to Save The Whale Foundation.

Just kidding.

Keep it clean and minimize the impact on the environment. Actual, eliminate the impact.

Not so hard.

It's better for everyone.

Good luck.

Kidding? Nope. It's the kayakers you have to look out for. Many are members of Puget Soundkeepers Alliance. While I applaud their general mission, they are usually not horribly well informed and cannot tell the difference between wood dust on the water, which is totally harmless, and more toxic forms of waste. They will call you in at the slightest sign of contamination. If you see a kayak coming, stop sanding! Especially if you are inside the locks.