She need new bottom paint

[JimMann]

Hey guys,

I’ve just joined today, thanks for having me!

So I bought a steel long keel ketch, she has a bit of rust on the bottom but nothing to worry about, it’s been tested.. this is all new to be and I could really do with some pointers on how to go about getting it to the bare metal, coated and getting it back in the water.

Thanks Jim

[boatman61]

Sand blast the hull...

[JimMann]

is sandblasting the only option?

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by JimMann

is sandblasting the only option?

Probably not but sure is the most practical option to remove the existing bottom paint system and rust.

[CSY Man]

I soda blasted my bottom last year, took all the old paint of and left a good clean surface for the new bottom.
Perhaps too mild for a steel hull, not sure.
Sandblasting is good for commercial boats with thick steel plates, blast away, there is plenty thickness left.
If the bottom is rusted, new plates may be needed?
Pictures and specs needed..

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by JimMann

is sandblasting the only option?

You said you wanted it back to bare metal, if so yes it’s about the only way. There are other, more expensive forms of blasting but for steel sand blasting is the way.
Just be sure it gets painted real quickly after blasting, steel will begin to rust almost immediately, and you don’t want that.

[JimMann]

Sorry I don’t have a better pic until next week

I have a few angle grinders, sanding pads and a few friends willing to help out so i’ll Spend a day or 2 on it and see where we are. Trying to keep the cost down as it’s costing me a fortune to store it and I have a bit refitting to do inside.

Any suggestions on the best priming products?

Thanks guys!

Jim

[JimMann]

Is my image visible to anyone?

[JimMann]

[skipgundlach]

Originally Posted by JimMann

Is my image visible to anyone?

No (or at least, not to me)

Are you using "manage attachments" under additional options?

[JimMann]

[SV Sailfish]

Jim,

Here is a good contact for you. Jules and Suzy on Emerald Steel. 30+ years on board a Spray style steel boat that they built themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIP...glg6QAgEYocQ8Q

If you contact them, tell them SV Sailfish referred you as they are friends.

Good luck with your project!

[sand6000]

Most countries in the modern world no longer allow sandblasting so are now using Ultra High Pressure Water Blasting. Usually around 40,000 psi.

[CSY Man]

Originally Posted by sand6000

Most countries in the modern world no longer allow sandblasting so are now using Ultra High Pressure Water Blasting. Usually around 40,000 psi.

Wow, that sounds more like water cutting..?
In the US we use soda blasting on fiberglass boats, but they have to build a tent and the operator wear protective gear.
I worked on big steel ships were we sand blasted both inside and out the boat, thick plates, one had a bit of “meat” to work with.

OP: As for the picture above: I hope you got that boat for free?
It looks pretty tired and the more you dig into old and tired boats, the more problems you find.
If you are trying to resurrect this boat, and if it is as bad as it looks on the picture, you may want to look elsewhere or get a professional opinion unless you had a survey done and it came out with good bones...?

[hzcruiser]

Originally Posted by JimMann

I have a few angle grinders, sanding pads and a few friends willing to help out so i’ll Spend a day or 2 on it and see where we are. Trying to keep the cost down as it’s costing me a fortune to store it and I have a bit refitting to do inside.

Jim

Agreed, she does look a bit neglected.

Either way, if the old paint was some good quality, two component polyurethane , sanding pads get clogged within seconds and are pretty useless. Even a wire brush is no fun.

IMHO, blasting is the most feasible way for such a large surface where paint stripping chemicals would not be economical nor ecological.