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I finally had the old paint removed from the hull of my boat. This was the last step of my restoration which included a new yamaha 150 4 stroke, new controls and steering, a new top, new rails and windshield, and on, and on. I went into the blasting of my hull with my eyes wide open as I knew the hull could be pitted by the process, and it was. The boat paint shop did not fill and smooth the pits, they simply painted over the rough areas. None are terribly deep, but they are clearly visible from 5 feet. My father in law, who was a Whaler dealer for 35 years (Breath's Boats and Motors, Bay St. Louis, MS) and the person who gave me the hull is horrified. He said he would never have let a boat leave his yard like that, he would have filled the pits and then painted. He said the gel coat is the only protection the hull has from water intrusion and he fears at high speed I could force water through the pits. He wants to take the boat back to the yard and hace them correct the situation. Obviously I have already paid ($800+) for the removal and application of new hull paint. I do not know offhand what brand (type) of paint they used but it is black, and they said it was formulated for boats that are trailer kept, as mine will be.
Is my father in law correct?
I can photograph the hull and email one of the mod.s if necessary.
I have just spent megabucks on this boat and now I am worried.
What are your thoughts?
Yes he is correct and yes it will cost money to make it right. However, those cost should be covered by the painters that did the job in the first place. They should strip it back down and let you inspect it at that time to see how bad things are. Since your boat will be trailer kept I would have them regelcoat the area, which will need to happen anyway, and leave it like that. There is no need for any bottom paint if the boat is sitting on a trailer.
Jeff, I am sick. I know there os no way to get these guys to remove the paint and fix the gelcoat. This yard is the one my local Whaler dealer sent me to since they don't do paint work. I know that a trailered boat does not need bottom paint, I did only did it since I knew the removal of about 6 layers of old (copper based, I think) paint would leave the gelcoat etched. I also rather like the look.
How thick is the gelcoat? As I stated, it is just pitted, and not all over, just in a few dozen places......
What a bummer.
I wouner if it would be possible to 'spot' remove the new hull paint and repair the pits?
I just had my Grady soda blasted and it left some uneven areas and pits as well. I was just out under the boat today determining my next course of action when I notice a couple areas were down to bare fiberglass. Had the guy just painted I'm not sure I would have known they were that deep. I plan on bottom painting mine but will do tall the repairs first. I agree with Jeff that you will need to get the paint off and inspect where you are at. If you are not happy with the job you should talk to the yard and see if you can work out a solution. Give them a chance, they might surprise you.
