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I am undertaking the daunghting task of trying to bring my 16'-6" 1968 back to life. The hull has been newly gel coated white and the whaler decals replaced(previous owner). Next is the interior. It is fairly new gel coat, but was not done very well, already flaking up in large sections and leaking much water into the hull.

Was wondering the best means of removing the gel coat. Is there a stripper or should i use an orbital sander? After removing it i plan on using an epoxy based paint instead of gel coat. Is this crazy?

I've also removed 2 2'X2' sections in the aft on either side of the tunnel and found most of the foam is junk. Removing what I can, drying it over the winter and re-foaming and glassing after interior has been redone. In terms of drying the foam: although it is closed cell I've found using a shop vac you can quickly collect water in one area making it easier to discard.

Any suggestions that may aid with the my restoration would be happly recieved!

Thanks,

Dana

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I would consider looking into soda blasting the interior. Not only will it easily remove the poorly done gel-coat but, it will leave it in a ruff state that will take a new coating with ease. Very little extra prep work need.

BTW you are right about the shop vac. That is by far the best tool for that job.

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Jeff,

Thanks for responding. Soda blasting sounds great, but can that be done yourself without serious equipment? I've seen it done at boatyards but dont think I'm in the market for yards.

Also about the shop vac: Whats the most effective means you have found? I've been able to suck water from foam into voids where I removed foam, then need to suck remove that water (1-2cups). But have not been able to make the vac actually suck it up (does this make sense?) Although it seems to work I'm only removing 1-2 cups of water at a time. Have you found a better way?

Thanks again,

Dana