This bulletin board, hosted by the CDSOA, Inc., is the on-line meeting place for all Cape Dory owners and groups. We welcome everyone's questions, answers and comments about Cape Dory sailboat
We are looking for ideas to paint the ceiling and walls of our 81 CD30. I don't believe it has ever been done. There are a few places that have screw holes to be patched.
I would also like to hear from someone who has been creative with the limited storage areas and how to utilize it to the fullest (especially the galley area). Our boat has no oven just a two burner alcohol stove which we are happy with. The area below it is open. We don't care for the awkward space with the sliding doors. How do you utilize the space best?
We considered selling and buying a larger boat but we love Red Wing and know she has been well taken care of. We ordered new canvas and have many upgrades so we are ready to spruce her up a bit.
I would prefer a low odor paint if possible. Suggestions are much appreciated. Photos of your work would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Kelle & Walt Quist
Rowe, MA
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails."
Mark Twain
Petit makes a paint just for boat cabins. It only comes in an off white. I used it last year. It has very little odor and worked very well for me. It also has mildew prevention additives. I found the color to be an almost exact match to the original Cape Dory liner. I would imagine that you could have it tinted if you wished.
On our previous boat I used a bonding primer (BIN), an then hardware store water based enamel paint. Super hard glossy finish. If you have a varnished wood interior it really makes it pop. A little odor goin on, but none after curing... A day or two. Paint is still holding up after 5 yrs. my cousin owns that boat now, so I've seen the paint.
I have no photos, but plan to do the same to our CD 25.
I just finished painting the fiberglass interior of my CD 25. I used Interlux Brightside in White. I did not use a primer, just sanded the surface with 120 grit and wiped down with acetone. First coat was applied without any additives. Sanded first coat with 220 grit, and wiped down with denatured alcohol. Second coat was a 1:1 ratio of paint to Interlux Flattening Agent to achieve a semi-gloss finish. The adhesion and coverage was excellent.
For the screw holes, I used an epoxy putty stick. Very easy to work with, not messy like Marine Tex, no problem on vertical and overhead repairs, and you can use as much or as little at a one time that you need. The key is to keep your hands wet while working it. It's my new favorite thing.
