Smooth 31 year old bottom revealed!

[pat strohmeyer]

Jim,

Download the Interprotect Guide from Interlux. The Guide gives you all the info you need to properly install Interprotect 2000E.
It says "Apply Interprotect 2000E to build a total of 10 mils (0.010 inch) dry film thickness. It usually takes four or five coats to apply the proper amount of Interprotect 2000E, but the final dry film thickness is more important than the number of coats." The Guide gives you instructions on proper prep
of the surface before you install tha Interprotect 2000E.

Pat

[Jeff and Sarah]

After all that work, why not follow the product's instructions? If you chose Interprotect, you must think it is the best product available (as did I when I chose it for Prerequisite). I don't see any reason to doubt the associated instructions. I found that each coat took less and less product to cover the full bottom because it got continually smoother and smoother (I did fill/fair between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd coats). I did 5 coats total. Be sure to follow the instructions for hot coating the first layer of bottom paint too. I spoke with Interlux and they said if you go past any of the dry times you can sand the Interprotect to prep if for next coat, but sanding sucks so I made sure to never do that. The first two (or maybe 3) coats had occaisional bubbles that would pop leaving a smattering of "holidays" in the coating. I filled all of those with interlux filler (a process that went pretty quickly). The last 2 coats went on smoothly.

I don't know your planned timeline, but consider letting the boat sit for the winter with the bottom paint removed and apply the barrier coat in the spring to facilitate drying any moisture out of the hull (vice trapping it under the barrier coat forever). You may already be planning to do that though.

I think I'd stay clear of the "pro's" who recommended deviating from instructions. If you use only 3 coats and call interlux with any problems in the future, I'd be willing to bet the first thing they'd say is "You didn't apply enough coats".

[Stan W.]

Have you looked at Petit's barrier coat product? It only requires 3 coats to reach the recommended thickness, compared to 5 or 6 for the Interlux products. I used it when I did the bottom on my M17 two years ago and so far so good.

[Jim Walsh]

Jim,

Download the Interprotect Guide from Interlux. The Guide gives you all the info you need to properly install Interprotect 2000E.
It says "Apply Interprotect 2000E to build a total of 10 mils (0.010 inch) dry film thickness. It usually takes four or five coats to apply the proper amount of Interprotect 2000E, but the final dry film thickness is more important than the number of coats." The Guide gives you instructions on proper prep
of the surface before you install tha Interprotect 2000E.

Pat

Thanks, I hadn't yet gotten around to checking the guide as I was busy removing the old paint and trying to finish up before winter sets in. I just finished this afternoon so I'll check it out.

[Jim Walsh]

After all that work, why not follow the product's instructions? If you chose Interprotect, you must think it is the best product available (as did I when I chose it for Prerequisite). I don't see any reason to doubt the associated instructions. I found that each coat took less and less product to cover the full bottom because it got continually smoother and smoother (I did fill/fair between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd coats). I did 5 coats total. Be sure to follow the instructions for hot coating the first layer of bottom paint too. I spoke with Interlux and they said if you go past any of the dry times you can sand the Interprotect to prep if for next coat, but sanding sucks so I made sure to never do that. The first two (or maybe 3) coats had occaisional bubbles that would pop leaving a smattering of "holidays" in the coating. I filled all of those with interlux filler (a process that went pretty quickly). The last 2 coats went on smoothly.

I don't know your planned timeline, but consider letting the boat sit for the winter with the bottom paint removed and apply the barrier coat in the spring to facilitate drying any moisture out of the hull (vice trapping it under the barrier coat forever). You may already be planning to do that though.

I think I'd stay clear of the "pro's" who recommended deviating from instructions. If you use only 3 coats and call interlux with any problems in the future, I'd be willing to bet the first thing they'd say is "You didn't apply enough coats".

Thanks,
I just finished sanding the bottom this afternoon. My intention is to let the hull "rest" (me too!) till spring. I'll be sure to familiarize myself with the manufacturers application instructions this winter.

[Jim Walsh]

Have you looked at Petit's barrier coat product? It only requires 3 coats to reach the recommended thickness, compared to 5 or 6 for the Interlux products. I used it when I did the bottom on my M17 two years ago and so far so good.

Thanks,
No I hadn't. I'll be checking them out and Sea Hawk also.

[Islandboy]

Hey Guys your pics sure brought back lots of memories re the total bottom job I did on "Sequoia" my Typhoon. She is only 18 ft. your 31 must have been a ..... of a job to complete by hand. I took the easy approach and had Sequoia sugar blasted which cost about $500.00, worth every penny!!! I would also consider blasting with crushed walnut shells, often used on classic boats.