Bill is right about the fact that you'll take much better care to do a good job than a yard. The costs quoted to you don't seem to be outrageous, but you get what you pay for....... Use a roller for the large expanses and a cheap brush to cut in around the thru-hulls, around the rudder, etc.
What is the condition of the bottom? Does it "need" new bottom paint because portions of the hull are showing through? Is there a large buildup of many coats of old bottom paint that are chipping?
If the old paint is built up in many layers and not in good shape, it makes sense to strip it all off and start anew. Maybe even put on an epoxy barrier coat after it's all stripped. Stripping is alot of work, and involves using a combination of scrapers and Chemicals such as Peel-Away. Stripping down to the hull has the advantage of allowing you to begin anew with a paint of your choice.
I have found that the new ablative paints reduce the amount of subsequent bottom prep to virtually nil. As the paint wears, you just add new coats without sanding. Depending on what is already there, and the condition, you can put an ablative paint over the old paint and put off stripping while not continuing to build up layers.
If the old paint is adhering well, then all you need to do to go sailing is to scruff it up with either sandpaper or a scruffy pad and paint over the old paint. Be sure to find out the brand and type of the old paint and choose paint that the mfg says is compatible.
If the old paint is an ablative type then just hose it off and when dry, add one or two more coats of ablative paint.
If the old paint is in good shape then one additional coat will probably do. If you are starting from bare hull, two coats are better. The actual application of the coats is easy--the bottom prep is the bear.
Here's a great feature of the ablative paints that saves effort an money down the road...
If you are starting from a bare hull, plan on three coats. The first two coats are a color that contrasts from the final coat. For instance, I use red Micron CSC, and for the final coat, I use Brown. As the ablative paint wears away, the red "marker" coat shows through. Since you can relaunch without adding new paint, I just touch up the spots where the marker coat shows through. Works great!
Bill Goldsmith
CD27 #173
Second Chance
Frank Vernet wrote: Patrons of the Board -
My CD33 is currently on the hard at Herrington Harbour North Marina on the Chesapeake. As many of you know, we have had an uncommonly warm winter, and the time draws near to put our boats back in the water. Pre-launch activities include an honest assessment of the bottom paint.
Last applied in June 99 - she needs a new coat. Boatyard wants between $10/ft to >$16/ft depending on the paint and LOA
Seems like I could do it myself for consirably less! However, having never done this myself, I approach the project with some trepidation. How much sanding has to be done? Is more than 1 coat necessary? Sprayed or rolled on? Please advise.
A search of prior posts suggests that this is not a major job, but I thought I'd put the question out there directly.
Thanks to all.
Frank Vernet
CO Sirius
CD33 #84
goldy@bestweb.net