Barrier-Coat-On

The G/flex epoxy filler sanded off alright, but did not leave a smooth surface due to the fact that it was to runny during the application. We used QuickFair microballon filler for the small diviets and g/flex 610 for the deeper holes. The later was the same stuff as the 655 but comes in a cauking tube and self mixes when you squeeze it out, very simple and only applies as much as you need.

Zoe had been sitting on a wooden stand but needed to be moved to jack stands to allow easier painting of the entire hull. Because the wooden support on the ground prevented the center stand from being placed, my dad had to do some quick work with a chainsaw to make it work.

Removing the old wooden stand. If anyone would like to borrow it just contact me.

Very happy it didn't tip over!

4th coat of Interprotect 2000e

6th coat

Goodnight for now Zoe, more work to come next June!

Thanks Dad!

Experimenting with G/flex

Finally all the bottom paint has been sanded off using a dual action orbital sander. Took a lot longer than using a grinder but as it was my first time taking bottom paint off, probably left a lot less gouges.

Underneath the majority of the barrier coat (Interlux 2000) was still in good shape. Around the keep join was a small crack in the epoxy filler. Also, two of the keel bolt heads had gotten some water underneath the filler (below). These were sanded and grinded out.

The keel joint had previously been sealed with 3M 4200, and epoxied over. While still flexible and in place in most places, the cast iron keep side showed rust everywhere along the joint. Crawling the forums I came across a newish product from West Systems, their g/flex products (650 and 655). Reviews were good, and it has the added benefit of being sandable. Anyone else use this before?

Below is the first application of g/flex 655 (the thicker version). It was still a little to honey like to apply to the  keep joint, mainly because the join is at a non horizontal angle. Next time I would add some thickener. The next day it was rockhard. We'll see how the sanding goes!

Removing the old (7yr) bottom paint. 

All the way off, time to start filling!

Thunderbird Internationals 2012

A short video of the 2012 Thunderbird Internationals from the perspective of Thunderbay. Big thanks to Duane for letting us play around on his sweet boat (and for all the delicious bbq!!).

Get that old paint off!

Winter Slumber

She is gaining strength for the coming Summer Storms...