spraying the bottom?
 

I am getting ready to start the restoration process on my 20 and I have decided that I am going to regelcoat the boat, what is the best way to spray the bottom? Do I use a wrecker and flip it over or do I jack it up as high as I can and spray it in sections? Is there any other ways? Any feedback will help.
Thanks,
George

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

Hello George-

I faced the same issue when I sanded and sprayed the bottom of my 20. I do not have the facilities like Hammer seen here:

http://www.classicseacraft.com/hammerboathanging1.jpg

so I got a bit creative ( some may think stupid, like my neighbors [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] ) And I did this:

http://www.classicseacraft.com/goldfarbonhorses3A.jpg

The only way I recommend putting the boat on horses is if they are industrial horses. The ones I have were rated to hold more than I estimated the boat to weigh but it still looks scetchy no matter how I explain it.

They worked very well, I was able to put the boat on there from my trailer utilizing a hyd. jack and a 4x4 cut to size. It took 2 people 10 mins to load / unload. I had to manuver the boat in and out of my garage due to the weather.

with one had I could rock the boat in it stbd. or port side.

Just make sure it is stable and what ever you put the boat on can bear the weight.

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

George you've got the idea already. I flipped mine. I had a bunch more work to do to the bottom. I used a wreaker. It took about an hour each time and cost me $60 each time.
I mounted some cross bracing and 2inX 8in casters. I could move it around by myself, but it was much easier with another person helping.
Look at pages 6 & 7 at
http://www.classicmako.com/projects/xshark/bw6.htm

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

Trayder that pic scares the heck out of me! It probably is safer then it looks.

The easiest thing to do is bring the boat down to the local boat yard and have them lift it off the trailer with nylon straps then put it on blocks. Some yards will let you do the work there and you pay a dailey fee. Then when you are finished put it back on the trailer and bring her home. Plan B is to get the wrecker like Warthog did. If you have a lot of work to do to the bottom of the hull prior to spraying then this may be your best bet. Plus it's easier to work on the hull when it is flipped over. Another option and it's not that hard but you have to be careful is to jack it up off the trailer and place blocks and slowly move the trailer out from under the boat. You will have to re-jack and re-position the blocks several times but eventually you can move the trailer completly out from under the boat. I forgot how big your boat is but if it's light enough then another option is to have several buddies help you flip it over by hand. Hope some of this helps.

Strick

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

That's what I did. Two heavy coats, one each day. Cost me $35 a day do-it-yourself yard! "Wham Bam Thank You Mam" [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

I think I am going to go the wrecker route because I can easily get one to use. If not I am going to get creative and see what I cant to with engine hoists, car lifts, jacks, and a small fork lift. Thanks for all the info, this site is great!!!!!!

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

This was my life this time last year...
http://www.foodmachinery.com/SeaCraf...3/DSC04098.JPG
http://www.foodmachinery.com/SeaCraf...3/DSC04099.JPG

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

Otto,
How hard is it to spray when it is realtivily close to the ground like that? Was it difficult to get the gelcoat on the inside of the chimes and etc?
Thanks,
George

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

I think Otto sprayed paint on the bottom.....

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

George,

The boat was raised higher with 2 forklifts while we sprayed. I used a "creeper" and took my time. I used Performance VC 2 part. If I was to do it over again, I would roll it on. We ended up wet sanding with a DA and rubbing it out anyway. The overspray was brutal...

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

The last time I painted on a creeper, was when I did my car trailer. You need to have coverall's, hood for your head. Everything covered, including a shield for your face. Without saying a resporator is manditory.

Put some vasoline on your face that is exposed too.

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

If you're going to spray the bottom with gel coat, yes, you're going to have to get it in a postion that the gel coat gun will work in. You can't really spray "UP". Only at a slight angle up, and only when the cup is full. This is what I did, after talking to Jason.
http://www.theboatzone.com/albums/al...ttompaint1.jpg
http://www.theboatzone.com/albums/al...port_gel_2.jpg

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

Hey EBEACH,
Have you been sniffing those paint fumes cuz it looks like you are trying to sleep with your boat??!! [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

I like that vasoline idea so when you stick your face where it doesn't belong you can easily get out [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

George where are you going to do this? not at home cuz the mess is big and be sure there is plenty of ventilation because no boat is worth permanent damage!

Be sure to take plenty of before pics
Bill

2 seacraft and the wife doesn't mind [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

what brand of matress?!

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

Mr. Porter,
I was planning on doing it either at my dads service department, or at the body shop my dad uses for the dealership. Do you know anyone in the area that is good at spraying gelcoat and would show me how to shoot it, I am not sure how good I am going to be? I am going to practice on the console and see how that comes out. I like the mattress idea, I was actually thinking about something like.

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

Does your Dad have a paint booth big enough for the boat? The guy working on my boat might be able to help you. Why not just paint it gelcoat is a lot of finishing work. Check the archives cuz there is a member that went thru this and he may be able to give you insight.

Why aren't you back in school??!! [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

Bill

This site is nice and so are the members!

Re: spraying the bottom?
 

No, my dad does'nt have a paint booth big enough, but he has a few extra large tents that would work, also the body shop he uses has plenty of booths large enough.
I am back at school, I am just getting all the info now so I can start as soon as I get home.