Bottoms up?
 

I have a 1977 SeaCraft 18'6. It looks like whoever painted the bottom last either didn't use primer, or they used something other than bottom paint. It is flaking off bad. I can see a different color under it( light green) I'm guessing this was the old color and they just went right over top without prepping it. I really don't have the tools or time to do it myself right now. It needs to be sanded down to the gel-coat and there are a few nicks on the bow that I would like filled in, then repainted(the right way). Does anyone know what kinda $$$ I'm looking at spending. High and low estimate? thanks
Brian [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Bottoms up?
 

It does not sound like the initial paint was sanded properly or was just incompatable w/ the present paint.

It does not need to go to gelcoat, unless you want to barrier coat the hull. If you decide to sand to gelcoat - you should absolutely barrier coat while you're there.

If you do not want to barrier coat, then just sand ( or have someone sand ) the top layer of paint off and into the bottom layer w/ 80 grit paper leaving a nice surface for the new paint to 'bite' into - a D/A sander would do a great job.

Then spray the hull w/ water - maybe even soap, rinse well and let dry - getting all residue/dust off. Then, via a paint roller, paint w/ a quality, high-cuprous oxide level, ablative paint. I like Petit SLR...

As for the cost to have someone do this. I don't know, but it is sh_tty work and if you have the $, than it is worth having someone do it.

Good luck.

Re: Bottoms up?
 

I have a 1975 seacraft cc that i'm redoing and i just bought my boat to a guy here in georgia and had him sand blast the bottom and sand a few spots and he put 4 coats of primer on it and some good bottom paint and put my console back down and it was 1200.00