Painting my Fisherman 18

[Curapa]

I am planning on having a friend spray my boat. I am going with a single stage paint, probably Imron. I have a couple of questions.

What is a good filler for marine fiberglass repair. I have a few gouges from over the years.

I can't decide what color to spray the boat. I like the light yellow that is on many new boats, what is the name of that color. Any other ideas for color would be great too.

I would really like to get rid of my bottom anti-fouling paint and spray the bottom with the Imron but I am perplexed as how to get the boat off of the trailer in order to spray the bottom. Any ideas?

[bradford]

Welcome to the Cult! Do a search on here to get the trailer out from under the boat, Skools Out had a pretty detailed post a couple years ago. The yellow you're thinking of is called Fighting Lady Yellow. Try Marine Tex for the gouges, it's cheap and easy to work with. Where are you located Curapa?

[Curapa]

Right down the road from you. I have noticed there seems to me more than a few members from our area.

I do love my boat. I did not appreciate the classic Wellcraft's until after my purchase a couple of years ago.

I have been browsing the site quite intensively and there is a lot of great information here.

Thanks,
Curt

[tsubaki]

Welcome to the site.
bradford's got good points and advise!
I'm one of those people that will do the minimum until it is to the point to go all out.
Marine Tex is gonna be best for the gouge locations.
If the bottom paint has been installed correctly by coarse sanding or blasting the bottom of the boat, it may be a bear to remove for repainting.
Repainting with a different color will easier show the new scratches. There is probably nothing as tough as the original gelcoat, even Imron.
If you really want to change the appearance and the existing paint is passable/cleanable, think about stripes or designs on the sides.
Lets say you do freshen up the anti-fouling and repair the gouges. It probably can be done with it still on the trailer, just work the locations you can see first and pull the boat back a little (tied to a tree or vehicle). If you must remove a roller bracket or bunk for better access, do so.
I'm just sorry that way,

hows about some pictures???

[Curapa]

Originally Posted by tsubaki

Welcome to the site.
bradford's got good points and advise!
I'm one of those people that will do the minimum until it is to the point to go all out.
Marine Tex is gonna be best for the gouge locations.
If the bottom paint has been installed correctly by coarse sanding or blasting the bottom of the boat, it may be a bear to remove for repainting.
Repainting with a different color will easier show the new scratches. There is probably nothing as tough as the original gelcoat, even Imron.
If you really want to change the appearance and the existing paint is passable/cleanable, think about stripes or designs on the sides.
Lets say you do freshen up the anti-fouling and repair the gouges. It probably can be done with it still on the trailer, just work the locations you can see first and pull the boat back a little (tied to a tree or vehicle). If you must remove a roller bracket or bunk for better access, do so.
I'm just sorry that way,

hows about some pictures???

I doubt the bottom paint was done corrctly as it is chipping off in spots.

Th gel coat is shot. I have buffed and tried many different cleaners. I was able to remove the chalkyness but the shine is not there and I am not satisfied. This boat was not cleaned or waxed for years before I purchased it.

This is about the only pic I have of my boat right now. I built the T-top and I am in the process of building a leaning post. It is from my yearly camping trip down the Savannah river.

[tsubaki]

Alright you're set on spraying the bottom and at least the sides.
In order to spray the entire thing at once and not removing anything on the boat, this is all I got:
Do you have the room to build a gantry out of 6x6's?
4-6x6's in the ground 3' each, 10' apart and as long as the boat is where the bow/stern eyes are. Bolted together with 2x6's and 1/2" bolts. The 2x6's are to keep the poles from pulling together under the weight of the boat. Attaching 4 come-alongs at these same locations and lifting the boat off the trailer.
My father and I did a similar thing with another boat but had 2 Sweetgum trees about 20' apart.
Also, please do have some blocking for safety purposes and when you're not present.

[Curapa]

Originally Posted by tsubaki

Alright you're set on spraying the bottom and at least the sides.
In order to spray the entire thing at once and not removing anything on the boat, this is all I got:
Do you have the room to build a gantry out of 6x6's?
4-6x6's in the ground 3' each, 10' apart and as long as the boat is where the bow/stern eyes are. Bolted together with 2x6's and 1/2" bolts. The 2x6's are to keep the poles from pulling together under the weight of the boat. Attaching 4 come-alongs at these same locations and lifting the boat off the trailer.
My father and I did a similar thing with another boat but had 2 Sweetgum trees about 20' apart.
Also, please do have some blocking for safety purposes and when you're not present.

Well the sides are definitely getting sprayed. I may go with a white roll-on bottom paint for ease.

Thanks for the ideas.

[macojoe]

welcome!!

To do the bottom right you will need to find some one in the area that will soda blast the bottom of your boat, about $500 + or - Then fix what needs to be fixed, add a Barrier coat primer, now you are set for your paint.

This is a bit more money but the right way to do it and it will last a long time!!

Good Luck!

[Curapa]

Well, I guess I will have to decide whether I want to do more work or spend more money.

[tsubaki]

The roll on Imron is available but not suggested in certain colors.
http://pc.dupont.com/dpc/en/US/html/...Finishes_E.pdf