See full version: Cleaning Thru-hull water intakes with boat in the water - ideas
Technically, we're not supposed to scrape mussels off and let them fall into the lake. Something about the decaying bodies of too many mussels adding nutrients to the water causing a concern of an algae bloom like the one that closed Utah Lake for a time last summer. I don't know that anyone would give you a hard time about as few as you would be removing, but you might run into a over-zealous ranger. more
I think your best bet is to do what you can from the bottom only or put the boat on a trailer. Maybe you can talk your dentist out of an old scaling tool to make the SCUBA work easier. more
I think your best bet is to do what you can from the bottom only or put the boat on a trailer. Maybe you can talk your dentist out of an old scaling tool to make the SCUBA work easier.
I think the plastic is a great idea. Maybe you could use something a little stronger right under the through-hull then cover it with the plastic. That would avoid the moment of d'oh followed by panic if you inadvertently poked something sharp through the plastic. [links]
Steel and aluminium are popular boat materials because they are strong, watertight, easy to form, and look good. Unfortunately, in the water they can both fall prey to corrosion. A boat paint for aluminium and steel boats protects against corrosion while also providing a perfect finish. The systems below are for above the waterline. [links]
Each boat material presents its own threats and challenges, and so paint systems are designed with these in mind. For most applications, coating companies provide a one component and a two component option. Which one you choose depends on your own level of confidence with coating, whether your boat is already coated, and what you hope for from the coating. Below is a chart comparing some of the properties of one and two component boat paint systems. here
As applying boat paint is not always an easy job, there are many specialists in Australia who can do the job for you. These professional boat painters apply bottom, topside and deck paints from brands such as Jotun, AwlGrip, International, Altex, Prospeed, Nano-Clear and more. Head to your local marina for the nearest boat painting expert in Australia.
Painting a boat is not just about appearance. A properly applied boat paint system will also protect your boat from the elements, make it easier to clean, and safer to sail. More specifically a paint system will protect steel and aluminium boats against corrosion, fibreglass boats against osmosis, wooden boats against rot and weathering, the underwater hull against fouling, and protect your decks from abrasion.
Wood is beautiful material for a boat and trim material. Of course, it comes with a price. Wood is particularly vulnerable to damage from weathering, sun exposure, water absorption, and attack from marine organisms and mould. However, if you prepare the surface properly, a coating will not just protect the wooden substrate but will actually enhance its natural beauty. The systems in the table below are for above the waterline. [links]
Outside contractors only allowed for work our yard does not provide
Mast Stepping – Call for Rates
2-part painting topside/deck/cabin – Estimated per job
Buffing/waxing topside/deck/cabin – Estimated per job here
*If additional third sling is needed – add $100 (ex. wood boats 36′ and above) here
Emergency Lift or work after hours or weekends – Add $250
Blister Repairs
Individual blister repair, non- structural including grinding, filling and fairing – $55 each [links]
Pre –sale Survey haul out w/ accredited surveyor 1 hr. hang time – $8/ft.*Loading or fitting on trailer, includes Travelift operator and helper – $150/hr. (1hr min.) more
TotalProtect will fill in tiny scratches due to its high-build capabilities, but it’s not a fairing compound or filler. For scratches, dings, and dents 1/16” deep or greater, use TotalFair epoxy fairing putty first, then sand smooth and overcoat. here
For best results, thin TotalProtect with TotalBoat Epoxy Primer Thinner 200 and use a 3/16″ nap or foam solvent-safe roller cover.
Sq. ft. per gallon coverage is 225 square feet at 7 mils wet.
Some customers have used TotalProtect as a topside primer. Be aware that this thick primer does not have the smooth sanding characteristics of an epoxy surfacing primer. It will require a lot of sanding and may not result in as smooth a finish. [links]
When we say TotalProtect is a “universal” primer, we mean it. Besides being an effective, impermeable barrier coating on fiberglass hulls, TotalProtect has great adhesion and corrosion-protection benefits as an epoxy primer on all metal substrates. Use one, two, or three coats depending on your application. It blankets the metal so oxygen can’t reach it and corrosion can’t start — either above the waterline or underwater.
If you’re looking for the best combination of finish and durability, then two-pack boat paints are your best bet. Unlike single-pack paints, they rely on two components being added together and cure with a chemical reaction, so are much more hardwearing than one-pack paint.
A roller and a brush are all you need for a good result, and with practice your boat will look hugely improved. Pay attention to the instructions and above all to the recommendations on weather, temperature and surface preparation and you’ll be well on your way to an excellent paint finish.
RRP: £16.77/1L
International have been making strides to make their topcoats easier to apply by amateurs, and Super Gloss HS is their latest one-pack boat paint that claims to not need brushing out – you can just roll it on. Available in a limited selection of colours, it is nonetheless easy to apply and claims to offer excellent gloss in 1-2 coats when applied by brush or roller. Like Toplac, it can be applied over Pre-Kote undercoat. [links]
The good news is that the best boat paints available today are easier than ever to apply, and are formulated to give an excellent finish for the DIY applicator. more
RRP: £18.99/750ml here