Project scope
Renewing the underwater hull
This project involved renewing Hunky Dory’s underwater hull at Green Turtle Bay BoatWorks. Once the bottom was exposed, the work expanded to include evaluating elevated moisture, opening and drying fiberglass blisters, repairing the affected areas, applying a barrier coating and bottom paint, and returning the boat to the water. Marine surveyor Bill Rottgering inspected the exposed hull and found it structurally sound.
Tasks completed
Project updates
Updates are listed with the newest work at the top.
Latest completed task
Returned Hunky Dory to the water
After the blister repairs, barrier coating, and bottom painting were completed, Green Turtle Bay BoatWorks returned Hunky Dory to the water. Christina sent photographs of the finished bottom, and I also captured images from the marina webcam.
Earlier task
Applied the barrier coating and bottom paint
BoatWorks filled the remaining blister repairs and prepared the hull for coating. The repaired bottom then received a barrier coating followed by fresh bottom paint.
Earlier task
Identified and repaired additional blisters
Additional areas became visible while the hull was drying. Photographs taken by Eugene and Kimberly showed streaks coming from several possible blisters. I discussed the areas with Christina, and BoatWorks repaired them before applying the coatings.
Earlier task
Monitored moisture and allowed the hull to dry
BoatWorks checked the hull’s moisture levels regularly. Bill measured elevated moisture and recommended allowing the hull to remain out of the water while additional blisters were opened and the fiberglass dried. His inspection indicated that the hull remained structurally sound.
Earlier task
Opened and drained the initial blisters
After preparing the bottom, BoatWorks sanded and ground open approximately ten initial blisters. Some released water after they were opened. The yard allowed the areas to drain and used periodic freshwater wetting and washing as part of the preparation process.
Earlier task
Hauled Hunky Dory out of the water
BoatWorks moved Hunky Dory from her slip and hauled her out at Green Turtle Bay. I monitored the move and haulout through the marina webcams while friends at the marina also sent photographs.
Looking back
Lessons learned
- The full scope of a bottom project may not be apparent until the old surface has been removed and the fiberglass is exposed.
- Elevated moisture readings do not necessarily mean that the hull is structurally unsound. The readings should be considered together with a physical inspection by a qualified surveyor.
- Allowing sufficient drying time gives additional blisters an opportunity to appear before the hull is recoated.
- Photographs and regular communication with the yard are especially valuable when I cannot be present during the work.
- A bottom project should include extra time and money for repairs discovered after haulout.
For similar projects
Tips
- Arrange for a marine surveyor to inspect the hull after the bottom has been exposed.
- Photograph the haulout, each damaged area, the completed repairs, and the finished coatings.
- Record moisture readings so changes can be followed while the hull dries.
- Do not rush into coating the hull if moisture is still being released or additional blisters are appearing.
- Make sure the surface is properly washed and prepared before applying the barrier coating.
- Follow the coating manufacturer’s requirements for surface preparation, application conditions, and recoating intervals.
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