Removing Age old layers of antifowling

[malliadan]

as the title says, any ideas?

currently am removing it with scaper, but it is a very very very slow process

Daniel

[skip]

Depends on the number of layers you have......

If you have alot to do these guys are excellent http://www.sodablastmalta.com/

Otherwise you can sand (but make sure you use a very good respirator), avoid standard sand blasting and there used to be a special compound you apply on and peel off with the layers but then you have to quickly wash down the hull.

The Gaffer has used Sodablast and they probably wouldn't take very long to do your boat.

[The_Gaffer]

I consider myself as a sort of expert in this stuff, having done the job a couple of times myself.  Your best bet is to get the sodablast guy in.  Standard lasting will inevitably also remove the gelcoat layer, however sodablast will just remove the excess antifouling and prepare the hull for subsequent coating.  I would suggest that as you're removing all antifouling, think about applying a water barrier to the hull before re applying the antifouling.  There are various products out there on the market, with West System epoxy water barrier being the best and also the most expensive, however there is another system Italian I believe, called S System and International also do a good water barrier.  Shop around, and decide.  I used West System.

[malliadan]

so either soda blasting or keep doing what i'm doing. Have any idea about prices re soda blasting?

what is a water barrier, what is its purpose? prevents osmosis?

Daniel

[The_Gaffer]

For pricing, best to get in touch with Sodablasting guy, he'll come on the spot and provide a free quote.

Water Barrier - The main purpose of the water Barrier is to prevent water penetrating the gelcoat.  As you know, Gelcoat is porous.  The water barrier gives an added protection coat to the gelcoat, prevents water from penetrating, thus minimising the advent of osmosis.  Suggest you read more about water barriers on the internet.  just google Water barrier

[skip]

Daniel after doing the sodablasting would be a good idea to let your hull dry out and a bit and if need be have a surveyor check it out for peace of mind and to check the moisture levels.

Then after a couple of weeks of drying out, proceed with the barrier coat.

I used International Gelshield on mine.

[LapsiBoy]

@ Antifouling, I think the easiest way to handle antifouling is by putting the boat in the water when the antifouling is still fresh say 1 day, this way when the boat is up on land again you can just use a power wash to clean it off.

[malliadan]

got in touch with him and he's coming today to check it out

Daniel