What we expected to be a several day job to re-paint the hull has turned into 10 days. The reason is the bottom paint that was on the boat already. While good quality paint, the boat came from the Great Lakes, and the paint is designed for fresh water. So we knew we needed something different. Normally, you would give the old paint a light sand and then overcoat. But I called Interlux, the paint manufacturer, and they noted the old paint is made with Teflon. So just like your omelet pan, nothing will stick to it. Accordingly, we've had to strip the hull back to the gelcoat - a huge job. (Interestingly, we found a citrus based paint stripper the most effective). Then, given we are back at the gelcoat, I felt it was smart to put on an epoxy barrier coat as a preventative measure against hull blisters: Saga's don't have a reputation for them, but even the oldest Saga's are not yet 10 years old.
So, quite a haul, but we're almost there: last night, after dark, we put on the first layer of Micron 66 antifouling (only $220 a gallon by the way), the first of six gallons, and we hope to be back in the water this Friday, in time for the 4 July fireworks etc.
Happily, lots of people have helped. Greg, a machine, as he always is, has been there almost every day, and Henry, Patrick, Vikky and Dan Pasette have all come out and lent a hand. On your own it's overwhelming, but with a few mates and a cold beer or two it's (almost) fun, and I'm super grateful for all the help.
The tough part this last couple of days has been the heat: we hit 95F (35C) which is hard work when you're in the sun and wearing a spacesuit and respirator.
Meantime (my sister) Clare and Heath had a baby boy - Henry Peter Lowe! (or Dean Barker Lowe to his friends).
GO Team New Zealand! 2-1 how does it go today?....as I write this we're under a bit of pressure. GO LADS!
1 comment:
ma che so ste foto
Post a Comment