Chipping, Checking and Peeling

[Krazymaan]

so i bought a boat a few years ago. Its a light weight 1970 GW Invader 14' race boat. when i bought it, it had checking, peeling and chipping all over it. It was painted about 3 years prior to me getting it. It never hit the water, It was put in a pole barn here in Minnesota. The guy thought maybe it was because for 3 years it sat in a pole barn, 110 indoors all summer and -20 below all winter. I don't know. I just loved what the boat was so i bought it anyways figuring i'd repaint it whenever. This summer might be the whenever. So what are you thoughts on why this happened. More of the top half but definitely has cracking on the bottom half as well but no where near as much.
Then whats the best way to strip the boat down. Stripper and a scraper or a few days of auto body quality air sanders?

[tunnels]

Strip it completely !!, the motor etc and everything else and ALL the old paint needs to be removed as in 100 percent !! And start again primer/undercoat and top coat and pick on a light colour as the darker the colour the more heat it draws and the same thing could happen again !
The old paint and undercoat look pretty thick and that's another big part of the problem !!
Two pot paints are best undercoats and top coat but have to shop around !! Im sure someone will have some good advise for you as to what's best !!

[Krazymaan]

I'm wondering if these old boats from 1970 had gelcoat or were they paint over fiberglass. I know it sounds like a silly question to the pros. But when do I stop sanding, like when i see fiberglass or just before i see fiberglass or when it turns white if there is gelcoat. Anyone have a photo?

[sharpeye Mike]

I can't say it was right or it was wrong but I did see a body shop restore an old Vet and they striped it with paint stripper. Maybe just ask your local body shops what they would do.

[Krazymaan]

I can't it was right or it was wrong but I did see a body shop restore an old Vet and they striped it with paint stripper. Maybe just ask your local body shops what they would do.

I'll be using stripper. I guess I mean after i use stripper, how far down should i keep sanding

[GIL_CV21]

If you're going to use paint stripper make sure it doesn't contain methylene chloride that stuff will turn polyester into runny goo if left in contact too long . Home depot sells " Citri Strip" paint stripper, it works well and doesnt touch the fiberglass at all .

[W2F a V-King]

[91eagle]

Looks like that worked pretty good for you I'm on my way to Home Depot now......

[Krazymaan]

Loving all the help. Thanks guys

[91eagle]

I used the citristrip today worked good ...and didnt have to wait all day ....after about 45 min. It scraped off good

[91eagle]

After I get it all stripped off what do you guys recommend for the chips and scratches....... my only experience with Bodywork is on Cars and I've heard Bondo is a big No-No on boats?

[tunnels]

After I get it all stripped off what do you guys recommend for the chips and scratches....... my only experience with Bodywork is on Cars and I've heard Bondo is a big No-No on boats?

Bond below the waterline can be a bit touchy and have heard that it absorbs water ( sounds a load of rubbish to me , what's the paint for if not to keep the water away ??) but every where else have never had any problems !A lot depends on the mixing and how much hardener you use and the preparation of where you putting it ! Same scenario applies with using epoxy !

[Krazymaan]

Here's how I see it.
Fat Boy = Water
Flotation device = Boat
Little Girl + bond patch
Get Popcorn and Enjoy.

[tunnels]

From past experiences using almost any kind of fillers the shrinkage factor takes some understanding Bondo polyester the hardener amount used has a lot to do with the shrinkage rate ! Lots of hardener shrinks a lot !! a little hardened shrinks a little but the shrinking action goes on for sometime and depends how hot it gets during it life out in the sun ! Epoxy is a similar scenario but no where near as bad !Heat on any fillers gives shrinkage either the filler or the panel its used on ! So best of luck !

[nohasslekindaguy]

If I had to guess, I would think the blue boat was primed heavily or painted with something lacquer based. It's pretty common when applied heavily and when it gets some age on it. I would not worry about painting it a dark color again. If that was a problem, every dark colored car, especially fiberglass bodies would have the paint falling off. The important thing is to use the correct type of products and products that are compatible with each other. I would only use catalyzed primers and finishes. It is true that regular body filler absorbs water. When using a filler you need to know what material you are applying it to. Certain fillers do not work with certain composites. We were always told that automotive finishes are not supposed to be used below the water line. They don't wear as well and may be microscopically porous. So, that may be why you've heard that body filler may not hold up. Chances are you may not have trouble but automotive finish manufacturers will not guarantee it. Customers come to our store wanting imron for painting boats. We were told by the manufacturer that is not a marine finish either. I am no expert on boats, but I've been in the paint industry for a while. I hope I could help a little.