Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Craig on 05/04/21 - 5:25 AM

Here are some best practices learned through lots of research and trial and error.

Paint removal was done on trailer with trailer jacked up on jack stands for more height. Once 90% complete I rolled boat off trailer just enough to get where axles and beams were.

The method of removal started with Citristrip covered in saran wrap and let sit for 24hours (more than 24 hours had limited effect and began to dry). Scrape a layer or two and re apply Citristrip and cover again and wait 24 hours. At the second scrape I was able to get to gel coat and perform some rough scraping. tough areas Citristrip would loosen up within an hour. All scraping was done with a 3 inch razor wall paper scraper, once dull it worked better, paying attention to not gouge. Work 3-4 foot sections. This took 3 weeks.

Wet sand by hand with 220 grit to remove all gel coat discoloration and small missed spots. Next quick wet sand with 500, 1000, 1500, 2000.

Using polisher 3m compound, 3m finesse it polish, hand wax around water line and v.

Decided not to have boat soda blasted as I did not want to lose gel coat or have it pitted too much.

Posted by acassidy on 05/04/21 - 7:13 AM

That looks outstanding but after reading your labor commitment that is well earned results. I would love to do this to my 24' boat but not sure if I want to spend that much bent over or on the ground.
Archie

Posted by Craig on 05/22/21 - 8:27 AM

After testing the boat shows an increase of +4mph after bottom paint removal. Fully loaded WOT went from 36mph to 40mph gps. Should get 44+ mph with light load. This increase was more than expected.

Posted by Tom Hemphill on 05/22/21 - 3:23 PM

Thank you for sharing the details of your success story. It inspires me to continue the task I started a few years ago. Can you recommend a specific brand or style of wallpaper scraper?

Posted by Phil T on 05/23/21 - 7:26 AM

#10

I am stripping paint as we speak.

I did a fair amount of product research and went with a product called Smart Strip.

Runs ~$50 per gallon online. Also sold in some paint stores.

I am impressed with it. Apply thick, let sit overnight, no cover required and scrape off.

I have made two short videos:

Part 1 -https://photos.app.goo.gl/L3kjuttvKtc...vKtcYbkpn9

Part 2 - https://photos.app.goo.gl/chw7NxEr1wA...r1wAeeUjb7

Thanks to Craig, I now have a goal to shoot for.

Edited by Phil T on 05/25/21 - 7:18 AM

Posted by Craig on 05/24/21 - 8:02 AM

#11

for the gel coat I wet sanded with a block, 220, 600, 1000, 1500, 2000, compounding paste, polish paste and wax. After sanding you cant even see any traces of color. Gel coat seems thick as I did not sand through once.

Posted by Weatherly on 05/25/21 - 4:14 AM

#12

I purchased a gallon of a marine paint remover. I will not identify the product name until I am done. So far, just a 15 minute test patch revealed good paint removal. Regarding the product Citristrip, the spec page stated specifically not to use on fiberglass.