Diagnose bottom issues

[Quiggers73]

Said in a Monthy Python voice. ...

I uncovered and was going about washing the daysailer II with plans to get it in the water this week.

I noticed the underside has paint coming off..

I honestly don't know what the normal technique of painting the bottom is so can't really diagnose best action.

I am assuming and hoping, its an additional layer and not something more disturbing.

The hull flexes slightly where it sits on the wheels on the trailer.

Again, an assumption and hope that this is fine..I have been sailing it all last summer with no issues and it performs great.

Obviously I am not going to get my best speed like this. But can I get away with it and repair the patches, with advice on best technique appreciated, or am I looking at having to do the entire bottom ??

[GreenLake]

First. Do you keep your DS on a mooring or in a slip? Then you want some antifouling paint and that does look like it might be something like that.

Second, if you like to sail your DS, you won't be happy with a paint job that is that rough and / or flakes off.

AF paint is intended to be reapplied periodically, the interval depends on the type. This one looks like it's failing and should be scraped off. Whether you put new AF paint on your boat depends on how you use it. If it lives "on top" of a dock, instead of "next to one" or if it lives on a trailer, then the boat is being "dry sailed" and you can use a variety of paints that don't normally like being submerged. Those tend to have a 24h, 48h or 72h window, which is generous for the typical daysail and might work for a short overnight cruise. (If you pull your boat fully on the beach overnight while cruising, you should be able to push that window a bit longer).

If you do apply AF paint, try to find one that goes on smooth, or, if you can, talk to sailors in the same waters for recommendations, because different brands/types work differently depending on local marine growth (and some waters may have their own regulations).

[Quiggers73]

This is the third time I've posted a reply to have it be lost and ask me to log back in.

So please excuse my brevity.

Its on a lake, previously was on the long Island sound.

Should I scrape and repaint the patches, or redo the entire bottom ?
Id rather be sailing...as was a short season last year when I finally bought the boat.

[GreenLake]

Make sure you select "keep me logged in" when you log in.

You can also hit "save draft" occasionally.

From the images it looks like bothe the black and the gray paint have failed. Normally that means full removal. The DS isn't that large so the total bottom surface isn't much more than a few dozen square feet.

But you could leave the gray painted area for the fall.

I don't have direct experience with anti fouling paint (if that's what's currently on your boat). So I can't advise you on what you need for your lake. From reading online, if you keep your boaton the trailer in the winter, you would be looking at ablative AF paint.

You may want to do an Internet search for recommendations for freshwater use. Make sure whatever info you get is recent as AF paints tend to get reformulated to reduce environmental impacts.

Whatever your choice, it should be smooth after application or you'll be sailing with the parking brake on.

The kind of rollers you have on your trailer are a poor choice for the DS as the wheels create point loads that flex the hull.

[Quiggers73]

Totally agree on the rollers on the trailer. Never made me feel comfortable.

But the trailer is more expensive to replace than what I paid for the boat.

Would the best action be to take the boat off the trailer and tip it on its side ?

Do I lean it against the mast while doing this, or as the mast is down is there a better way ?

[GreenLake]

You can tip your boat on its side as described here, the force on the mast to keep the boat in place is very small, due to the long lever arm. Works well if you have the space and easy to do on your own.

You may find it easier to work on each half of the hull separately, and reposition the boat in between so each one can be the upper half. Season to taste.

Or you can take the mast off, use 2-3 people to tip it, then tip it onto some supports (old tires?) that prevent point loads on the cuddy deck. You can have your helpers lift front and back in turn and build up your supports a bit to reach working height.

When "launching" your boat on the hard, an old bit of carpet comes in handy.

[Quiggers73]

Excellent guide to careening. Unfortunately I have the space to do this at home...lol

Could you point me to the best way to remove the old paint, or a good guide to the hull painting process..

I saw some posts about specific issues but would like to get a more generic and basic guide.

I guess while I'm at it, I may see if there's a way to switch those rollers for a more even load bearing on the trailer.

[GreenLake]

If you don't have the space (assuming you meant to write that), then grab a few buddies and manhandle the boat. Alternatively, if you have a garage where you can securely mount something to the ceiling, you can use this method.

• Two ceiling hooks.
• Suspend a hardware-store block and tackle from each.
• Attach a single block (=pulley) at the bottom.
• Run two strong rope loops around the hull and through each of the blocks.

You can now hoist your boat and once lifted, you can turn it in the rope slings as the rope will run through the block (position any knots strategically).

I've used a system like that to lift my boat off the trailer, pull out the trailer, then lower and finally tip on its side. Very tight quarters.

Never lift the boat higher than absolutely necessary, always have some soft support to cushion a drop. Be sure you're satisfied that each of your hooks/purchase/loop combos can handle 500lbs. You're your own safety engineer.

Painting guides: you'll find those everywhere. Happy searching. Remember, I have no expertise or experience with AF paint which I think is what might have been used.

[Quiggers73]

Thanks for the advice on the trailer.

I was joking that I do have the space which means ill have to do it myself lol.

I will start my research on paint here. And figure out how to remove the paint without causing additional damage.

[GreenLake]

Feel free to share what you find on the paint removal and choice of AF paint for your lake.