Here we are in October. Its taken six months of weekends to fully strip and refill all the ground out blisters in the hull. A total of three filling and fairing episodes were required to get the bottom back to mostly fair. Large blisters and all thru hull holes were glassed in. All remaining blisters were initially filled with an epoxy and colloidal silica mixture. Then I faired with an epoxy/microballoon mix. During the last pass, I got frustrated with the work-ability of the Raka epoxy/microballoon mixture since I could struggled to achieve the right consistency, and then it would quickly change, despite using a slow hardener. Finally, I bit the bullet and bought 2 gallons of Awlfair. Super pricey, but SO much easier to work with and sands great, though clogs sandpaper quickly. Shoulda went with Awlfair from the get-go Now, we are ready to barrier coat. Here she is ready for the barrier, which will be 6-10 coats of Raka epoxy.
I'll tint the fist three coats black, then stop to re-apply yet more filler to address any remaining unfairness. I've got most of what I can feel by touch, but the blotchy bottom makes eye-sighting any remaining issues difficult. I'm hoping the black barrier coat and a light held at a low angle at night will highlight remaining areas that need addressing, Then the remaining barrier coats will go on....then thru hulls...then bottom paint. As if six months of tedious sanding and being coated in fiberglass dust wasn't enough, I've decided I might as well paint the topsides and deck too. Lots more work, but she'll be a thing of beauty...someday.
