Need help from the pros!

[Derekc294]

I am attempting to repaint the bottom of my 79 Ranger. Its a 16' boat and I am looking into ways to suspend the boat to access the entire bottom. Was thinking about making something out of 4x4's to suspend the front of the boat from and attaching at the eyelet on the bow and the same at the back. What do you guys recommend?
My garage has a finished ceiling with the living room above it so I cannot use the beams. Also the garage has a pole in the middle of it which is limiting my space. It seems this is the only method I can think of unless someone has a better idea. And help is greatly appreciated.

 

[zool]

Re: Need help from the pros!

I usually just use some floor jacks and wood blocks to raise it above the trailer and paint everywhere but where the blocks are, after it dries, I readjust the jacks and get the unfinished spots.....been doing that for years...one on each aft corner, and one on the keel 3/4 or so to the bow.

unless youre not talking about antifouling paint and plan to spray it, then flipping the hull is prolly best.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Need help from the pros!

Welcome to iBoats!
You do realize that your boat is NOT painted. The hull is Gelcoated. You can paint it and acheive a good durable surface but not as durable as gelcoat. This pic might be of interest to you...

 

[Derekc294]

Re: Need help from the pros!

I usually just use some floor jacks and wood blocks to raise it above the trailer and paint everywhere but where the blocks are, after it dries, I readjust the jacks and get the unfinished spots.....been doing that for years...one on each aft corner, and one on the keel 3/4 or so to the bow.

unless youre not talking about antifouling paint and plan to spray it, then flipping the hull is prolly best.

I would prefer access to the entire hull so I can sand it all down at once and then get a new paint coat.

Welcome to iBoats!
You do realize that your boat is NOT painted. The hull is Gelcoated. You can paint it and acheive a good durable surface but not as durable as gelcoat. This pic might be of interest to you...

Oh man thats what I'm talking about! Was going to use 4x4x8's and 2x10x10's cut down to keep things square.


A friend of mines dad was telling me about what product to use for the bottom I am just having a brain fart right now and cannot remember what its called.

 

[jc55]

Re: Need help from the pros!

If you insist, why not suspend it with 2 engine hoists, gantrys, Kubotas, cranes, come alongs, cement block pillars with cross beam supports, etc. One on the bow eyelet and another from your rear transom eyelets. I'd wear an approved DOT full face motor cycle helmet while under there. I like Zool's idea...much safer. Sanding and painting a hanging boat might be like polishing the swinging pendulum of a clock

 

[Derekc294]

Re: Need help from the pros!

Once its off the trailer I will have it on stands at some point to do the sanding. Its just the removal I am worried about.

 

[zool]

Re: Need help from the pros!

Once its off the trailer I will have it on stands at some point to do the sanding. Its just the removal I am worried about.

If its just removing the boat from trailer to blocks/jack stands, you do it as I stated, but you have to rejack and move the front block a few times to clear the trailer cross bracing and axle...basically you jack the back up and set the jack stands or cinder blocks/wood blocks in the aft corners, then jack the front center up and pull the trailer out.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Need help from the pros!

No matter how you suspend your boat, you really need secondary supports for safety--back up supports.

Have you considered leaning the boat over on one side, sanding and painting? Then go to the other side?

 

[Derekc294]

Re: Need help from the pros!

No matter how you suspend your boat, you really need secondary supports for safety--back up supports.

Have you considered leaning the boat over on one side, sanding and painting? Then go to the other side?

I dont have the space unfortunately. With my wifes car in the garage all winter its also an issue of space. I will be doing a lot of work at night with cleanup and pulling her car back in for the morning kid school duty

 

[sphelps]

Re: Need help from the pros!

Is the motor off of it ? If so, flip it .. Unless you would rather not remove most of the stuff in it ..

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Need help from the pros!

I agree with sphelps. If your really want to do a good job. Build a cradle and flip it.

 

[Derekc294]

Re: Need help from the pros!

Motor is still on it. I know I can do a good job with it suspended and jacked. I am the ocd type who is honestly not happy unless something is perfect.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Need help from the pros!

Motor is still on it. I know I can do a good job with it suspended and jacked. I am the ocd type who is honestly not happy unless something is perfect.

Hence the recommended cradle. Significantly easier to fill & feather any nicks & dings, then sand & paint prep and ultimately paint it if it's wet side UP.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Need help from the pros!

You could suspend it in air and place blocks under it to do the prep . That way you can work under safely until paint . Paint it all and while still wet pull the blocks out to catch the last spots . Let dry replace blocks second coat and so on .

 

[Derekc294]

Re: Need help from the pros!

You could suspend it in air and place blocks under it to do the prep . That way you can work under safely until paint . Paint it all and while still wet pull the blocks out to catch the last spots . Let dry replace blocks second coat and so on .

Sounds good. Once I start tge process I will take pics and document the progress.

 

[Derekc294]

Re: Need help from the pros!

Is Imron by DuPont what you guys would recommend?

 

[jc55]

Re: Need help from the pros!

DuPont marine coatings

There's a link to their marine coating line Derek. If you're asking about $400 a gallon epoxy primer(you won't need a gallon), I'm assuming that you're pretty well set up in the paint equipment department(compressor and HVLP).

Are you really wanting to make this hull shine (trailer boat only)? Or leaving her in the water for extended periods of time? What are you after exactly in the final quality and build? Perhaps there's a less inexpensive route. There's some pretty knowledgeable guys on here, but one thing that never hurts is a vision/plan based on your use, budget, skills, and shop set up.

 

[Derekc294]

Re: Need help from the pros!

I have painted cars & fiberglass cowl hoods in the past and a few tonneau covers. I'm looking for the best finish I can do at home and getting it restriped etc. It's a trailer boat and won't stay in the water when not in use. We have 2 other boats that sit on the shore stations. I am planning on bringing it back and forth from our lake house

 

[jc55]

Re: Need help from the pros!

Awesome! I'm not a "paint guy" but I am painting my boat right now. I'm sure Imron will be more than adequate if it remains a trailer boat.
I'm very curious about these roll and tip methods that seem to be producing durable, and outstanding results.
I'm sorry I'm not adding very much, I'm just excited to see a start to finish paint project documented here. Good luck!

 

[Derekc294]

Re: Need help from the pros!

Thanks JC.