SJ23 Tech Tip B34, (Created 2022-08-30) Ron Wright, Bob Schimmel.

Index

Seal a Hull.
INDEX - Soda Blasting,

A job this good and one using such a unique process deserves recognition.  Its also a great learning exercise for others.

SODA BLASTING - After reading a lot of articles, particularly one in Practical Sailor, I opted to contract a local soda blaster.  The company came to our club and charged $40 a linear foot.   Soda uses a much less abrasive media and is more environment friendly.  What an impressive finish.

The job took all of two hours and was well worth the money.  This is definitely the way to go if, like me, you are not up to 8-16 hours of sanding a boat bottom.  The residue from soda blasting is completely non-toxic and eco friendly, although I would say that you are vaporizing whatever was on your hull and that should be contained.  

NOTE - If not performed properly, a blaster can cut a hole in anything, so you have to be especially careful with gel coat.  Instructions will tell you to hold the nozzle at an angle to the material at whatever distance is required to remove the paint, also you could use fine grit media for a smoother finish.  The best place to test this is probably on the keel where the paint is thickest and therefore less chance of removing the gel coat.  Once the gel coat shows from under the paint, move the nozzle to the next area.  Moving along with this process will remove the anti-fouling paint with minimal damage to the gel coat.  Keep in mind that once the gel coat is exposed, don’t spend any more time on that spot. 

Take a break periodically to rest your eyes because concentrating on the nozzle output will put a strain on them.  Remember all your safety gear and procedures.

Next is five coats of Interlux 2000 to seal the fibreglass then install transducers and add antifouling paint.  Ron
 

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