Help with Anti-foul removal

[PetrusP]

Hi guys, in the process of getting clever girl ready for a repaint. Originally i was going to just sand and repaint the top side and leave the bottom for another time to worry about. but as I've noticed there's some repairs i need to make under the waterline and now want to resand the whole thing and repaint it entirely.

The problem is the bottom half of the vessel is covered in anti foul paint... I've already done most of the starboard side, with a breather I bought from bunnings which seems to be alright... but after some more reading online I've learned that this stuff is actually quite toxic and nasty so I'd like to do the rest as safely and as quickly as possible.

Does anybody here have any tips or advise?

Thanks in advance!

Petrus Pretorius

[Ozzie]

Hi Petrus . I am moored as you may have read so I reantifoul ( not sure if that's actually a word) periodically. If your anti foul is the softer , ablative type than good pressure wash will probably take most of it off and has the advantage of keeping it wet so no dust issues. I use International hard anti foul but as I'm recoating I don't need full removal

My fairly underpowered Supercreep $300 petrol jobbe strips a considerable amount off but not all as I use international hard antifoo. I have two pack epoxy layer under my anti foul which I touch up if there is a scape or gouge. If you don't have a pressure wash they are worth getting , even the electrics with the laser lance and patience will do the job if it's not hard antifoul.

I pressure clean Spritzig II inside and out every haulout . I have heard talk that pressure washing is hard on the Frp but given the boat is nearly 40 years old I don't think I've much to lose. It's seems to be holding up pretty well after 14 years of mooring.. Besides it gets a thick waxing afterwards.

If you want to get it all spotless again I think there are mobs that sandblast it with plastic balls or similar but I think this is relatively expensive and I'm allergic to expensive

[PetrusP]

Lol, I'm allergic to expensive too - thanks Ozzie, just bought a vacuum scrapper online last night, I've borrowed my sister in law's pressure hose, so will use both in combination and let you know how it goes

What's the name of the epoxy you use?

[Ozzie]

Sorry for late reply had to find old tins in garden shed

https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_item ... olutePage=

Also used epoxy thinner #7

Brushing is fine, there is no real need to spray which is hazardous with epoxies. Just get the appropriate respirator and do it outside. Read all the relevant safety stuff naturally.