We like the matte gray unobtrusive looks of an aluminum hull that has been exposed to sea water for a year or so. But occasionally after a season of roughing it and sharing the odd harbor rafted to commercial or government vessels,
the topsides become adorned with hard to remove marks from dock/rafting vessel’s tires. This we do not like.
The answer will be found in a Makita grinder and a couple of boxes of Scotchbrite abrasive pads. One can either delegate the operation of said grinder, or do it oneself.
FPB 64-3, Iron Lady, recently got a topside polish, each side taking 40 man hours to complete. This seems like a very reasonable sum, compared to what it takes to keep a GRP hull looking good. On the other hand, there are parts of the world where the down home workboat look fits in better than shine.
It is nice being able to swing both ways.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 6, 2013)
March 7th, 2013 at 5:41 am
can the chequer-plate decks be done in a similar fashion?
March 7th, 2013 at 9:57 am
We have used wire brushes to do the tread plate in the past.
March 7th, 2013 at 6:20 pm
Hi Marcus, The FPB 64 and 97 decks are finished with Treadmaster rather than the diamond plate finish executed on Wind Horse. Properly applied it is very durable, holds up well, and provides a bit better non-skid under foot when wet. – Todd R.
March 7th, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Just curious – is that 80 hours for just the topsides (hull), or for the whole boat above the WL?
March 8th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Topsides and transom.
April 3rd, 2013 at 6:05 pm
New wood floors going in?
April 7th, 2013 at 10:22 am
No change in cabin soles, but Iron Lady is having a get-home engine installed.