DIY Blacking

[larrysanders]

Hi, I'm going to use the slip at the boat club this year, but before I do how much time do I need to book off work to black our boat? (30ft narrowboat) and what's the best paint to use?

 

thanks!

[RLWP]

Hi, I'm going to use the slip at the boat club this year, but before I do how much time do I need to book off work to black our boat? (30ft narrowboat) and what's the best paint to use?

 

thanks!

 

When we did our 70' in December ages ago, it took us a week, If that helps.

 

Richard

[ditchcrawler]

When we did our 70' in December ages ago, it took us a week, If that helps.

 

Richard

Depends when you are coming out, Out Saturday morning, pressure wash and first coat on Sunday, second coat Monday and back in any time after Wednesday, If you can go back in in the evening then just Monday off.

[larrysanders]

Thanks, that gives me an idea. I also need to replace the anodes, any idea how they're fixed onto the boat and is it an easy job to get the old ones off and put new ones on?

[RLWP]

Thanks, that gives me an idea. I also need to replace the anodes, any idea how they're fixed onto the boat and is it an easy job to get the old ones off and put new ones on?

 

If you are lucky, they're bolted on - but that is very unusual. Generally they are welded on, so you'll need an angle grinder to remove the old ones (if you are going to bother) and to prepare the hull, then a welder to fix the new ones on. It's usual to use someone from the yard to do this work for you.

 

Richard

 

It took us three days to wire brush back the old blacking

[twbm]

If you are lucky, they're bolted on - but that is very unusual. Generally they are welded on, so you'll need an angle grinder to remove the old ones (if you are going to bother) and to prepare the hull, then a welder to fix the new ones on. It's usual to use someone from the yard to do this work for you.

 

Richard

 

It took us three days to wire brush back the old blacking

 

If you can, warm the bitumen up a bit. In an old cupboard overnight with a light bulb under it for example - maybe the airing cupboard if you can get away with it. At the very least don't put in on too cold - it's hard to work and can lead to an uneven finish. Rollers are fine, wrap then in cling film overnight and throw then away at the end.

 

Some folk stop the bitumen at a convenient rubbing strake and finish up to the gunwales with gloss for a prettier finish you can touch up of an evening.

 

Remember if you try to gloss over bitch it will often bleed through and crack sp think ahead to what you may want to do with the decorative bits.

[Dominic M]

1. Don't remove the old anodes. Stick the new ones next door to them. Ensure they make good contact with the hull metal.

 

2. If you know what the previous blacking product was, use the same product. Try and get 3 coats on, and make sure each is thoroughly dry before applying the next. This depends on the temperature when you apply them. Do not refloat until fully cured. Take at least 4 days if you can.

 

Edit: And please don't black the anodes.

 

If it's any consolation I had a boat surveyed last year which was over 20 years old and had never had any anodes fitted. It was in fine fettle. But that's another debate.

Edited March 28, 2010 by Dominic M

[PhilR]

Hi, I'm going to use the slip at the boat club this year, but before I do how much time do I need to book off work to black our boat? (30ft narrowboat) and what's the best paint to use?

 

thanks!

 

With a 30 footer it is often cheaper to pay a yard that charges by the foot for blacking. The charges usually include slippage/docking and you can save all the mess and time off work.

Regarding the best paint, probably the same stuff that is already on the hull (assuming it has been effective in the past). Personally, I prefer comastic, but if your hull has been coated with basic bitumastic you will need to get it all off first.