tinny paint removal

[ericcs]

i have just picked up a early 80's 4.6m stacer seamaster. it's only done about 80hrs, but spent it's first 15years outside with no cover on it. as a result, the paint(white) is all crow's footed and oxidised, even on the underside of the hull. i plan to repaint it, but would like some advice on the best way to remove the old paint. i won't repaint the underside, so whatever method i use must leave a smooth finish, as i'm sure it's current rough state clips a fair bit off the top speed. any help greatly appreciated.
cheers
eric

[kitch76]

Just check that paint stripper dosn't harm the ally, but get a good one , flip the hull over paint it with the stripper then hit it with a gernie, probably have to do a section at a time and may have do hit it a couple of times but there would be no scraping therfore no scratching the ally.

[Simmo2]

A mate of mine works at a shipyard here in Cairns. Thats what they do, strip, blast and paint boats...big ones!
He gave me some stripper some time ago to take the 'painted on name' off the side of my tinny.
It worked wonders, however dont get it on your skin!
He assured me it wouldnt damage/affect the aluminium, and I havent noticed any difference in the surface where the stripper was applied.
If you want I can find out the name of the stripper for you?

[Noelm]

there is certainly strippers that are made for Aluminium and they work a treat, but it will not be 5 minute job.

[Jock The Rock]

hey mate i had a 12 foot tinny that the bloke before me had painted with tile paint to make it look good for the sale but he had done a $#!+ job of it and i did what kitch76 said, flipped it over put a layer of paint stripper on left it till the paint wrinkled then scrape as much as u can off and scrubb it with a wire brush then rinse the area off with water.

but only do a small area at a time say 1/2 a square metre otherwise the paint goes hard again.

it takes ages but mine came up alright.

i just used stripper from the local hardware the more expensive one i cant remember the brand. i dunno how it would go with proper marine paint but u could just try a little bit on the bottom of the boat to see

[mickc]

Get some prices to blast it . Grit blast where your going to paint it and soda blast it where your not painting. The grit leaves it abraided for the paint to stick and the soda will leave it smooth , no marks at all except whats allready there. I had a 5.2 cuddy done about 2 years back cost 600 cash

Mick

[skeeter]

Hi Eric

I stripped a 4.45m seahawk late last year, sounds like it was in a similar state. I found the work to be a lot quicker and easier than I thought it would be. Like you I was considering re-painting but have decided against i, the aluminium justs shines now. When an aluminium boat is painted the surface is roughed up to provide better adhesion for the paint. So after I decided to leave aluminium I wet n dried it to get back to good condition, is it as good as new unpainted aluminium - no but its pretty good, and I am happy with it.

You can find my paint stripping experience (how i did it, step by step) in the forums already, http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/showthread.php?t=119152
Or search for 'Stripping painting off tinnie' and look for my (skeeter) comments.

Give it a go.
Peter

[ericcs]

thanks for the advice guys. i'll tackle the boat with stripper first, then blasting if it fails. i wasn't aware of the soda blasting, but it could be an option. doe's anyone in brisbane use this process?
cheers
eric