Danelle, Interlux has a great website that has their complete boat painting guide on it. I have referred to it many times and it answers a lot of questions re: re-coating your bottom. _http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/_ (http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/) You have already identified one of the most important things that you really need to know..and that is what type of paint is already applied (hard, ablative, vinyl, etc). You really need to know the type of paint that's on there and the type of paint that you intend to apply. Then there is a chart in the painting guide that will tell you the preparation steps that you will need to take (scuff, sand, remove completely, clean....whatever) based on your situation. I feel your "pain" as Dauntless is sitting in the driveway awaiting a re-coat of her bottom paint as we speak. It's not the most fun job but I always make sure that I follow the directions of the manufacturer as close as I can. The job of that bottom paint that's on there is to release anything that tries to adhere to it... the last thing you want it to do is to release the newly applied bottom paint on your first sailing day of the year! With the costs of the bottom paint these days, that'd get expensive! Good job on getting that swing keel all fixed up. That's not the most fun job either, but since you did it right you should be good for years to come. Just before we pulled Dauntless out of her slip for the summer I scuba dove the bottom and checked out the condition of the swing keel to see how it's holding up. That epoxy barrier coat has done it's job and is keeping any rusting from occurring. I was glad to see that. Well, it's warming up already this morning so I better go get to bottom painting, just like you. Good luck Sean M23 Dauntless _www.havasumontgomerys.piczo.com_ (http://www.havasumontgomerys.piczo.com) (trying a test to see if it's possible to post a picture below) <img src=“http://howies.net/socalpotter/anacapa2007/58.jpg”>
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