removing gelcoat

[blackswan]

I am about to start an enormous project of removing the paint and gelcoat on the topsides of a 52 foot powerboat. The manufacturer of the boat applied too much gelcoat and for years it has gotten more crazed and cracked. I have a five inch fesstool RO and a six inch fesstool RO along with the small iron shaped detail sander. My question is do you recommend Saphir or Granat paper for the heavy grunt work of this job. As a woodworker I have never needed anything beyond Rubin. Any advice is much appreciated.
thanks

 

[peter halle]

First,  welcome to the FOG!  I am sure you will get some answers here but just in case I would suggest that you contact Festool USA by phone and talk to an application specialist.  If my memory is correct I believe that Brian (one of the trainers) used to work for a dealer in Florida that did a tremendous business with the boat builders and yacht builders in that area.  It might be a resource worth tapping.  I am sure that Brent (who is the Application Specialist) will have advice based on numerous years interacting with Brian.

Peter

 

[blackswan]

thanks , I will give them a call today.

 

[mouppe]

A couple of years ago, I bought some Festools from Seafarer Marine, a dealer in Fort Lauderdale. They were very knowledgeable and helpful. The owner collected antique hand planes too I think.

They may be able to help you with boat-specific questions.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I wanted to get a recommendation from Brian, one of our trainers, since I'm no expert in marine applications.

He said Granat would be the abrasive of choice. Brilliant would be an alternative.

Shane

 

[Theshipstore]

Having a boatyard and dealing with gelcoat damage and repair, depending on the size of the damage I use my RO 90 or RO 125 with Granat. I find less build up in the pad by allowing the Granat to do it job.My results after sanding are now ready for the repair and spraying of new gelcoat

 

[blackswan]

thanks to all for the advice. I will try the ganat as soon as boatyard season starts. unfortunately in maine we still have 3-4 feet of snow on the ground.

 

[blackswan]

Sal,  I thought it was "life is too short to own an ugly boat"

 

[Theshipstore]

They are all ugly when they are not yours

 

[AlexThePalex]

I would not use Saphir on a nice boat. Way too hard and coarse. Stick with Granat, start with 80 grit and see how that works out before possibly going to a lower grit.

 

[peter halle]

They are all ugly when they are not yours

But you have more money in your bank account.

Peter