Soda Blasting on Cape Cod

[Van]

Originally Posted by MakoMike

Its my undersatnding that barrier coat is almost mandatory after soda blasting.
I had mine done.

I heard that it is very aggresive and removes alot of the gel coat too.

A guy I know had a nightmare of hull finishing this past spring after soda blasting.

[nightfighter]

Anyone heard or used these guys?
http://www.mtnkboston.com/index.htm

Van, I think it depends on the condition of the hull. If something is hidden by the bottom paint, this would reveal the problem, like blistering. The reason to use soda is because it shouldn't damage the gelcoat.

[Mr. Sandman]

After blasting of any kind I think you ***really*** want a quality barrier coat done... Even soda blasting will leave the gel-coat in a porous condition and I think you will be leaving the door open for blister problems in the future. If you are going to spend the coin to blast, put the barrier on and then use ablative bottom paint to avoid buildup in the future.

BTW, one "problem" with blasting is it will expose any problems you have with the bottom. You may have to fix them before you re-coat. So if you discover you have blisters after blasting, you have to fix that then barrier coat...it could run you more then expected....be prepared for that.

I had my SS OB prop done by Ocean Props and it was fine. If he has to do additional welding to add material due to a rock nick he will charge you a little more but in my case it was only like 20 bucks more. It comes back nice...almost like new.

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by Van

I heard that it is very aggresive and removes alot of the gel coat too.

A guy I know had a nightmare of hull finishing this past spring after soda blasting.

Not true, I saw my hull between the blating and the barrier coat and there gel coat was completely intact, though not shiney. But even perfectly intact gel coast can and does let water through, so the IMHO the barrier coat on the bottom is the way to go.

[Van]

Originally Posted by MakoMike

Not true, I saw my hull between the blating and the barrier coat and there gel coat was completely intact, though not shiney. But even perfectly intact gel coast can and does let water through, so the IMHO the barrier coat on the bottom is the way to go.

Hmm, wasn't sure, maybe the guy i know had a different treatment.
But i know it took way too much off and he had to use some kind of epoxy to redo the bottom b4 painting.

Good to know.

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by Van

Hmm, wasn't sure, maybe the guy i know had a different treatment.
But i know it took way too much off and he had to use some kind of epoxy to redo the bottom b4 painting.

Good to know.

Maybe the boat you saw was sand blasted?

[Van]

I stand corrected, he did have soda blasting (he called it soda ash).
He said it chewed up the gelcoat but did not go through. It left it chalky so it needed mega cleaning and then barrier coating which he said was a nasty job (worse than bottom painting)..I guess if you have to then just expect lots of work after its done.

Good Luck