Posted: 13 Apr 2013 at 12:27pm
Hi Fellow Dolphin Lovers:

Okay, this is a request for step-by-step help from a no nothing who loves her boat, Spectra: I want to fix up her deck - she has spider cracks, etc. and her deck is in dire need of new paint, gelcoat, etc. But I have NO idea how to proceed?

Is there a kind soul out there who could provide me with step-by-step idiot proof directions, using the simplest materials?

Thanks in advance!
Phoebe - owner of Spectra, now in Martinez, CA
Phoebemcki


Posted: 14 Apr 2013 at 7:55pm
Hi Phoebe, I can't help you with the gel coat process. I used Brightside on the topside and Perfection on the deck. You'll note that our dolphins come with two types of non-skid that were molded-in. I used Interstrip on both but ultimately the fine non-skid was too worn to save. Haven't yet but will be using Intergrip over the fine.
The hull and deck was properly prepared, then two coats of epoxy primer, 4 coats of Brightside on the top sides and two coats of Perfection on the deck.
Of course if you go the gel coat route painting is eliminated and the crazing/spider crack issues is resolved.
Preparation to paint was easily 120 hours which included many small nicks and scratches that received West System epoxy treatment. I'm happy with the results and Paula will not recognize her former Windswept.
Prep work can be done outside but the painting, minus the bottom, has to be done indoors which is what I did.


Posted: 15 Apr 2013 at 12:52am
Ip In addition to Clinton's advice, I strongly recommend Don Casey's this old boat. Best $25 you can spend. Like having the best old boat restoration expert sitting by your side. I am starting a similar restoration project on number 184.
David Williams


Posted: 14 Aug 2013 at 6:02am
Go to yachtpaint.com forum and describe your deck's condition. Ask the expert about a sandless solution using interprotect 2000e to fill and seal the cracks, topped with a two part polyurethane (perfection) paint.

While you are there, ask the expert about painting the deck's final coat just before an evening dew sets. The dew cuts the gloss on the deck, but I don't know the effect on longevity


Posted: 20 Oct 2015 at 9:05pm
Interlux has a flattener that can be added to their Perfection 2-part LPU. I haven't used it, but my guess is that it would be more reliable than potentially ruining your very expensive paint with an improper timing of the dew and the curing time. Having used perfection on my own boats, I would use it everywhere, including the topsides. It is incredibly tough. If you want to do a sanded-type non-skid, don't buy the stuff with the particles already in the paint. Put the dry non-skid particles in a shaker, and while the 2-part LPU is still wet, sprinkle the particles on top. Use your still wet roller to roll over the particles and lock them in place. A second coat after initial cure (still "green") is advised for coarser non-skid particles. My first attempt, I used very coarse particles sparingly, and the result was like a rasp. I knocked the sharp spikes off with sand paper and it seemed fine. However, on launch day, the incredible glossiness of the finish together with the sparse arrangement of the particles produced a very slippery surface once wet. I added a generous amount of fine particles to solve that problem. Try your techniques on a test panel first, and try your boat shoes on the wet panel.

As a side note, I've abandoned traditional non-skid for sticky-back non-skid foam on my International 14 dinghies. It would be a shame to put that on a classic beauty like a Dolphin though.