Well, spring has finally begun to emerge here on the Chesapeake (almost a month late) which allowed me to finally get to work on the Megabyte.
If you followed last springs project post, you may remember that I spent about 70 hours with the Makita high-speed buffer and massaged every square inch of this boat from the top of the cabin, down to the waterline.
Because I had no date that I needed the boat to be ready to splash (and because I am retired), I took the opportunity to make it perfect before splashing her last year, which made the work this year a bit easier.
Unfortunately, 70 hours working a 6.5# buffer on the hull and topsides took its toll on my rotator cuffs last year, and I have been experiencing shoulder(s) pain(s) ever since.
I waited almost a year to mention the pain to my Rheumatologist and recently discovered that rotator damage due to 'poking the RA bear' is not uncommon. :roll:
A new treatment plan has been implemented. We'll see how that works...
So... This year I elected to hire a local company (owned by a neighbor) to do the initial 'heavy lifting' for me.
Williams Yacht Management of Annapolis came in and (on my instructions) did a complete compound and wax of the entire boat from the cabin top to the waterline.
My instructions were to cover every square inch... and they did a very good job that most owners would be happy with.
But... those who know me, know that 'very good' is not my style. My standards are a little higher than that.
In the first photo below of the starboard side, you can see my starting point. Pretty darn good, but I can do better.
I began with the port side hull massaging on, and buffing off, a coat of Collinite Fleetwax paste wax.
It was applied as directed, then buffed to a mirror shine.
Notice the reflections in the 19 year-old gelcoat in photo #2. 8)
Progress was carefully measured over the past week as I was trying not to stress the rotators too much.
I took breaks, and went on to other projects during my break periods, none of which are photo worthy.
Yesterday I finished the hull by doing the transom, motor bracket, and the outboard (photo #3) in the first coat of Fleetwax.
Once this rain leaves us, I'll be starting on the topsides. If a photo-op presents itself, I'll be adding to this thread as I go along.
Bottom paint of Petit Hydrocoat will probably be the next major project, the rest will (hopefully) be relatively minor.
If you followed last springs project post, you may remember that I spent about 70 hours with the Makita high-speed buffer and massaged every square inch of this boat from the top of the cabin, down to the waterline.
Because I had no date that I needed the boat to be ready to splash (and because I am retired), I took the opportunity to make it perfect before splashing her last year, which made the work this year a bit easier.
Unfortunately, 70 hours working a 6.5# buffer on the hull and topsides took its toll on my rotator cuffs last year, and I have been experiencing shoulder(s) pain(s) ever since.
I waited almost a year to mention the pain to my Rheumatologist and recently discovered that rotator damage due to 'poking the RA bear' is not uncommon. :roll:
A new treatment plan has been implemented. We'll see how that works...
So... This year I elected to hire a local company (owned by a neighbor) to do the initial 'heavy lifting' for me.
Williams Yacht Management of Annapolis came in and (on my instructions) did a complete compound and wax of the entire boat from the cabin top to the waterline.
My instructions were to cover every square inch... and they did a very good job that most owners would be happy with.
But... those who know me, know that 'very good' is not my style. My standards are a little higher than that.
In the first photo below of the starboard side, you can see my starting point. Pretty darn good, but I can do better.
I began with the port side hull massaging on, and buffing off, a coat of Collinite Fleetwax paste wax.
It was applied as directed, then buffed to a mirror shine.
Notice the reflections in the 19 year-old gelcoat in photo #2. 8)
Progress was carefully measured over the past week as I was trying not to stress the rotators too much.
I took breaks, and went on to other projects during my break periods, none of which are photo worthy.
Yesterday I finished the hull by doing the transom, motor bracket, and the outboard (photo #3) in the first coat of Fleetwax.
Once this rain leaves us, I'll be starting on the topsides. If a photo-op presents itself, I'll be adding to this thread as I go along.
Bottom paint of Petit Hydrocoat will probably be the next major project, the rest will (hopefully) be relatively minor.
