Boat Forum / Sailing / July 2008

Paint will spoil after only a few washing up sessions.

OK. here's something to try before breaking out the saw - no guarantees.

First the hard work :-(

Grind out (probably sanding by hand with a block in that sort of confined
space) until all the irregularities and the bulk of the bubbles have gone.
Swab over surface with acetone on a cloth (use gloves) - then *get out*
until the air is clear - maybe do this twice - you are trying to get rid of
every trace of detergent-driven grease.

Cut a suitable shape from fibreglass *tissue* and apply resin - allow to set
overnight then add a self coloured gelcoat - if you are going to stop here
get the sort with added wax so it will go hard - if you are going to add the
protective layer -do-not- add wax to the self colour layer.

Now here's the extra that will put off repeating the chore for a few more
years ;-)

 Remember: no wax in the previous layer if you're going to do this - you
 need this surface to remain slightly tackly.  For obvious reasons protect
 from dust and, er, cat hair.

Make sure the boat is level and will stay so (ie. ashore in most cases).
Mask the plughole with a suitable disc of wax (the end of a big candle for
eg.)

Use a slow-setting clear resin and add a little surface-hardening wax to it.
Mix it in a pressurised anti-bubble container and pour roughly half a
centimetre (quarter inch) into the bottom of the sink, make sure it has
levelled itself and wetted the sides but otherwise leave it strictly alone
until it has set.

You will have a clear layer protecting the coloured finish so next time it
goes dull you just sand lightly and either polish or wash with acetone and
apply a thin gelcoat.

(If you stopped at the self colour stage the next refurbishing may mean
grinding the tissue away and replacing.)

Hth, Cheerio,

Do you use the actual sink itself for doing the washing-up in?
Often people use a plastic bowl which just fits into the sink.
This bowl can be kept nice and clean, or even replaced at intervals.
The trick is to find one which fits - most are too big.