Sailing Liberty- Free Dinghy / Restoring Old Aluminum Boat / Sandblasting aluminum Boat

Aluminum Boat Restoration: The Sandblasting Process

Welcome back to Sailing Liberty, your ultimate source for all things boating and sailing. Today, we’re diving into an intriguing tale of refurbishing an old aluminum boat through the transformative power of sandblasting.

Have you heard of the mythical ‘free boat’? It’s a story sailors often tell about a ship that magically appears when you need it most, which you then take and set off with. Well, we’ve got our very own version coming our way. We’re not just taking this stinky old dinghy and making do – no, we’re elevating it to the next level while also being more frugal than buying a brand new one.

Our journey begins by getting acquainted with Captain Farrell and his impressive wallet, after we produce our pistol, of course. ‘Stand and Deliver,’ we say, for you are a bold deceiver – but don’t worry, wait for the daddy!

With David loaning us his car, we embark on a day full of getting things done in preparation for sandblasting at Blast Bros. Luke from Blast Pros introduces us to his mobile unit, featuring a 185 CFM compressor, promising efficiency and effectiveness. This method, he says, will leave our boat with the perfect surface profile for any paint or primer.

The process isn’t straightforward, though. Luke notes various layers of paint on our boat – some gray, green (perhaps aircraft primer), which aligns with it being from the 60s or 70s. He comments that sanding would take ages and likely result in an inferior job compared to sandblasting.

The excitement builds as we prepare for the actual sandblasting, all while appreciating how eco-friendly the process is. Once ready, Luke demonstrates the power of a SLV number five Venturi nozzle, explaining that it sends out a high velocity through its curvy design. He also shares the importance of handling the hose with care – letting go could potentially shut down the machine!

Following this exhilarating preparation phase, we eagerly dive into painting, beginning with a barrier coat on our dinghy, courtesy of Total Boat’s two-part system. This layer ensures protection against saltwater and salt air, which is crucial for the boat’s longevity.

The primer process itself is quite the art. It involves getting that right thickness without running or dripping. After applying the first coat, we then proceed with painting. First up, the bottom of our boat in a nonslip paint called InDeck, followed by an off-white shade achieved by combining white and sand paints.

Ensuring our dinghy’s legal, we also work on registering it, discovering a Vermont loophole that enables undocumented vessels (aged 15 years or older) to be registered at an inexpensive rate of $52 every two years. With paperwork submitted to Vermont and approval granted within weeks, we now have all necessary documents.

To make our dinghy stand out even more, we order boat lettering directly from Amazon, choosing a blue color for our name ‘Elus Helena,’ derived from the Estonian language meaning ‘Beautiful Helen.’

We’re thrilled to see our restoration efforts yielding visible results. Our second coat of primer looks perfect, with careful attention paid to ensure straight lines and blending around the edges.

Finally, we apply paint – white combined with sand for an off-white color that contrasts beautifully against our green sides. With two coats applied, our dinghy now truly resembles a classic straight-sided boat.

Not wanting to forget essential safety measures, we’re gearing up by adding a rubber gun and fire hose to prevent any potential scuffs on other boats when docking.

To round off our hard work, we enjoy an evening of refreshment in the pool. This hard day’s work not only breathes life back into our old dinghy but also symbolizes living the dream – restoring vintage treasures and basking under tropical skies.

Exploring Paradise

In this quaint village, we find all the essentials within a stone’s throw – from hardware stores to local marinas. A visit to our neighborhood camp store provides us with essential supplies and, more importantly, Coronas for relaxation. It’s these little towns that bring everyone together in paradise.

To cap off another eventful day, we raise a glass of refreshing watermelon punch, kindly offered by the Next Door Marina, before heading to the pool. The harmonious blend of hard work and play perfectly defines our adventurous yet grounded lifestyle aboard Sailing Liberty.

The Final Thoughts

Our aluminum boat restoration journey has been nothing short of transformative. Sandblasting isn’t just about making our vessel look good – it’s about giving it a second chance at life, ensuring its beauty endures on the waters for years to come.

To fellow enthusiasts out there considering similar projects: take heart in knowing that with dedication and creativity, miracles like this are well within reach. As always, we thank you for joining us on our adventures and can’t wait to share more stories of exploration, transformation, and joy found right here at Sailing Liberty.