Anyone ever sandblast a boat?

[Nikanit]

I have an old 14 foot aluminum that I'm refurbishing. HAs anyone ever got their boat sandblasted? How much did it cost?

[FlyTheory]

I haven’t, but I would imagine it would turn out well! I look forward to hearing everyone’s responses

[Reeves1]

Make some calls & find a place that does media blasting on cars etc & ask them.
Media blasting is less pressure.

Still think it is likely too much though....

[Osky]

I knew someone who did one years ago and it turned out great. They did not blast with sand however they used shells, a bit softer. Not sure if it was peanut shells walnut shells or what.
I just did a boat for my son last couple of months and hit it with an orbital sander, 320 grit and then had graphics put on. Turned out incredibly well.
The lower hull got a tune bright product applied. You’d think the boat just came off the show floor.
Osky

[schleprock]

I sandblasted one of mine using #4 sand and it turned out great. After sandblasting the boat I primed it with a metal etching primer Endura primer/sealer, painted and clear coated it. Fifteen years later it still looks awesome.

[schleprock]

As for the cost, it shouldn’t take more than 20 to 30 minutes to sandblast. You should be able to get it done for $100 cash or $50 and a case of cold beer.

[Bully Bee]

I have helped a buddy sandblast a firearm back home. I mostly just talked sh!t while he did all the work, but man was it nice to watch all the finish come off. It was zen like.


The only thing I’d be thinking of is the mess it could make.

[brewster29]

Consider media blasting, some restoration body shops use baking soda as it is way less aggressive than sand. You need to be careful with pressure since Al is soft and can erode, warp or dent easily.

If you are just removing old paint you could use aircraft paint remover.

[jungleboy]

Soda blasting is the way to go. Make sure you get someone that knows what they are doing you can ruin your aluminum boat real fast. I was in the Sandblasting industry for 11 yrs and did lots of classic and not so classic cars and trucks . Sheet metal will warp and you won’t see it till it’s too late.
Low pressure at a long angle and keep your distance if you plan to do it yourself.

[Bigwoodsman]

Years ago we blasted a 26 ft Starcraft we used walnut shells. Primed then panted and off to the upholstery shop for carpets and everything else new. Pulled the blind six had it rebuilt also rebuilt the omc leg. Total cost was around 4500.00 in 1985. Boat was like new.

BW

[does it ALL outdoors]

Originally Posted by schleprock

I sandblasted one of mine using #4 sand and it turned out great. After sandblasting the boat I primed it with a metal etching primer Endura primer/sealer, painted and clear coated it. Fifteen years later it still looks awesome.

That Endura paint is GREAT stuff!

Extremely durable.