Once it was blasted I block sanded with 320 and painted with Imron.

Interlux has done a great job marketing the products, but there are better products out there, and some easier to use.

Sea Hawk has a high build epoxy (Tuff Stuff) that is in the same category as Interprotect. Here are the differences:

You need 5 coats of Interprotect to only 2 coats of Tuff Stuff. This is because Tuff Stuff is a higher build (more solids) and will be much thicker per coat of Interprotect. This saves alot of time, labor, and money on extra painting supplies.

You can add microballons, micronbeads, or filler to Tuff Stuff to make a paster for low areas. This saves on needing to buy a filler or having to buy Interprotect 1000, 2000, and 3000.

Tuff Stuff is also 1:1 mixture Vs. 3:1 with Interprotect. Smaller jobs, touch up of the boat stands, etc. do not require mixing an entire kit and there is less room for error. If you don't get the mixing ratio exactly right, epoxy will not cure properly. There is just less room to screw it up with a 1:1 mixture.

As far as Sea Hawk bottom paint Vs. all others: They offer a 1 year warranty in writing against barnacle growth. They are the only manufacturer that does this. I have asked them why they can do this and the other bottom paint manufacturers don't. Their response is that they use only the finest raw materials (including virgin solvents, the purest copper. etc.) and therefore they have a premium product that they know works and stand behind.

Another advantage that I personally really like is that their products are all American made. They are an American family owned and operated company. This is very different from the other paint companies that are European and Asian companies.

I like to buy American, especially when it is a superior product that a company stands behind.

Where at in Indiana? I have a local guy I use here in cincinatti if needed. He is mobile and comes to you.

Lafayette. I may have to see if Indy has anyone who travels.
I had the only local business that does this come out today to estimate the job. They said 8-10 hrs, for $1800-$2200. I was expecting nothing of that magnitude. I didn't ask if they have done boats before, but considering the location of here in relation to large lakes and marinas, I wouldn't be surprised if they haven't done one before, so no experience on a time frame. Or I'm just way off. I'm basing my thinking on videos on You-tube for soda blasting and how fast it seems to go, plus jdubs quote of 2 1/2 hrs start to finish. Granted I might have a little more needing done, but damn!
Has to be done right were it is, no trailer.
Are these guys way outta line, or am I way under on my thinking?

Going to research paint strippers next, gotta get this rolling.

Thanks for any advise

This is what I'm doing. It's a 29' with a 10' beam. The antifouling goes approx forward 23', then there is the transom @ 2' high. I've pressure washed it the other nite and got some down to the barrier coating, (which I want removed also) but it's got a long way to go.

I'm looking at approx 250 sq ft total.

Try Ralph Knauss. He was reccomened by Brian McCoy that owns IDS [stripping company in indy]

mobil 317-590-8750
office 317-255-9789

Good luck

Try Doug Justice (What a blast Inc.) He may travel to you. He is reasonable and does a good job. He has done a lot of stuff for me.

513-553-7632

I talked with Ralph last nite and he is getting me an estimate from the pics and info I emailed him.



Thanks for the replies guys!