While sanding the deck I have come across many spots that appear to have been bondoed (how ever you spell it. What in the world was this done for? It appears to be the factory paint just by the condition of it. the deck does not appear to have dimples or low spots. I am stumped. Also whom ever put it down did a suckky job as it comes back off in big chunks and continue to gum up my sander .

Last question, after taking the bow rail off I watched the water pour outta the stanchions, rubber pads are NOT going back down. I saw in the past where someone used plastic washers in place of the ruuber pads. How thick do those needs to be? Can I use the standard Nylon washers found at the hardware store, are they strong enuff. I will add, that I was pleasantly surprised at the overall condition of the deck. No serious rot or holes anywhere.

Okay one last thing, I should know better but call me a glutton for punishment. Rustoleum has come out with a primer specially designed for Aluminum. After I Zinch cromate the deck I am going to give this stuff a shot. Did test on peice of Alminum and left it by the dock for a month and it looks fine ( complete, Zinch cromate, Rustoleum Primer, followed by Interlux topside White). Plus it is a lot cheaper than marine primer ( about half the cost). Any body ever try this stuff?

Gotta relate a story: Guy at my old marina bought a 91 Burgher that was in a fire. On the side, partially burnt away, was a HALF INCH of epoxy fairing compound! I was stunned, but that's what aluminum boat builders have to do to get everything straight after the welder is done warping things.

I use custom made 1/8 inch thick washers cut from old Pontiac Fiero body panels. The hardware store nylon washers are a bit too thin (unless you double them up). The water MUST flow below the railing post or corrosion can occur. I used # 8-32 rivet nuts instead of those useless screws and the railings haven't moved in 4 years.

Jeff

You can get some 1/4" NYLON WASHERS 1/4" x 1/2" .125" THICK spacers on eBay.

Have you read this? http://www.marinetteboat...amings-and-gunnels.aspx
The fairing and paint on SI was pretty bad so I used an air chistle to take it off. Fun, fun, fun...

I'd be leery of cutting into the aluminum there--might do more damage than what you prevent.

On the cleats, I had to leaver the ugliness alone on mine as well. The alternative is ripping out all kinds of paneling in the cabinet to get at them.

Jeff