[img]null[/img]I have a 32 FB that I purchased over the winter. The boat was purchased at an estate sale so I didn't have time for a survey. I know I have a project on my hands. I replaced the Stb motor about a month ago and just got the boat pulled to inspect the bottom. There is some pitting and some rough looking areas. I will try to attach some pictures. Once I sell my current 30ft Monterey I will have some more money to throw at the boat. I would like to hold off on stripping the bottom until I have the time and money to do it right. I keep the boat in Fresh water and the anodes seem to be doing their job. Will I be risking alot more damage by leaving the bottom alone until this winter when I can have the boat pulled. I would like to sand blast the entire bottom fair the pitting and put a good barrier coat on. I just don't have the time or money to do it right now. Any advise would be great. Thanks Anthony.

P.S. anyone interested in pictures of the motor replacement let me know I am happy to send them or put a post up. A friend and myself replaced the motor with the boat in the water. It took a good two days but seemed to go smoothly.

Site has the full how-to for bottom painting as provided to me by the Interlux support staff - a search will turn it up.

It's hard to tell from the photos whether that's corrosion or bio-fouling. But if you're in saltwater you should consider tracking down and fixing the cause of the corrosion now if you are on the hard. Corrosion due to dissimilar metals occurs much faster in warm saltwater vs. cold fresh water.

For a cost reference, 4 years ago I had my 32' hull sandblasted to "bright white" ($600) and immediately etched it with one coat of vinylux ($65) and put on 5 coats of 2-part epoxy primer barrier coat ($260) before 2 coats of antifouling paint for aluminum ($300). Prices today are probably 20%-25% higher.

I hate to say it, but I would NOT put that boat back in the water without doing the hull. It's hard to tell in those photos how much damage there is but--from my experience--a bit of visible pitting means a bunch of it hiding under the paint. (Think iceberg.) The one thing you can't really replace on a boat is the hull, so...
Jeff