![]()
|
Hard bottom paints over time exhaust their copper and leave behind useless material. This material adds weight to the vessel and can promote osmosis (blister) formation. Removal of excess material, blister repair and fairing of the bottom significantly increases the performance and longevity of the hull.
|
![]()
|
Surface preparation, quality products and professional spray applications are the key to a long-lasting and perfect finish. Surfaces are de-waxed, and repairs made to existing damage. The hull is faired, sanded and sprayed with 2-3 coats of primer. A dye is added to the primer and the entire surface is again sanded and faired in preparation for paint. 3-5 coats of Awlgrip/Awlcraft 2000 ensure a deep and durable finish for up to 10 years.
Boot stripes are painted with Awlgrip to complete the look.
|
![]()
|
Exterior and interior teak "bright work" requires proper maintenance to reduce drying. Over time, teak loses its natural oils and will crack. Fungus can grow inside the wood grain and cause more damage.
Well preserved bright work always shows well. Surface cleaning and preparation are the foundation to stunning bright work. Patriot Yacht services offers several finish options for the customer to choose from. Shipwright/carpentry services available.
|
![]()
| Condition of the Running Gear, whether it be primary or auxiliary, is critical to the operation of the vessel. Encrustation will significantly reduce the ability of the prop to move the vessel and will increase fuel consumption. Protecting the running gear with primers and paints specifically designed for running gear is crucial.
Electrolysis can play havoc on the prop and strut. Inexpensive zinc's (sacrificial anodes) are mounted on the prop shaft and strut to reduce damage to the running gear.
Cutlass bearing replacements are beneficial in reducing shaft vibrations and wear and tear on the running gear. We remove cutlass bearings up to 3" shaft diameter using our Strut Pro press which prevents removal of the shaft and costly shaft realignments.
|
![]()
| Waterline stains are problematic. Impurities in the water attack the gel coat and over time penetrate the finish. Cleaning these stains regularly is a cumbersome task.
Painting a bootstripe with quality paint like Awlgrip provides a protection barrier and an appealing look for any vessel.
|
![]()
| Osmosis blisters are common on all fiberglass hulls. A chemical reaction takes place when water penetrates the laminate and reacts with the resins. Blisters are created as the chemical reaction takes place and are indicative that damage has already occured to the laminate and the hull is weakened.
Prevention takes place by applying numerous coats of water barrier system (Interprotect 2000) to the bare hull prior to first application of bottom paint.
Blister repair, requires removal of the gel coat and in some cases the damaged laminate, cleansing of the area to remove the osmosis byproduct, flushing with fresh water and dryng the laminate. Drying times vary greatly depending on the severity of saturation. In extreme water penetration situations, all the gel coat must be stripped from the bottom to allow drying before repairs can be made.
Prevention and catching blisters early is the key.
|
![]()
| Alternating colors when using ablative paints allows the owner to determine when the paint has worn away. The new ablative type paints include slime prohibitors which greatly deter the formation of barnacles. This coupled with release technology allows approx 20% less copper to be used with the same results as traditional hard paints.
Ablative paints are the "ecological" choice.
|
![]()
| Keeping the laminate dry above the waterline is equally important as below the waterline. Flex cracks in the gel coat or damage from dock strikes, object impacts, etc, can allow water to penetrate.
Gel coat repairs prevent water intrusion if performed correctly and are indistinguishable to the eye if matched to the original hull shade.
|
|
