Macintosh 47 Deck Project Pics - Perfection

[bstreep]

I keep promising to put pictures up from our 2+ year deck project (yes, 2 years). The reason it took so long is that we spent a year doing the prep work: grinding and filling cracks, making repairs, rebedding failing fixtures, etc. We then sanded the whole deck (except the non-skid), put on 2 coats of Primekote (ugh - what pain - be SURE and sand this as soon as it dries, it is VERY hard).

We then top coated with 2 (or in some cases FIVE) coats of Perfection. We have had some problems with Perfection "kicking" right - we think - in low humidity. It seems go on fine when it's hotter than hades and heavy with humidity (as long as it dries well before the dew). It doesn't seem to like those crisp fall, winter and spring days.

We did the deck in sections. At 47', it was just too much to tackle all at once. 5 sections, to be exact. We were worried about the seams, but only we know where they are. No one else sees them. We mostly rolled with hard foam rollers. We tipped and/or brushed where we had to, but with a variety of rollers (2" to 6") they worked best, without tipping.

We did the non-skid with one coat of Perfection mixed with Intergrip (1 heaping tsp per 100grams of paint). BTW, we used a kitchen scale for mixing - Jay provided us with the ratios for each color. The second coat on the non-skid was 50/50 flattening agent, no Intergrip. We hot - coated the second coat later in the same day (see overcoating instructions).

Also, we found that the new 3M Blue tape with the GREEN writing (not brown) is an insanely wonderful product. It will last over 2 weeks in the sun, and gives a nice fine line. When we had 2 coats to do in a weekend, we'd tape with it (1 inch) close to the edge, and then run a second tape line to the edge, usually with a thinner tape. We used green automotive tape for a while, until the new 3M Blue/green came on the market. We'd pull the top tape layer, so then we just had to lay down a thin tape for the second coat.

Here are some pics. It isn't perfect. But it's darn good. The windows are our next project.

[tropicalescape]

Nice...

[Bash]

Looks like a brand-new boat.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Bash

Looks like a brand-new boat.

+1

[bstreep]

Thank you. It does look nice, but not new. Rolling puts a little bit of orange peel on the surface. Not quite a mirror surface like spraying does. As well, there are some not-quite perfect spots.

[Jammer Six]

Now it seems like a shame to let everything you learned go...

You could go into business.

[bstreep]

Originally Posted by Jammer Six

Now it seems like a shame to let everything you learned go...

You could go into business.

Not A Chance.

[Hooked]

Looks great. Remember, perfect is the enemy of good!

[Jammer Six]

Originally Posted by bstreep

Not A Chance.

Heh...

Unfortunately, I know exactly what you mean. I have the same relationship with the hardwood floors in our house.

You could write a small book... to preserve everything you learned.

"How To Do A Professional Level Job For An Amateur Price"

[bstreep]

Actually, I've put a bit more detail into a document, that I'll post here. Interlux has asked if they can use this for their marketing department.

[bobconnie]

I can only say that if my decks come out half as good as yours, I will be a very happy man ! those decks are as good as any yard job Ive seen in a long time !! good job !!

[bstreep]

Originally Posted by bobconnie

I can only say that if my decks come out half as good as yours, I will be a very happy man ! those decks are as good as any yard job Ive seen in a long time !! good job !!

Well, there are some problem areas we still need to fix - but we are pretty pleased. It really isn't close to perfect, but it's pretty good (pictures do lie a bit...).

[DSDman]

I think they look great! Perfection in a job like this is often overkill I think. Especially when birds are just going to poop on it day after day! I hope to start on mine within the next month....my goodness I hope it doesn't take me two years! I'll be happy with functional and handsome, from 15 feet. Perfection is best left to those who can afford it.

[cpa]

Looks great. I am in the middle of doing the decks on the Compass. We decided to divide it into sections as well. If I had a lot storage and a building to work in, I would have liked to do it all at once. But that is just not feasible. Did the marina folks mind you sanding or did you have to take it elsewhere for the dirty work?

[minaret]

Originally Posted by cpa

Looks great. I am in the middle of doing the decks on the Compass. We decided to divide it into sections as well. If I had a lot storage and a building to work in, I would have liked to do it all at once. But that is just not feasible. Did the marina folks mind you sanding or did you have to take it elsewhere for the dirty work?

I'm sure you guys have seen the pics in my refit thread. It cost me $3000 to build the shed over my boat. It pays for itself, especially here in rainy land.