Em & Nick · video

What this video covers

Sanding the bottom of a 30-plus-year-old sailboat to prepare for new antifouling paint requires significant labor and proper equipment, including high-quality PPE and frequent replacement of sanding discs.9:11 After spending over 100 hours manually sanding the hull, the owners discovered that chemical strippers can remove multiple layers of old paint in 24 hours, a process they initially overlooked by relying on sanding tutorials.16:54 Because the compatibility of the existing antifouling paint with new products is unknown, the crew faces a decision between spot-treating exposed fiberglass and barrier coat or stripping the entire hull to bare substrate.17:50 Proper preparation involves identifying the previous paint type to ensure the new barrier coat and antifouling layers adhere correctly.17:42 The project highlights the difficulty of achieving a smooth finish on an older hull and the importance of consulting technical support before beginning intensive surface preparation.17:20

More from Em & Nick

Building the Bilge system of our DREAMS (...again lol)Sept 2026We tore out the heart of our boat (electrical refit pt. 1)Aug 2026How much does it ACTUALLY cost to own a sailboat? (our finances for the first 9 months)Aug 2026We ruined HOURS of work in seconds....Jul 2026

From Em & Nick — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.