The Deck Project Prelude

New Bern, NC

Anonymous wrote: Seeing your sanded decks and cabin top reminded me of your previous post about painting and paint selection. Have you made any progress deciding which paints to use? 

Yes indeed, I have neglected blogging about developments on this project.

Dick from the vessel Harmony II spoke glowingly about, Dave Simeon a local man who resurfaces decks.  I'm a DIY person myself, but I decided to go have a look.   I met Dave and he showed me a boat he had finished.  He also explained the process to me.

1. He starts from a clean deck, bare glass.
2. He lays down a nylon net (see the picture above) that will create the waffle pattern.
3. He puts down a coat of epoxy resin.
4. Sand the resin, choice of more or less aggressive non-skid depending on how smooth it is sanded.
5. Add two more coats of epoxy resin
6. Add four coats of gel-coat.

Holy mackerel!  As I listened to Dave, I realized how inadequate my plans were.  Just a coat or two of paint, or one coat of gel-coat   I would have continued having deck problems for years if I persisted with such inadequate remedies.    Dave's work does not come cheap, $3,600 for Tarwathie, plus boat yard charges.   After inhaling deeply, I decided to accept Dave's proposal.

Dave's company Dawson Creek Boatworks, is located at Wayfarers Cove boat yard in Minnesott Beach, NC.  It is next door to the USA headquarters of Beta Marine, where the Beta Guru Stan works.
The boat yard appears to be well sheltered in case of hurricane.   That is a concern to Libby and I, we've never left Tarwathie unattended during hurricane season before.

Of course I'll blog again about the deck project in the fall when everything is complete.  Hopefully, we will be delighted customers.