Day 4: The Sand Man

Another day in the books! I titled this post “The Sand Man”, because that just about tells you everything I did today, Sanding, Sanding, and Sanding.

I Sanded, Sanded, Sanded starting on the Port and rotating from there to the stern onto the Starboard.

I used three different types of sanders. I started with the Band Sander, I thought it would be the best since it sands the most at a time and was the newest. However, it turns out to be the worst out of the three types because it was heavy and hard to control. The next one I used was the Palm Sander, it was not heavy, easy to use, and I had plenty control over it. Sadly it broke. I believe it was because of how old it was, but I also read that fiberglass is very tough on sanders.

For the corners and hard to reach spots, I used a Detail Sander which worked pretty well.

After I finished sanding, I used a Dremel Tool to clean out each pit and crack. This was quite tedious, but should create a clean surface to where I will apply the gel coat filler. I later went over it with my dad and cleaned the inside and top of the boat.

I planned to do all of this while reading a book called “Fix it and Sail” by Brian Gilbert. However, I am not a very patient person so I have gone and watched a dozen or so YouTube videos to get to where I am today since the book has not come in yet.

Hand Sander – Dremel Tool – Sponge – Hand Sander – Detail Sander – Band Sander