The Big Guns
Had to break out the big guns. The first three or four boats that I made I sanded everything by hand. When I finally got a random orbital sander my life changed for the better. They're a lot faster than working by hand but are easier to control and not as agressive as a belt sander. Dave had finished the boat exterior as he had the interior, just one coat of resin resulting in a rough surface. I took it on myself to add more resin so I could get a smooth finish on all exterior surfaces. I think it will be a nice contrast between the two.
I started with the orbital sander and 120 grit sandpaper to take the majority of the material off. I then switched to 150 grit and that is as far as I will go. The finish coat will be a satin water borne finish which I have had good luck with in the past. I used a solvent base varnish for all of my early boats and I would drive myself crazy trying for the "perfect" coat of varnish and I never got it. Varnish takes too long to dry and I could never get a finish that didn't have dust and insects in it. I apply my finish with an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayer and the finish is dry to the touch in five minutes and ready for a second coat in two hours. I've got more sanding to do yet and will talk more about the finish when I get to that.
