Home > J/22 One Design > Bottom Repair
J/22 Bottom Repair
Parts List
From Oceana Limited in Annapolis, MD: 410-269-6022
- Two (2) gallons of Duratec V.E. Primer White, item number HK1794-005
- Eight (8) MEKP Hardener 40cc tubes, item number FGE-101605
From a boating supply (asumming a two-man repair crew):
- Two (2) West System epoxy application roller frames (Oceana Limited item number G801; (West System model 318576)
- Six (6) West System epoxy application roller covers 7" Foam 2Pak (Oceana Limited item no G800-2; (West System model 318261)
- Vinylester or epoxy fairing compound
- Plastic fairing applicator squeegee (West System model 318154)
From hardware store:
- 40, 60 and 80 grit sandpaper for random orbital sander (velcro-type adhesion is easy to use)
- Countersink drill bit to drill out some blisters
- One (1) gallon MEK solvent
- Two (2) paint trays
- Six (6) Paint mixing cups at least 1/2 quart (West System model 318295)
- Wooden paint mixing sticks ((West System model 318287)
- Disposable plastic gloves (West System model 382929)
- Face masks to prevent inhaling dust from sanding
- Paint clothes for vinylester application
Trailer/hoist equipment:
- CYC's blue J/22 trailer to use during initial bottom sanding/repair work
- CYC's wooden lift frame with rented 2-ton chain hoist for final vinylester application
Bottom Repair Procedure
Bottom Preparation
- Sand entire bottom with random orbital sander and 40-60 grit paper to remove all blisters
- If you are brave and good with a belt sander, you can get the blisters removed faster with one
- For blisters that go below the gelcoat, drill them out with a countersink drill bit (be careful to not drill through hull)
- Let bottom dry for one week
- Fill the drillouts with vinylester or epoxy fairing compound; leave a little high
- Sand the bottom smooth with 60 grit paper
- Clean bottom to remove sanding dust
- Ensure hull/keel is at least 60 degrees F before you proceed with the next steps
Applying Vinylester
- Prepare CYC a-Frame lift and 2-ton chain hoist to lift boat from trailer
- Hang boat so you can do the whole bottom without interruption
- Ensure there are no black flying insects in the immediate area; spray for them if you have to
- Just before rolling on Duratec V.E. Primer, wipe bottom with MEK solvent using lint free cloth; don't do too much or you will dissolve the existing gelcoat/Duratec
- Mix and apply about 1/2 quart of Duratec V.E. Primer at a time (covers about 1/2 of J/22 bottom); the vinyl ester sets up too fast to do more per batch
- Repeat until you run out of Duratec V.E. Primer covering bottom and rudder evenly
- If you get a few lumps from early curing during the application, you can sand them off later
- Do not try to get a perfectly smooth bottom; you will see the roller knap pattern and that is OK
- Allow bottom to cure for one whole day
Finish Work
- Lightly sand with 80 grit paper ensuring you get any lumps in the process
- Apply bottom paint (VC 17 work well) if you will be leaving the boat in the water