The blondes needs some TLC

[Ratface]

Hi guys,

need some advice/ idea's. my boat is back in my possesion, however in a different state to when i saw it before it was lent to a fellow sailor.

firstly, the Paintjob... i was aware it was to be all black on the top foredeck/cockpit, however the pictures below are just a few of the issues with the paint.








As you can see, there is paint on the yellow part of the hull, not that i was wanting/wasn't like that before!
in drips and 'smudge' form all over the boat,
My question to you guys. What is the best way to get it back to its former glory? im guessing it will most likely be a full sand and respray as i will never be able to match the yellow hull once ive sanded/ cleared the affected areas of the hull.

Next, the foredeck has quite a few chips/cracks in the carbon. most of them appear to have been from trapeze hooks! i plan on sorting these out as one of the holes goes through to the foam, does anyone suggest ways about going about fixing these? as not all cracks go through the layer of carbon but a few do. While being an 'amuter' when it comes to boat repairs i would like the advice of some of you guys who know what your doing! and the bit where you can see the foam on the edge, what would you guys suggest for repairing that?




Then there is the mast... needs varnish and i know how to do that. However, the kite block at the top of the mast has pulled away taking the screw/kelvar that was attaching it to the mast with it. would it be strong enough redoing that with kelvar?



Many Thanks
James

edit: images dont seem to want to work
link to the webpage they are on is here http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesbarton/5364439938/ and the rest are in the photostream!

[john_hamilton]

ouch

[phil_kirk]

The photos wouldn't open for me. probably a server issue. My approach would be sand it all back to the filler/ carbon/glass with 60 gritt sand paper.  Get a roll of the green stuff rather than sheets. This lasts well and will be a lot cheaper.   This should also remove some of the weight added with the paint. Use a long board as you get nearer to the filler/ laminate to maintain a fair surface.  A long board can be any peice of ply that can flex around the curves of the hull.  you may wish to attach some handles to give you more grip.  Glue the sand paper to the board with contact adhesive.
Don't remove the filler under the original paint scheme because you will be un fairing the boat.

Deck repairs.  Small dents can be filled and faired. Cut out any de-laminated carbon skin/blisters. Fill any dents that are through to the foam.  Laminate a small layer of carbon over each of the dents that were through to the foam or where delaminated skins were removed. Fill and fair the area once the carbon has cured.

If you are getting the sanded and repaired areas re sprayed it may be easier to remove all the fittings and do the whole boat ratehr than trying to work round them. 

Since I can't see the photos I can not comment on the mast attachment point. I'm sure others will though.

[Phil Alderson]

For the block on the mast, do not use kevlar as it degrades quickly in UV if you are going to bond it I would use Carbon.
An alternative would be to extend the uppers bolts and just tie it to them.

With some very carefull sanding, you might be able to get rid of the dribbles.

I also remember hearing that they used hammerite when they repainted the deck so if you use hamerite thinners you might be able to clean off the dribbles without affecting the yellow using a plastic scourer. Check first on a small area!

If it was hamerite you will need to check compatibility for overcoating as it can sometimes cause crinkling.

[roland_trim]

? Kevlar in the hull laminate?
Check with Ian C. to see what lurks below the paint. If kevlar real care is needed when sanding.