Annual Maintenance

Each year, it takes a lot of effort to get a sailboat ready for the new season. I maintain a commissioning list of all the things that need to be done. Most of the things can be done with the boat in the water, but there are a few things that have to be done on land. Many dread these annual chores, but for me, it is a labor of love. It is such a departure from my daily grind in the office to get out in the fresh air and work.

Last year, I had the old bottom paint ground down to the gelcoat, added three barrier coats and then two coats of ablative antifouling paint, which will make the annual maintenance easier. I only have to rough up the bottom with 80-grit sandpaper and re-apply one coat of Micron Extra with Biolux. This paint is designed to wear away like a bar of soap so marine growth, algae and slime can't really attach to the bottom, which makes for faster sailing! I had the boat hauled out on Wednesday, with a plan to tackle the bottom on Saturday, the better of the two weekend days weather wise. I also waxed the hull which is much easier to do on land, but can be done in the water. Yes, every muscle in my body hurts, but it is a good hurt! She is all shiny and ready to be re-launched on Tuesday.