Should have included this in my previous thread…
I have faired the aft half of the hull. where the strakes and spray rails get attached. If I sand off all vestiges of the microballoon-thickened epoxy, I’m afraid there won’t be much, if any, glass left.
What’s the best option? Sand off all the fairing compound, most of it, or just a little? Sand as far as needed to remove all fairing compound and layer in some more glass? Thanks again.
Sand gently and you’ll be fine. Saturated glass is much harder than epoxy/microballoons. Tape around the target area and hand sand with the paper wrapped around a wooden block that’s no wider than the target area. Even a light pressure will take off the epoxy/microballoons, while you’d have to push hard to remove epoxy-filled glass. It may take a while, but it’s low effort and quiet enough that you can listen to music or a podcast to relieve the tedium. You’ll feel the change when you hit glass and then you’ll know it’s time to stop.
You don’t need to remove every last bit of fairing compound. The more the better, but as long as you have enough clear spots to firmly anchor the strakes and rails you’ll be fine. Remember, they normally don’t get a lot of stress. The main thing they’ll have to stand up to is occasionally impacting the dock or another boat.
The most annoying part is all the dust that will be generated. Definitely do it outdoors if you can.
Laszlo
Thanks again for your advice.