The time has come...

[Shortbus]

Ok guy's I purchased this boat and over all I give it a 7 out of 10 as it sits. Other than a few minor cosmetic fixes and if the boat didn't have the scum ring around it I would rate it about a 8. The biggest pain in the @ss is going to be getting the scum line off and then there is the bottom paint. Why people put that crap on is beyond me but never the less I want it off. Can anyone please give me some insight on how to go about taking the paint off down to the original white gel coat? I appreciate any input. Thanks

 

[Hack]

A number of years ago, I watch a guy spend the summer wet sanding blue bottom paint off a 38' Cigarette with a black hull...

Another alternative is soda blasting, but you really need to be careful about who you get to do it.

 

[keith4216]

Scum line is easy. Muratic acid.
Bottom paint is not so easy.

 

[Shortbus]

Thanks guys.

 

[Old Navy]

No personal experience but might be worth a try:

http://www.tcpglobal.com/KLEGAF354.html?gclid=CNyvz8mlx8kCFYs2gQodBcsKxA#.VmQyCtIrJi0

 

[Shortbus]

Today I went and picked up some The Works toilet bowl cleaner and it removed all of the scum the job wasn't that bad. Now onto the bottom paint. This I'm afraid is going to take awhile.

 

[Shortbus]

It's been 1 year now since I purchased this boat and after a lot of work (more than I thought needed initially) its taking shape. I could write a story on what's been done so far but in short the first line of business was ditching the 383 and in its place I dropped in a 502 MPI, second was the removal of the bottom paint and the list goes on. This was really a train wreck to begin with but in the end I'm glad I was able to save this Checkmate from being totally run into the ground beyond worth bringing back. Here are some before and after pictures.

 

[Sam I am]

Nice work! Looks great. I kinda like the original clear windshield, but the white does look better than tint.

Way to save her!

 

[Shortbus]

Nice work! Looks great. I kinda like the original clear windshield, but the white does look better than tint.

Way to save her!

Thanks Sam, with the windshield the corners had that odd fogging appearance so instead of replacing it I just did the white vinyl wrap on it so it can be clear again if I choose. I wanted the sport fairing but when I called Checkmate for a price I almost fell out of my chair. Now that winter is setting in I'll continue on the upgrades.

 

[Chellems]

It's been 1 year now since I purchased this boat and after a lot of work (more than I thought needed initially) its taking shape. I could write a story on what's been done so far but in short the first line of business was ditching the 383 and in its place I dropped in a 502 MPI, second was the removal of the bottom paint and the list goes on. This was really a train wreck to begin with but in the end I'm glad I was able to save this Checkmate from being totally run into the ground beyond worth bringing back. Here are some before and after pictures.

Short bus where are you located in Upstate NY that lake you took the photos on looks awesome. Your book looks beautiful nice job.

 

[Shortbus]

I live just north of Albany and these pictures were taken on Lake George.