What We Sandblast for Boat Owners
Marine environments are harsh on vessels and structures. Salt water accelerates corrosion, old coatings fail, and growth attaches to underwater surfaces. Professional sandblasting removes these problems completely and prepares surfaces for proper protection.
Hull Bottom Paint Removal
Strip multiple layers of old antifouling paint, ablative coatings, and hard bottom paint. Remove paint buildup that reduces performance and prevents proper adhesion of new coatings. Essential before surveys, gelcoat repairs, or applying fresh bottom paint.
Hull Rust and Corrosion
Remove rust from steel hulls, aluminum corrosion, and oxidation from fiberglass gelcoat. Clean corroded areas down to sound material before applying barrier coats or protective coatings. Extends vessel life in saltwater environments.
Deck Hardware and Fittings
Strip rust and old paint from cleats, railings, anchor windlasses, and deck hardware. Prepare stainless steel, aluminum, and bronze fittings for refinishing. Restore corroded equipment instead of replacing it.
Propellers and Running Gear
Clean propellers, shafts, struts, and rudders. Remove marine growth, corrosion, and old coatings. Improves performance and fuel efficiency. Critical maintenance for power and sail vessels.
Waterline Staining
Remove waterline stains, rust streaks, and discolouration from hulls. Clean gelcoat without harsh chemicals that damage finishes. Restores appearance without repainting entire hulls.
Aluminum Boats and Workboats
Strip commercial fishing vessels, aluminum pleasure boats, and workboats. Remove paint, corrosion, and marine growth. Prepare for proper aluminum coatings that prevent further corrosion in saltwater.
Steel Vessels
Sandblast steel hulls, commercial vessels, and working boats. Remove heavy rust, old coatings, and mill scale. Meet marine coating specifications for proper corrosion protection.
Docks and Pilings
Clean dock structures, pilings, and marine infrastructure. Remove barnacles, algae, and deteriorated coatings. Extend life of wooden and concrete marine structures exposed to tidal action.
Boat Trailers
Strip rust from boat trailers used in saltwater. Remove corrosion and old paint. Prepare for marine-grade coatings that withstand constant immersion and salt exposure.
Why Boat Owners Choose Marine Sandblasting
Salt water destroys boats faster than anything else. Proper surface preparation is the only way coatings work correctly in marine environments. Shortcuts lead to coating failure, more corrosion, and expensive repairs down the road.
Complete Paint Removal
Chemical strippers don't remove all layers of bottom paint. Sanding by hand takes forever and misses edges and curves. Sandblasting removes everything down to bare gelcoat, fiberglass, or metal. New coatings bond properly when surfaces are completely clean.
Faster Than Manual Methods
Hand sanding a hull takes weeks. Sandblasting takes days or hours depending on size. Get your boat back in the water faster. Spend less time on maintenance and more time using your vessel.
Removes What Chemicals Can't
Ablative bottom paints, epoxy barrier coats, and blistered gelcoat don't respond to chemical strippers. Sandblasting cuts through everything. Handles problem coatings that other methods leave behind.
Better for Gelcoat
Grinding damages gelcoat and creates heat that causes more problems. Sandblasting with proper media and pressure cleans without gouging or overheating. Preserves your hull instead of destroying it.
Mobile Service Saves Money
Hauling boats costs hundreds or thousands depending on size. Travel trailers wear out faster with constant loading. We come to your slip, mooring, or yard anywhere on in our service area. Save transport costs and keep your vessel close to home.
Environmentally Responsible Methods
Old bottom paints contain copper and biocides that harm water quality. We contain and properly dispose of blasting waste. Follow environmental regulations for work near sensitive marine areas.
Types of Vessels We Service
Our Marine Clients
- Sailboats and cruising vessels
- Powerboats and motor yachts
- Fishing boats and commercial vessels
- Aluminum boats and workboats
- Steel hulls and commercial craft
- Inflatables and RIBs (rigid components)
- Personal watercraft and jet boats
- Houseboats and floating structures
- Historic vessels and classic boats
- Racing sailboats and performance vessels
Our Marine Process
How We Handle Your Vessel
Boats represent major investments. Marine work requires specialized knowledge of materials, coatings, and the challenges salt water creates. We treat every vessel with the care it deserves.
How We Handle Your Vessel
Boats represent major investments. Marine work requires specialized knowledge of materials, coatings, and the challenges salt water creates. We treat every vessel with the care it deserves.
Free Marine Assessment
Discuss your vessel type, current condition, and what you need accomplished. Review coating plans with your yard or surveyor recommendations. Provide detailed quotes for budgeting. Most quotes provided within 24-48 hours for vessels.
Vessel Protection and Prep
Mask hardware, through-hulls, and sensitive equipment. Protect surrounding boats and marina facilities. Set up containment for blasting waste and environmental protection. Coordinate with marinas and boat yards for facility requirements.
Specialized Marine Blasting
Adjust pressure and media for different hull materials. Fiberglass requires gentler treatment than steel. Aluminum needs specific media to prevent damage. Use techniques that preserve hull integrity while removing all coatings and corrosion.
Quality Control
Inspect surfaces for complete coating removal and proper profile. Check for blisters, damage, or issues requiring repair before coating. Coordinate with surveyors or coating applicators as needed.
Complete Cleanup
Collect and properly dispose of blasting waste including old bottom paint. Clean vessel and surrounding area. Leave boat ready for barrier coats, fairing, or bottom paint application.
Materials We Work With
We work with various marine and boat surfaces.
What We Remove From Vessels
Marine Coatings and Contamination
- Antifouling bottom paint (hard and ablative)
- Epoxy barrier coats
- Marine enamels and topside paints
- Gelcoat oxidation and staining
- Osmotic blisters and moisture damage
- Barnacles and marine growth
- Rust and corrosion
- Waterline stains
- Salt deposits and buildup
We Work Where Your Boat Is
- Marinas and yacht clubs
- Private docks and moorings
- Boat yards and haul-out facilities
- Dry storage buildings
- Waterfront properties
- Beach access locations
- Remote anchorages (conditions permitting)
FAQs for Boat Owners
Marine Sandblasting Questions
Will sandblasting damage my fiberglass hull?
No. We use appropriate media and pressure for fiberglass. Proper technique removes coatings without damaging gelcoat or underlying laminate. Different from aggressive methods that gouge and overheat hulls.
How long does marine sandblasting take?
Small boats take 1-2 days. Medium vessels take 2-4 days. Large boats require 5-10 days depending on condition and scope. We provide accurate timelines based on your specific vessel and project.
Can you sandblast while my boat is in the water?
Limited work can be done waterline and above. Full bottom paint removal requires the boat out of water on stands, trailer, or in dry storage. We coordinate with your marina or yard.
Do I need to remove all my gear and equipment?
We protect installed equipment with masking and covers. Remove loose items, electronics, and valuables. We'll discuss specific requirements during assessment based on your vessel.
Can you sandblast just the bottom or just problem areas?
Yes. Many owners opt for spot blasting on damaged areas or partial hull work. We can blast specific sections, the entire bottom, or full hull depending on your needs and budget.
What happens to old bottom paint waste?
We contain and properly dispose of all blasting waste including toxic bottom paints. Follow environmental regulations for hazardous marine coating disposal.
When can I apply new coatings after sandblasting?
Usually within 24-48 hours once surface is clean and dry. Metal hulls may require faster coating to prevent flash rust. We coordinate timing with your coating applicator or provide guidance on scheduling.
Do you work on commercial fishing vessels and workboats?
Yes. We handle commercial vessels, fishing boats, and working craft. Understand the demands commercial boats face and coating requirements for vessels that work year-round in saltwater.
Can you sandblast boat trailers?
Yes. We strip boat trailers including frames, bunks, and hardware. Prepare for proper marine coatings that handle constant immersion and salt exposure at launch ramps.
Get Your Free Marine Sandblasting Quote
Protect your investment with proper surface preparation. Contact Coastline Mobile Sandblasting for professional marine services across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Serving boat owners, marinas, and yards with quality work and environmental responsibility.
Request your free marine quote today.
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