DIY Boat Builders Attempt a Professional Paint Job (MJ Sailing - Ep 351)

[@MJSailing]

Use code 50MJSAILING to get 50% OFF plus free shipping on your first Factor box at bit.ly/4fLjcfw!

[@fiftycalguru]

Absolutely amazing inspiring and very thorough job covering your max cruise build. I just caught up after watching your whole catamaran build playlist. You two are fine examples of grit determination and teamwork. Watching you take this project on is a real privilege and I can’t wait to see splash day! I hope you enjoyed the holidays and I look forward to future videos!

[@jimreid67]

I highly recommend you purchase a HobbyAir forced air respirator. I purchased one several years ago when I was spraying a truck frame. I’ve used it now on my boat during bottom spraying and bilge painting. If you are smelling any of the fumes when you are spraying, it’s getting in your lungs. With the forced air you are only breathing fresh air. The system is about $500 but so well worth it.

[@scoutshoe9913]

Excellent video, just be careful that you don't blow up. Ideally you would be using Class 1 Div 2 fans , heaters and lights. Plan the work to mitigate that risk (your in an explosive environment there) and look forward to the next video.

[@BillB23]

Having a neighbor who has already made most of the mistakes for you has got to be a huge plus.

[@MJSailing]

And most importantly, those mistakes have come with solutions!! 😃

[@michaellove9831]

Must be satisfying to see those clean fresh surfaces ready for painting ! Congratulations, glad you're planning on wiping everything down again with a tack rag or solvent cleaner ( if you're not in a hurry ) immediately before applying finish coats. There's always something on every surface, Murphy's Law, right ?

[@garyjarvis2730]

You can wet down the floor with water to reduce the amount of dust kicked up during the paint spraying.

[@bryanford1139]

God Bless you two....I am SO not looking forward to painting my truck.....there's no WAY I'd take on painting something this big!

[@harrymerritt7745]

Cold hull. Thin paint lace curtains. Heat is what u need. Box fan ceiling. Good luck. Pro from dover

[@MJSailing]

I wondered if the hull was getting too cold. My infrared temperature sensor died just before we started, so I wasn't able to check surface temps like we planned

[@05stones]

It looks like new plastic out of factory. Looking forward the end of the paint.

[@MJSailing]

Thank you!! We're so happy that we could get it to look like a mold. 🤩

[@tomcoon9038]

OMG I am so happy for you! Though it means nothing, I am very proud of you 2 with the journey learning how and doing a phenomenal job! This shows what you are striving for. Looks great!

[@MJSailing]

No way, it means EVERYTHING to us!! 😍

[@billpittore]

Great progress. Have you considered using a CO detector in the areas where you are pumping in diesel heated air? I think it would be a cheap safety item to have.

[@MJSailing]

We have CO detectors in the hulls. They're the type with an LED readout and have never registered any CO in the boat.

[@billpittore]

@MJSailing I'll stop worrying about you then. 😀

[@alvinbuckles9744]

I am not a professional spray painter. I remember my brother who did do this. He often said when you see the orange peel surface, you can correct it by compound buffing the surface instead of going back to sanding. He often used a clear coat to protect the paint job.

[@shoresharp8349]

Guys alexseal makes a roll additive that will save you tons of frustration painting in the cabins. Alexseal roll additive is a complete gamechanger!!!!!

[@billymartin7518]

That head looks gorgeous, well done. That nervous/discomfort will bide you well as you go along, try to keep some of it. It'll keep you on your toes, you don't want to become too comfortable. You know what they say about familiarity ;) . You two are remarkable and that is going to be a jaw dropping vessel when you hoist her sails.

[@jmkikkawa]

I know Josh! He did a really nice repair on a brown metallic painted 65' yacht that was dry docked next to me up at Safe Harbor Narrows South. Really difficult job from my estimation because the metallic paint makes it that much more complicated. In fact, the first shoot was off and he forced the manufacturer to replace the paint. End result was great. Repair looked perfect and you could see on the other side where someone ELSE did paint work on it, it looked like shit. I'm not a pal of his, just impressed seeing him work and grateful for the pointers he gave me while we were working next to each other.

[@mpetrino7330]

Hi from Alberta, Canada. The final product is so much superior to production boat factory work. Real craftsmanship with your own hands. All those countless hours of filling , sanding and repeat in various yoga positions wearing sweaty restrictive suits and safety breathing apparatus. The care to clean and reclean prior to and while painting. Not to forget the testing of spraying equipment etc, etc, etc, So well done be proud of the final product. I so hope your took some time just to enjoy the fruits of your labors. Hope you were able to squeeze in some time for Calibration of the season with family and friends.

[@leerobinson7086]

Saw you used water for dust removal. I have done alot of boat painting and in my opinion I would wipe every surface with denatured alcohol using the 2 rag method. The last thing you what is moisture on the surface. 😊

[@MJSailing]

We washed the boat free of dust, let it dry overnight with the dehumidifier, and then just before painting we wiped the surface down with one microfiber cloth that had denatured alcohol on it, and then went over it again with a clean microfiber cloth. ☺️

[@svroundabout]

@@MJSailing Add a tack cloth wipe after the alcohol. From someone whose dad was an "Autobody Specialist" (i.e. painter), rinse, wash with soapy water (use a soft car brush on a pole), rinse again, dry, wipe down with alcohol, tack cloth, paint. The tack cloth is with very light pressure, just to catch any dust/lint that found its way in. Looks great in the video though. You'll be sailing before you know it!

[@patreilly4293]

I used Alexseal products on my 30-year-old sailboat refit. Amazing results done in my driveway!

[@sasdfsaddfa]

Did you consider recycling the air? Run your exhaust tube thru a filter and then run it back into the other side of the boat. That way you have minimal heat loss.

[@spinkey4842]

oooooooooooooooooooooooo puuurrrrrdyyy congrats y'all!!!!!

[@05stones]

Congrats for your nice hat Jessica 😊

[@MJSailing]

It was a Christmas gift. 😍🐄

[@curtk8715]

Nice Job - Think its a good white- seems a little warmer in color and reflects lots of light so not as much illumination needed so might save a little on power needed for the lights.

[@MJSailing]

When we were talking to our Alexseal rep, we made sure to decide on a color that has more yellow undertones instead of blue. Now the next big change will be when we change to soft and/or natural lights instead of what we have in the space now. 😃

[@_mysilentblue2227]

I'm sure it feels great to see all of those hours of sanding and fairing and sanding have paid off to a beautiful even finish.

[@MJSailing]

It's been a LONG time coming, and we're so happy we stuck with it!

[@robertpendzick9250]

Happy New Year. The secret to a long and happy marriage is to move before you have to paint again. Getting closer to a deluxe interior.

[@arniestuboud]

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!! THAT PAINT JOB IS THE VERY BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT YOU COULD HAVE GIVEN EACH OTHER !!!!!! ONWARD !!! >>>>>

[@donkeyadaml.]

Great performance and video 👍👍 Happy New Year 😊Greetings Adam 😎

[@billsrq1788]

Been a long time coming for the finishes. Hello from Siesta Key Florida. Seems like yesterday ya'lls were unloading trucks with piece of a boat looking for places to put it all.lol

[@oldguyriders]

Wow! The painted results look fantastic! Really anxious for the 2028 launch date, can’t wait😊

[@johnschieffelin3226]

At last! Looks awesome. So happy you are ending the sand/prep/sand/prep marathons and turning the interior into a finished, glossy place. Onward.

[@BeachSide_Interiors_Sarnia]

Merry Christmas and Happy New year’s 🎉 A big game changer for ease of spraying would be to add a whip to your paint hose ( I use Swiss Exit Flex Whip…not sponsored just great). The smaller I.D. Hose will allow more flexibility for tight spaces and for the amount of spraying you will be doing it will ease wear on your wrist and arm. These come in either 3’ or 5’ lengths. I personally use the 5’. Try one out it’s a game changer.

[@timothyodonnell8591]

I'm thrilled for you both. You deserve a few days off. I can't wait for equipment installation.

[@MJSailing]

Hahaha, same here!!

[@williamralph5442]

The finish line is getting closer. Very exciting. What is the plan for the floors? Thanks

[@camielkotte]

I think that's the best summary of what you two are doing. I can't, so i do as i can not as i must when working on my boat.... Non essential parts...

[@stevedavis-m9e]

from my limited painting experience white is the hardest color to paint. well done

[@MJSailing]

Thank you!! Now the next big undertaking is going to be figuring how how much to flatten the paint for other areas, and keep it consistent during our mixing.

[@danknox9986]

Congratulations.

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much!! 🙏

[@FireyFlyman]

Congrats! It is wonderful to see the boat coming together. I've been a subscriber since the Sabre days, but I've been an invested fan since the fairing cabinet days. It was those episodes where I could relate to how big and overwhelming project you both had taken on. I hope that you can celebrate the progress you have made. The Chinese expression of "Bitter before sweet" applies in many worthy undertakings in life. Keep the faith and for those upcoming challenges in 2025 and in Matt's own words, "I LOVE F*&(^*^%&^%*^ BOATS!" Happy New Year.

[@The_Riddler21]

Well done to you guys never giving up till every job is done perfect👌💪

[@MJSailing]

It was soooo worth all the hard work!! 😍

[@whynowind]

Looks beautiful. Can’t believe how patient, tenacious and determined you are with this build! 🙌

[@selon2323]

Paint job turned out great. I saw your meetup on Arabella...very informative. Happy New Year

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much! Yes, it was great talking to Steve and how similar a lot of our processes (but not necessarily techniques) lined up as far as building boats ourselves. 😃

[@38whitcomb]

Great job I have painted several boats with the cloud white and I can attest to how difficult it was to get it right especially with all of the mist cloud. Keep up the great work

[@MJSailing]

I'm actually really glad to know we're not alone in this! Each new space is a great opportunity to learn - hopefully we're really good by the time we do the exterior, haha.

[@stevecrombie5357]

One day at a time. One step at a time. ❤🙏

[@davidnichols147]

Just amazing, thanks to Alex all your hard work has certainly paid off. Wishing you a WHITE CHRISTMAS and a Marvelous and Happy New Year! You both are truly amazing, she will be a treat to enjoy for years to come.

[@JohnMason-Hill]

Gorgeous!!! You dedication to the detailed work is really paying off!! Bravo!!!

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much!! It really is feeling like that hard work was worth every step, seeing what the finished product looks like. 😍

[@dadedubbledee]

Looks amazing guys, so happy to see 👀 shiny glossy surfaces

[@MJSailing]

Thank you! We're excited to have achieved that shiny, glossy look!

[@josecarloscastro8330]

A pintura vai ficar ótima parabéns e um feliz 2025

[@Mike-ys7rh]

Kudos you two-amazing perseverance and job well done!

[@MJSailing]

It's been a long journey, and we're SO happy with the result! 😊

[@jmkikkawa]

Huge congrats!!! Looks amazing.

[@pauld9530]

Congratulations

[@karlfair]

The paint looks great. You guys enjoy your brake. Happy New Year!

[@richardbecker5614]

Looks great, congratulations! Now onward. Happy New Year

[@alx-vla4986]

just WOW!

[@AshleyFlintoff]

The finished space looks AMAZING! I’m so in awe of the hard work and patience you have and your willingness to share your experiences. Congratulations on a gorgeous result!

[@norman4991]

Well done, great to see your excitement appreciating all your hard work. Looking fabulous.

[@koehl405]

I hope both of you had a Merry Christmas and I hope you have a Happy New Year. thanks

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much!! Yes, after our stressful Christmas, we're definitely enjoying a few days off now. 😂

[@chrisdown2591]

HUGE milestone done! Merry Christmas!

[@lennym1636]

Probably why we painted the inside of the hull before the deck went on at the boat factory I worked at lol...

[@leerobinson7086]

You should consider the rolling and tipping method. With the two of you working together you should be able to get a finish equal to a spray job. 😊

[@JCAJCA3]

You guys are indeed amazing!

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much. 🥰

[@dylanwebb9584]

Xmas Day - snowing inside the hull!

[@MJSailing]

😂 I guess we did kind of make it snow in there, didn't we?

[@mattcarroll106]

Really excited to see this.

[@BarrieHarmsworth]

Year 2024 the year of the great fill and sand! So this year the year of paint ? Happy New Year!

[@MJSailing]

I think 2022-2024 were dedicated to fill and sand. 😂 Kind of makes me want to laugh AND cry! But yes, 2025 will be the year of paint and SO many other things!! 👍

[@acp1866]

Happy New Year😀, you guys.

[@Alain-c1t]

Wonderful working ! Bravo, Bravo of Paris and good year 2025 ❤

[@dancarter482]

Cest MAGNIFIQUE ! Congrat's and thanks for the inspiration. Happy New Year!

[@pfsteinbach]

Big congratulations to you both! First finished paint!

[@josephbudd6685]

2025 we will thrive, Happy Newyear🎉

[@PAINFOOL13]

Its looking good 👍🏻👍🏻

[@danieljaunatre3630]

Merci pour la traduction en français 👍😂😂

[@chhindz]

Kinda milestone! congrats.

[@MJSailing]

Thank you!! One we're incredibly excited to achieve!!

[@chrismiotke6543]

Looks fabulous, all that hard work is paying off

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much!! We're incredibly happy with how the master head turned out, and we can't wait to move aft and get the rest of the starboard hull coated as well. 😃

[@wonderwond]

boat is looking amazing great job both of you!

[@DVolvoguy777-x7o]

Merry Christmas and happy new year! Looks great!

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well!!

[@tracynichols7206]

mat looking good with the beard. Does she like it.

[@rhyslightning3379]

SO SHINY!!! All that hard work sure paid off! Congratulations guys and Happy New Year!

[@bretth5012]

Who’s gonna get their boat done first? RAN Sailing or MJ sailing !!😂

[@timhardman4764]

nice job!

[@jimmydaniel1127]

When u spray always go to the end of the surface ur spraying always go to the end or to a corner befor u stop.

[@DavidMartin-yo6me]

So do you think your eventual finish will be better than a standard production boat? Does Leopard for instance really take so much care with a mirror unblemished finish? Is there a little OCD here? You can sense the relief that you have reached this stage from the video.

[@MJSailing]

I think we'll be on par (or slightly downgraded) from a custom built boat. Having talked to so many of the large catamaran pro builders at previous boat shows, we're actually on track for the same amount of hours dedicated to fairing, sanding, priming, and painting. The biggest difference is the size of the team - we only have two people! Production boats like the Leopards don't fiar the interior at all. They use molded fiberglass inserts or liners to cover the hull sides and hide the imperfections. Much easier, quicker and while nice looking, is heavy and takes away from everything we are looking for in a boat. But we also know that once the boat is completed we have no stop date for sailing, so we have no problem dedicating the time right now to get the degree of finish we want. After all, we'll be looking at these surfaces 24/7 for years to come. 😉

[@moniquezwart1961]

The time has finally come, it's good that you also indicated that you may have spent too much time standing in places where it wasn't necessary! But the end result in the visible places looks super nice! It will be great that we will soon see something different from sanding and filling!

[@MJSailing]

Yes, 2025 is going to bring an entirely new array of projects, and we can't wait!! 😃

[@matswilliams1058]

Congrats! Well done! Looks besutiful. Keep on painting snd Happy new year🎉

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much!! Happy New Year to you as well! 😃

[@donb4386]

Well that must feel good! Happy New Year.

[@jerrybarrett6376]

Great job. Hard working couple. Happy New Year

[@rodbarton2354]

Well….technically speaking it was a white Christmas. Wahoo!

[@artmraz]

Wow looking good and Happy New Year Team !!

[@MaRi-wk8gp]

Suggestions having done just this kind of thing many times. You need to create a positive pressure in the area you’re spraying and blow it out of the hatch above. This is easy to do. Get a box fan and put it right behind your film barrier to the next cabin. Tape a high MERV air filter, 20x20 or whatever, for HVAC *into* your film so you’re blowing air into the chamber you’re spraying. If you don’t do this overspray will happen every time

[@jackdbur]

You get far less over spray if you use an airless sprayer and the gun doesn't care what orientation it is in you choose the fan by the nozzle that you use.

[@gunnarfernqvist4896]

Is that some kind of special topcoat? Otherwise I’ve heard that topcoat (gelcoat with wax) doesn’t stick very well to epoxy.

[@Naturalook]

And then a day will come, you will be going through a drawer, or something, and you will find an article of clothing with fairing mix on it, and you will fondly reflect upon that time... ...when every damn thing you owned was covered in it!!! Pride will sore, and memory will belie the extreme effort...

[@гарин-4ртж]

🙋 Слава Рукастым!!!✊

[@jmheket]

Do you have any anti-static system in place while you’re spraying..??

[@zekevaltz9843]

Absolutely spectacular. I hope you’re proud of yourselves and pleased with the result. Your boat will be gorgeous.

[@MJSailing]

We're so glad you like it, the hard work is really paying off! If just one small area of the boat can go through that kind of transformation, we can't wait to see paint on ALL the surfaces!! 😍

[@pbg2003-n2e]

Ha ha ha, it's all relative. You probably had the right amount of material. Move faster. Puts the right amount of material down and when it stays wet it just ex-orbs over spray because it is wet. When it sprays fast, your done faster, less over spray. In my opinion, when you ad material slow with more air, your asking for dry spots.

[@pbg2003-n2e]

especially when you have to overlap or hit a place that was already sprayed.

[@dadedubbledee]

MATT how do you like the air fed mask adapter kit? I have though of getting one of those

[@MJSailing]

It's actually very nice. Not a benefit currently, but during the summer the air coming into the mask was conditioned and nice and cool. Really made a difference spraying then. And since it's really nice not having to worry about a good seal on the mask or anything else

[@Rob-r2s]

Why didn't you spray your overhead and the inside of the cabinets?

[@MJSailing]

The overhead is getting a drop ceiling and the cabinets get a different rolled on paint

[@dcallan812]

you cant spend too long sanding and prepping areas you will see-touch everyday, but the finish in areas you dont use can be less than perfect. 2x👍 Hope you had a merry Christmas, all the very best for the New Year.

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much!! To be honest though, the imperfections in the cabinets still drive me a little crazy. Maybe while Matt is working on plumbing I'll go back and fix them. 😂👍

[@crashgilliam5983]

I don’t understand the short strokes while you’re painting. That area is easy to go length to length. No overlaps necessary. Cleaner result

[@MJSailing]

I was told the most important part is to keep it comfortable. They paint within their shoulder span.

[@crashgilliam5983]

@ the most important part is to avoid laps. Within reason of course. That small space is easier to cover top to bottom left to right without the overlaps in the middle. Just like a car fender ,you’re going to make one pass over it to avoid an overlap in the middle. Hope I explained it well enough and thanks for the quick response.

[@alexk1947]

How much sanding went into it. I probably would say screw it and just paint the rough surface. Houses have texture walls why can't boats..

[@caracamano71]

👏👏👍

[@CG-99]

....yet more from the sanding and fairing channel, are we really reaching the end of this?....this endless sanding has been running on repeat for years now. Because of this I've been ignoring this channel for a long time due to its repetition, glad to finally see some painting happening.

[@AshleyFlintoff]

Was this necessary? No one is making you watch this or any channel. The negativity is ridiculous. Go complain somewhere else.

[@danieljaunatre3630]

Merci pour la traduction en français 👍😂😂