Keelblack-DIY Blacking Case Study-Pooh Sticks 3rd-5th Jun 2015 Author: Frank Wilson- Owner of Poohsticks Page 1 Heading Description Boat Name Pooh Sticks Date of this report 7 th June 2015 Type Steel Narrowboat Dimensions 70 ft x 6 ft 10 ins (21.33m x 2.08m) 0.93 metres from base plate to gunnels (This was the top extent of where the coating was applied to) Approximate surface area covered 21.3 x 0.93 = 19 m2 per side x 2 coats = 79 sqm Brief background Poohsticks was first launched in 2005 and has been well cared for by previous owners. Current owner purchased the boat in Jan 2015 with full survey. Hull showed signs of pitting but was in generally good order throughout. The Surveyors reported stated Hull Sides: Originally 6mm plate, ultrasonic measurements show the sides at 6.0mm with no wear. A little pitting is present amidships at 0.3mm deep; one pit was found at 0.7mm. Notable corrosion is present at the galley sink outlet, after hammer testing and grinding smooth this area measured 5.2mm. Light corrosion is also present at the water line. Last blacking Stated by previous owner to be 2011 no evidence to support this though. Synopsis Current owners chose to use the new Keelblack product. Poohsticks was booked into the Dry Dock facility at Braunston (Union Canal Carriers Ltd) for 0800 hrs 3 rd June to 1700 5 th June. The boat was successfully dry docked and prepared for the blacking process to begin. Jet Washing commenced at 11:00 and was completed in 3 hours. Time Event Day 1 11:00 - 3 rd June Start jet washing 14:00 End jet washing Lunch Break 15:00 Inspection of the hull and scraping + wire brushing as necessary. Note very little was required. 15:50 Start of Keelblack application by small foam roller by 2 people. 17:50 Completion of Keelblack application. 1 st coat applied in 2 hrs by 2 people making meticulous attention to ensuring all surfaces were adequately coated. By the time the last areas were coated the first areas appeared to be completely dry although still not fully cured, to be expected as it had only been maximum 2 hours drying. Day 2 08:00 - 4 th June 1 st coat inspected: Fully dry in all areas including thicker parts eg junction of side plate to base plate. 10:00 2 coat applied completed at in 1 hr 40 minutes by 2 people. Day 3 08:00 – 5 th June Boat refloated and exit dry dock.