How to Prep a Prather Lap Cat Hull

Lee Whiteley · May 19, 2019

Hello,

I just finished up stripping all the paint from a Prather Lap Cat 32" hull. Goal is to restore a very ugly boat to pristine condition. After looking this project I'm not sure just where to start.

How should I prep the hull to the primer phase?

Then prep the primered hull for painting?

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. I want a showroom finish if I can do it.

Regards,

Lee

brad nichols · May 22, 2019

degrease it as best you can and if paint is not cracked or peeling there is no need to totally remove it. Cracks need to be repaired by grinding out and filling with glass if it is major or cabosil and resin mixed into a paste. Sand down to gel coat if you want but depending on how well your paint covers, finish sanding to 320 to 600 grit finish. Good luck!
Brad

GraysonTaylor · May 22, 2019

Lots of info on the Web about painting cars. Good place to start. Practicing on something first is a good idea too.

Lee Whiteley · May 24, 2019

Thanks guys. I went ahead and stripped all the paint from the hull and sanded to 400 grit. The transom motor backing plate was not in very good shape so I ground it out and cleaned up the surface. Today I'll add a new backing plate and carbon fiber on the transom to about 6" in front of the transom.

How about a new idea here. Part of the problem with the transom were the mount holes were stripped out. I have a small cnc router so I think I'll make up a 1/8" aluminum plate bonded to 1/8" plywood and then install using carbon fiber over it to about 6" in front of the transom.

Is this overkill or the "perfect solution" for a backer plate?

Thanks,

Lee

Brad I tried to send you a email and it bounced. I sent you funds for the GO motor btw.

brad nichols · May 24, 2019

That will do the job and I did get your e-mail Lee

Brad

P THOMAS · May 24, 2019

Those Prather hull are epoxy base so use epoxy for repairs. sand the whole hull dull and us some epoxy two part primer and colors. I use the Klass Koat paints the white primer is easy sanding and fills, colors work easy too 1 to1 mix and 1 part reducer

Lee Whiteley · May 25, 2019

Thanks for the paint guide. Can the Preval units be used to spay this paint? I'm not at all familiar with those devices and I do not own a spray gun but would love to give this product a try.

Lee

BobSmith1 · Dec 19, 2019

How's the Prather coming along? My first tunnel was a prather, a lot to prep that hull, I used Polar White from a hobby shop, can't remember the name, it was coming out terrible, I got so frustrated I just kept spraying, in the end it looked good, and still does 30 yrs later!! I'll try to post a picture

How to Prep a Prather Lap Cat Hull

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