First Impressions

After a quick inspection of yesterday’s work, I was genuinely pleased with what I saw.

The paint had dried beautifully.

Considering I’d finished around 9:15 the previous evening and had returned just before 7:30 pm, there had been more than enough time for the coating to cure properly.

Even better, I couldn’t really find anywhere I’d missed.

There were one or two tiny areas that needed a little attention, but overall the first coat had done exactly what it was supposed to do.

For someone attempting this for the very first time, that was a fantastic feeling.

Time for the Roller

Today’s plan was much simpler.

The first coat had been applied with a brush to work the paint into every weld, seam and small indentation around the hull.

Now it was time to use a roller.

I’d actually bought a heavy-duty masonry roller rather than an ordinary decorating roller. The hull of a narrowboat isn’t perfectly smooth, so I wanted something with a little more durability that could cope with the slightly uneven steel surface.

It wasn’t cheap—around £30—but after using it, I have no regrets.

It made a huge difference.

Surprisingly Satisfying

One thing I’ve learned throughout this project is that blacking a boat isn’t nearly as intimidating as I expected.

Before starting, I’d watched countless YouTube videos and listened to lots of advice from experienced boat owners.

If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to build these jobs up in your mind until they seem almost impossible.

But the reality?

It isn’t difficult.

It takes time.

It takes patience.

It gets a little messy.

But it certainly isn’t impossible.

In fact, it’s incredibly satisfying.

Why I’d Recommend Having a Go

If you’ve recently bought a narrowboat and you’re wondering whether to tackle blacking yourself or pay someone else to do it, I’d genuinely encourage you to consider giving it a try.

Obviously, everyone has different levels of confidence and ability, but if you’ve hired a dry dock and you’ve got plenty of time, why not?

You learn so much about your own boat.

You begin to understand every weld, every plate and every inch of the hull.

That connection is something you simply don’t get by handing the keys over and collecting the boat a few days later.

For me, that’s been one of the most rewarding parts of this whole experience.

The Difference Between Coats

The second coat went on remarkably quickly.

Using the roller made the job much faster than using a brush.

The brush had done all the hard work on day one, getting paint into every little corner.

Today’s job was simply building up that protective layer.

By the time I finished, I stood back and admired the boat once again.

Visually, there isn’t a dramatic difference compared to the first coat.

After all, black paint is still black paint.

But knowing there was now another full layer of protection over the hull felt incredibly satisfying.

Looking Ahead

There’s definitely enough paint left for the third and final coat, which is great news.

I’ve also decided that if there’s still plenty remaining afterwards, I’ll continue the blacking slightly above the original waterline.

Not because it’s essential.

Simply because it will tidy up the appearance of the hull and provide a little extra protection where it certainly won’t hurt.

Sometimes those little finishing touches make all the difference.

Confidence Comes From Doing

This whole project has reminded me of something important.

The best way to learn is simply to begin.

You can watch videos.

Read forums.

Ask questions.

Research endlessly.

But eventually you have to pick up the roller and start.

That’s when the real learning begins.

Tomorrow evening I’ll be back once again for the third and final coat.

One more step towards completing one of the biggest maintenance jobs I’ve undertaken aboard Sarang.

And I have to admit…

I’m already looking forward to it.

Liam & Sarang

Life afloat, one project at a time.