after compounding a couple times the oxidation kept returning. So this year i wet sanded the boot stripe came out great. Started with 600 then 800 and finished off with 1200. Use plenty of water while sanding. i kept the hose on it while sanding. next, i compounded with 3m Heavy duty and then a lighter compound. So far so good.
I highly recommend replacing the Durlon through hulls with Stainless. I did all but 2 on my 98 31 open (couldn't get to 2 behind the port engine). They look great and look more finished than the plastic! A lot of work, but it looks like your already in that pool!
I don't think your $1400 quote is that far off. I was quoted similar here in VA to do the same. I elected to compound, but the oxidation came back. Need to consider the wet sanding option.
$1,400.00 is not that bad for re-striping a 43. Consider the materials and labor, it is not that bad at all. If your thru-hulls are badly oxidized, Replace Them! When they age and oxide, they become brittle and can break off! Now you have a direct hole just above the waterline. This is a good way to flood or even sink your boat. Stainless thru-hulls are great, but expensive. Personally, unless the boat is a show piece, I would just replace them with plastic. Good Luck!
Oh, I forgot to mention! Metal through hulls that receive continuous raw water flow (air-conditioning discharge) should be bonded to the grounding system! If you don't do this, your nice expensive stainless or chrome plated bronze through hull will likely get eaten up by galvanic corrosion. Of course, plastic thru-hulls are not subject to galvanic corrosion.
![[-]](https://www.tiaraownersclub.com/forum/images/netpen-pro/collapse.png)
