Why Everyone Says "Sandblast It!" (And I Finally Might Agree)

After weeks in the Wrangell shipyard staring at the battered steel hull of our 80ft schooner Alaskan Gypsy, I finally admit what EVERYONE has been telling me: Sandblast it! In this long, comical, and insightful video, Scott takes you inside his decision-making process about whether to sandblast the hull, from budget fears to real shipyard advice. With electrolysis damage, corrosion, welding repairs, and the ever-present debate of “DIY vs pro,” this episode dives deep into: -Why sandblasting is the gold standard for steel hull repair -The costs, risks, and realities of blasting an 80ft steel sailboat -Advice from the “mystery machinist” of Wrangell shipyard -DIY vs professional blasting, shelters, primers, and coatings -Long-term vs short-term boat maintenance decisions -If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to restore a steel boat, or just want a peek into the chaos of shipyard life, this video is for you. 👉 Drop a comment if you’ve blasted a hull before, share your tips, or just laugh along at our madness. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to follow our journey restoring and sailing the Alaskan Gypsy through Alaska’s wild waters.