Bottom Sanding Hack To Save Your Back

Learn how to modify an orbital sander to let the ground hold the tool's weight, instead of sacrificing your back.

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Instead of holding a sander above your head for hours, use a foam block, boat hook and zip ties to create a support. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)
Instead of holding a sander above your head for hours, use a foam block, boat hook and zip ties to create a support. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

If you own an older sailboat, you’ve most likely had the dubious joy of working on the bottom. Perhaps multiple coats of bottom paint have started to peel and need attention. Or damage to the keel due to an inadvertent grounding. Or possibly the big one—blister repair. If you’re really unlucky, all three need attention. After all, it is an old boat.

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Bert Vermeer
As a coastal cruiser (and occasional racer), Bert Vermeer has sailed the coast of British Columbia for more than 40 years. With his wife Carey and daughter Nicky (and eventually granddaughter Natasha) in tow, Bert has gained an appreciation for the fabulous cruising grounds of the Canadian west coast. Based on his experience as a hands-on boater, he established a marine-based business after completing his police career. He now maintains, renovates and upgrades sail and power boats for local and non-resident owners in the off-season.