Hi Herschel!
That paint price sounds pretty reasonable actually!
That and your not gonna be on your hands and knees for hours on end as well!
There is something valuable about just that aspect that makes it worthwhile!!!
At some point the cost/benefit analysis favors paying to have certain jobs done vs. the time&pain of DIY.
(I’m already at the point where bending over and kneeling to do all the prep work properly is a significant factor is a consideration.)
At that price it’s worth real consideration!
With the way things are going though with the economy (haven’t really seen the cost of eggs drop to be honest even if the availability is better
) the Admiral is ok with our piecemeal painting plan of doing the removable stuff first one season and the bulk of it later.
(Basic generic white and black standard color paint codes)
It’s a plan that’s always subject to change…
I’d love to hear what the process your painter is going to be doing and what materials he’ll be using!
There is always something to learn and appreciate from professionals.
Often it helps make the decision to bite the bullet and have a pro do the work.
Please keep us posted!
Best Regards,
Over Easy
Turns out there are multiple densities of flotation foam---2lb., 4lb., and 6lb,---to name three. How do I know? I inadvertently bought 6lb. for the initial effort that when expanded took up very little of the void space. I chose 2lb. when I ordered more to finish the job because it was recommended for mostly flotation jobs where strengthening factors were not a concern. Had no idea it would expand at a geometrically greater size/space. One quart poured in 1/3 increments quickly over filled the remaining space. I had hoped to not have to saw off the top of the completed foam to help further insure the water tight integrity of closed cell foam. But, nevertheless, I had some to saw off. Concerned that the sawing process might expose some foam to greater moisture absorption should water get into this void at some point, I sprayed two coats of Flex-Seal spray over the sawed off top. It looks pretty good despite some ragged edges from the sawing. The foam will be wrapped and sealed in plastic, and the whole void/seat will be sealed and caulked with Life-Caulk. That should leave me with three barriers to water absorption---caulk/sealing of seat, plastic wrap around foam, and closed cell foam finished off with Flex-Seal. Tomorrow I wrap it up in the plastic and seal it, then replace the seat and caulk it. Then we get back to the painting that started all of this. 
