Texas Boater
05-15-2006, 01:53 PM
I am in the process of turning my ’58 CC Sportsman to fully inspect the bottom and most probably rework what needs to be restored. (Not sure what that might be, if anything, since I am picking up someone else’s dropped restoration!):confused:
I have had several restoration experts and boatwrights, tell me to remove the bottom planks, probably replace the inner plywood bottom, dowse it with thinned epoxy and then coat with 3M 5200, as a bedding material for all new planks. :eek:
I have also been told “do not” use a WEST system on the bottom or even fiberglass over the inner plywood bottom.:(
The previous owner said the restoration was initially started to re-varnish, recover the floor and upholstery and it just got away from him – BUT the boat did not leak (I understand I should take that with a grain of salt or two) So I am hesitant to replace everything blindly.:o
Not 100% satisfied with those answers, I have done more research and it seems a polyurethane (like 5200) should not be used below the water line, but instead some type of polysulfide is the best. It also seems that if my boat will be tailored and not left in the water for weeks at a time, I could probably even fiberglass below the waterline, paint it and forget it, for at least many years. So now I am confused as to how so may experts can disagree on the most basic of restoration methods!:confused:
I plan on inspecting the bottom and I understand that means removing the outer planks to inspect the plywood. So I am willing to invest the time, sweat and money to restore this vessel correctly – BUT which method is correct? (If I were to blindly follow the first advice I had received – I would be smearing gallons of 5200 on the plywood bottom – only to have it wad up once it sat in the water over time!):(
I do not want to start a “fight” or step on toes but there must be “lessons learned” on failed restoration methods used on wooden boats that don’t contradict themselves. If so, where are they to be found?:D
I have had several restoration experts and boatwrights, tell me to remove the bottom planks, probably replace the inner plywood bottom, dowse it with thinned epoxy and then coat with 3M 5200, as a bedding material for all new planks. :eek:
I have also been told “do not” use a WEST system on the bottom or even fiberglass over the inner plywood bottom.:(
The previous owner said the restoration was initially started to re-varnish, recover the floor and upholstery and it just got away from him – BUT the boat did not leak (I understand I should take that with a grain of salt or two) So I am hesitant to replace everything blindly.:o
Not 100% satisfied with those answers, I have done more research and it seems a polyurethane (like 5200) should not be used below the water line, but instead some type of polysulfide is the best. It also seems that if my boat will be tailored and not left in the water for weeks at a time, I could probably even fiberglass below the waterline, paint it and forget it, for at least many years. So now I am confused as to how so may experts can disagree on the most basic of restoration methods!:confused:
I plan on inspecting the bottom and I understand that means removing the outer planks to inspect the plywood. So I am willing to invest the time, sweat and money to restore this vessel correctly – BUT which method is correct? (If I were to blindly follow the first advice I had received – I would be smearing gallons of 5200 on the plywood bottom – only to have it wad up once it sat in the water over time!):(
I do not want to start a “fight” or step on toes but there must be “lessons learned” on failed restoration methods used on wooden boats that don’t contradict themselves. If so, where are they to be found?:D