Refit Question - Interior

[RHP]

Idle musings.... if refitting the interior of an older yacht, it is sensible to disassemble the bulkheads and general interior and attach a new laminate finish - ie american ash over the existing either solid wood or existing laminate? the aim obviously is to brighten the interior and make it look more modern.

[alan white]

Seems like a personal question, assuming bulkheads aren't bonded to the hull structurally (in which case bulkhead removal should generally be avoided).
If you like the look, a thin veneer can be applied to any sound surface, and fixed bulkheads can still be done, albeit in place.
Regarding disassembly of furnishings, no two builders build the same way, so using common sense, it makes more sense to remove panels if they are easily reattached, but not so much sense if they are problematic in unfastening and reattaching. Generally, the better quality the boat, the easier to disassemble.
You'll probably use a combination of replaced parts (new ash veneer plywood), overlays (thin ash plywood glued over old), and solid ash veneer, along with solid trim pieces. In many cases, it obviously is easier to simply replace old dark plywood parts with new.
Don't be surprised if the new ash plywood isn't the same quality as the stuff being replaced. The face veneer will likely be thinner--- in fact paper thin, so it needs good surface protection and careful handling. Sanding is particularly difficult. There are different grades of plywood---- box stores sell the very thinnest veneered stuff. Check around and try to determine who sells the better thicker veneered plywood. It's more costly, but it gives you a lot more sandability.

[RHP]

Alan, many thanks the response and all you say makes perfect sense. The yacht I am looking at is from the early 70's and dark by modern standards down below. As she needs a general refit above and below decks it may well be worth spending more money and time to rejuvenate the look and feel as well. However it will be a decision based as you say on the specific construction technique used by the original builder. Noted what you say about paper thin veneer! Thanks again, Richard