1980's Sea Nymph Restoration

[tjb32]

Restoring my dad's 1980's sea nymph. He was the original owner and used it 1x a year for the past 30 years. It last ran 2 years ago. Been reading a lot but still have some questions/clarify somethings for me. Here are the steps I've done.

- Remove carpet
- Remove plywood, bottom of plywood was like mulch, nasty stuff
- Inspected pour in foam, it doesn't appear to be water logged at all, at this point I'm going to keep it.

Questions:
- Should I be looking for leaks? This wasn't a known issue 2 years ago. Wouldn't I have to remove the pour in foam?
- What is the recommended deck material? I've seen others use 5/8 AdvancTech OSB.
- What is the recommended sealant/epoxy to use on the decking?

 

[jbcurt00]

Restoring my dad's 1980's sea nymph. He was the original owner and used it 1x a year for the past 30 years. It last ran 2 years ago. Been reading a lot but still have some questions/clarify somethings for me. Here are the steps I've done.

- Remove carpet
- Remove plywood, bottom of plywood was like mulch, nasty stuff
- Inspected pour in foam, it doesn't appear to be water logged at all, at this point I'm going to keep it. You need to core the foam all the way down at the hull. If the plywood deck was rotten on the bottom, it's at least somewhat likely that the foam has gotten wet. May not be water logged, but I bet it isn't pretty at the hull. Cut saw teeth in the end of a 1.5" pc of PVC, and use it to drill out a core. When you pull out the core, leave it out for a few minutes. The newly cut hole usually fills w/ water.

Questions:
- Should I be looking for leaks? This wasn't a known issue 2 years ago. Wouldn't I have to remove the pour in foam? Yes you should look for leaks, and to find/fix them probably need to remove the foam.
- What is the recommended deck material? I've seen others use 5/8 AdvancTech OSB. I don't know where you saw OSB being used, but I wouldn't recommend or use it in a marine environment for anything. But certainly not a somewhat permanently mounted deck.
- What is the recommended sealant/epoxy to use on the decking? Many use spar only on their decks, some use epoxy. US Comps has the most used epoxy, but shop around, Iboats sells it, as do many online & retail stores. I've had bad performance from an off brand epoxy, I won't be using anything but US Comps 635 in the future

See my comments above in RED

 

[tjb32]

@jbcurt00 - thanks for the response. I'll test the foam as you pointed out to make sure. As for the Deck, what would you recommend? 1/2 Marine Grade Plywood?

 

[tjb32]

I've found the answer to this...
Exterior grade plywood NOT pressure treated
Sealed w/:
Epoxy
Spar Varnish
Porch paint
& other sealers (those ^^^ are in order of expense, and longevity. Spend more now, & it'll last longer)
You'll want to glue the carpet down, and depending on where you're putting it & the contour of that surface, a few staples may help keep it in place until the glue dries. Particularly @ hatches & other cutouts.
If there is any info on the carpet, you might check it's maker's recommended glue...... Different carpet makers use different backing material. That can affect the glue you should use. But generally, any SOLVENT based exterior carpet glue could be used. Stay away from waterbased (it's a boat

)
Look around lots of good info in the resto forums:
Best adhesive for marine carpet?

 

[bonz_d]

I've used 5/8" acx or bcx. It's a lot closer to actually being 1/2". Do not use treated wood on that aluminum.

 

[jigngrub]

This guy used the Advantech on his Sea Nymph and has been happy with it so far, the last I heard anyway:
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...ski-rebuild-tons-of-pics-paint-complete/page4

I believe the Advantech is made with a phenol (epoxy) based resin and if you'll seal it with multiple coats of 2 part marine grade epoxy resin it should last a long time.

 

[jbcurt00]

I didn't remember that had Sea Nymph Advantech in it. It's heavy compared to another plywood, but I guess you might not have to use quite as many coats of epoxy to 'seal' it.... Still wouldn't be my 1st choice.

 

[appleo]

finsihed my sea nymph 195 gls total retore
advantech
use the thinner ply
too thick will screw up your console mate holes
email me for photos

 

[tjb32]

Mini Update. Put some holes into the foam in a few places and found zero water. The boat has been stored in a barn for 30 years, only used 1 time a year, I don't think the foam is water logged.

One question: What's the best way to measure the curved part of the bow? I thought about either using card board or carpet to make a model.

Done
- Removed windows, steering, hardware
- shop vacuumed out
- cleaned sides with vinegar/soap

Next
- Replace Aerator and Bilge pipes
- Decking Plywood - measure & cut ... getting 3 - 4x8 exterior plywood
- Epoxy or Urethane decking - let cure

 

[jigngrub]

Cardboard makes a good template and there's quite a few folks on here that use the 1/2" sheet foam for template making.