Dry rot

[north_]

Hello everyone. This 1946 35' sailboat has some dry rot problem (transom area mostly). I'd like to fix it without getting into a Big Restoration project. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Dry rot

Welcome to iBoats . . .

You might want to check with the wooden boat forum for some specific techniques, if you have not already done so.

Remembering my Beetle Cat days of 40+ years ago . . . looks like you have rot both in the transon and some of the adjoining hull planks. If the rest of the hull is good, then you could cut the rotted planks once you get into good wood and make a slice joint.

The thing about wood boats is that you can fairly easily cut out the bad and keep the good.

 

[north_]

Re: Dry rot

Thank you Ted. Although I understand the dry rot has be cut off, I've been thinking about using epoxy. But the area might be too large to use only epoxy. I'm trying to avoid getting into planks replacement and hoping there is some other way to handle this kind of situation.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Dry rot

Sorry, there is no other way to address this. Obvious major problems with both the transom and the hood ends of the planks. One plank has already been scarfed (oddly too). The only thing to and have any confidence in the boat is to rebuild the transom & replank the aft end. - that will also allow you to remove whatever steel is in there (most likely causing that black staining).
Given the general looks of things I would give her a thorough going over to see what else needs addressing as urgently.
What type is she? Might have been a nice boat (mahogany planked).

..... And yes, as has been pointed out "Woodenboat" is where you belong if you are at all serious. Not here.

 

[north_]

Re: Dry rot

Thanks Ned L for your observations and your advise to rebuild the transom.
She was and still is a very nice boat, designed by Philip L. Rhodes (Rhodes-24) and built
by the Franklin G. Post and Son yard in 1947, Mystic, CT I'm attaching a picture of her being launched.
There are several structural issues
that need to be addressed, dry rot is one of them. I'm conflicted about doing a serious restoration therefore
trying to find a balance (-what needs to be done and -is it worth doing?). I'm relatively new to this and
would appreciate any thoughts out loud in regards to fixing and restoring an old wooden boat. Thanks.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Dry rot

Very nice! I will admit that at least at the distance, the rest of her looks to have faired better over the years (a little hogging in the shear, but not to bad). Where is she today? (roughly) If you have any serious intent in her I would recommend having a real survey done, by someone who understands boats of her type (they are still around if you are anywhere in the N.E. area). It will cost you a bit, but with what is apparent on her it will save you far more than the cost in the long run (either by saving you having to redo work to get at deeper issues, or to advise you that from a safety perspective things are more than you can get into.)
And yes, there can be a huge range between what really has to be done, and what would be nice to do. A good survey will really help you sort that out.

 

[north_]

Re: Dry rot

Currently she is in NYC area. I do have an interest in restoring this boat as long as it's a sensible thing to do.
Fortunately there is an original blue print that had been found on board when I got her. Miraculously a few rolled sheets of
paper survived for many years, so I can use it for future restoration. My plan was just to fill the seams, paint her
and to sail/motor around. Now I feel that after being neglected for years she deserves a bit of TLC. All the hardware on the boat
is original, heavy duty brass, Japanese Yanmar engine runs smoothly. I guess I'll look for someone to do the survey, as you suggested and take it form there... I want to thank you again for your thoughts and suggestions, it was very helpful. How did you know she is mahogany planked? You must have a deep knowledge of wooden boats structures. Do you have a sail boat as well?

 

[Ned L]

Re: Dry rot

Nice that you found a good bit of documentation aboard her. How did I know whe was mahogany planked?...... by looking at the picture. Again, I would suggest headign over to the "Woodenboat" web site, lots of good helpful experience over there with just this kind of thing. You shouldn't have a problem finding someone in the NYC area to survey her. It's nice that she has her original hardware and all. Maybe she is really worth some time and investment to bring her back, again a survey will help determine that. Good luck & enjoy her!