My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!



Well guys, a couple days have passed and I have sanded and epoxied about 2 times and getting ready for the 3rd coat since getting back at it. These pictures are just after sanding and a wipe down with damp towel. I still have to clean good with acetone before next coat of epoxy goes on but honestly am I on the right track here? I have found the hard part is keeping the stuff from running down the side of the boat for the areas on sides that I am repairing, but otherwise not too bad. I can see where some of the deeper areas are filling up and many of the minor areas are already done.

I am so excited to get this bottom painted and back on the trailer so I can move to the inside, although I must admit I am much more nervous about the inside because of the structural integrity and overall safety of the boat.

I want to start thinking ahead about things I need for the next few steps. Is it reasonable to think I might be able to use the same drain tube that is in the transom of the boat or should I just cut it out and get a new one?

I am also going to be getting new rollers for the trailer as they leave marks on the boat and just don't seem to be doing the job effectively. I also need to replace a few other items such as bow eyes, new lights, etc so if I need a new drain tube as well as what ever tool I might need to crimp the one end once it is fitted thru the transom - this would be a good time to order that. Are there any obvious things I might be forgetting? I have the epoxy, acetone, paint, rollers, brushes, cups, fiberglass cloth. I will need to get the wood for the transom and stingers too.

Do 2x4s sound right for the stringers? The wood that came out was so corroded and mush I could tell what it was, but the one piece I did take out that was not rotted did seem like a 2 x 4 (it was the center stringer). Just wondering if all the others were probably the same or if they were 1 bi's.

Well, as long as you all think the work is looking okay then I will continue what I am doing until the bottom and sides are smooth and then look forward to painting. Thanks.

OOPS, I just realized that I was forgetting to put the additives in the mix so the epoxy was thin. So I added the additives this time. AMAZING how when you do it correctly it goes much faster. I am drying now, sanding tomorrow and hopefully 1 last coat before paint prep.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Well guys, a couple days have passed and I have sanded and epoxied about 2 times and getting ready for the 3rd coat since getting back at it. These pictures are just after sanding and a wipe down with damp towel. I still have to clean good with acetone before next coat of epoxy goes on but honestly am I on the right track here? I have found the hard part is keeping the stuff from running down the side of the boat for the areas on sides that I am repairing, but otherwise not too bad. I can see where some of the deeper areas are filling up and many of the minor areas are already done.

You probably need to add some microballons or equal to the epoxy, if it's too thin & running down the sides. And don't forget, most of this is the BOTTOM, and when on the trailer, or at the dock, no one will know any of those minor cosmetic imperfections are even there. Same goes for the paint when you get to that point. Practice & learn what's best for whatever materials you're using & the way you apply them, on the bottom. This will make help you do the almost always visible topside areas, better.

I want to start thinking ahead about things I need for the next few steps. Is it reasonable to think I might be able to use the same drain tube that is in the transom of the boat or should I just cut it out and get a new one?

If you can figure out a way to recycle that drain tube, I suspect there are a bunch of guys who'd love to see/know how you do it. For a 1 of 1 project, unless you think you might want to do this again, the flaring tool may seem expensive:

Here's a home built equivalent, some have had better results then others when using this tool:

Well, as long as you all think the work is looking okay then I will continue what I am doing until the bottom and sides are smooth and then look forward to painting. Thanks.

I gotta run, but nothing struck me as odd or out of order..... Except maybe the 2X4 stringers. There isn't enough info posted above for me to know what they were made of.....

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Wood and JB,

I cannot thank you two enough for giving me the knowledge and encouragement to make this happen. Yesterday I completed the sanding of fiberglass, applied bondo, sanded, re-sanded entire surface of boat again at 220 grit, cleaned the boat all up and rolled on the primer. I expected it to look like a rookie did it. There are still a few areas that I will go back and work on later to make them look perfect as they are on the sides or transom area, but overall I am so impressed with the way it is coming together. Maybe I did pay a little attention when Grandpa did body work. Still, the confidence you two have given me is a huge key to my success so far. I was really taking my time and trying to do it right until this week when the apartment complex threatened to tow my baby. Then I got firm with them and we agreed it would be back on the trailer and the wooden hoist gone by Sunday so now I am busting butt trying to get to that point. I also sustained a minor amount of damage (that I have seen so far) while I was away taking care of Gma. Someone (and pretty sure I know who) knocked the wood hoist over on the boat. I expected a huge crack from one side to the other, but have only seen very minor surface damage so far. I will look for cracks on the inside when I flip it back and reset it on trailer. Now I have a 24/7 surveillance system set up on it. God, I hate this place.

Rolling is not too bad, although spraying would have definitely been the better approach. I actually sort of like the grey as it seems it would not show as much dirt or water line from being in the water. Oh well seeing it just means it needs cleaned better. Oh, I should mention that I have never seen as many little gnats and flying bugs until I started painting. Got some of them out, but not all of them. Hoping they attract fish once I get her in the water again. LMAO.

Today I am headed to hardware store to get wood for transom and hope to get that cut, glued and sealed over the next few days. Going to use the wood from the hoist to hold it together and since it is made of 2x6s that should do fine. Going to look back and pull up the drawings you guys left me for those items and print them out.

I noticed with the epoxy resin I really only have 15 minutes until it starts to kick so that will probably slow down the inside just a little. Actually I only had about 5 - 8 minutes with the Bondo. I have only used close to 1/2 gallon of part A and B epoxy so far and not much at all of the fillers.

I did run into 1 time where even after letting it sit for 1 1/2 days, the top of some areas was sticky and unsandable. I had to clean it off with acetone and rags, let it dry again for several hours and then sand it. Is that because I mixed something wrong, or just put it on too thick? It seemed to be worse in areas that I filled in deeper spots, although there was some in thinner areas.

I am also EXTREMELY HAPPY TO SAY, we are more than likely moving back to DFW (Dallas, TX) in the coming 2 months. YYYYYIIIIIIPPPPPEEEEEEE. I love TX.

Going to put the before photos in the next message so you can compare without looking back through all the threads. Thanks a lot guys.

Photo 1: obvious
Photo 2: Starboard / Bow Corner
Photo 3: Looking toward Stern from Bow, along Port side along the Keel Guard.
Photo 4: Looking toward Stern from Bow, just out from last photo, where fish finder hole was.
Photo 5: Transom / Keel repair near drain plug.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Before Photos.

Photo 1: The area at bottom of transom at keel (exterior side of boat)
Photo 2: The hole I cut while removing floor. This is located on the bottom, port side about a foot forward of the stern.
Photo 3: Third photo is of a nasty looking gouge in the keel about 2/3rds of the way forward of the stern. Photo 4: Long scratches along the port side near the keel.
Photo 5: Directly under captains area. I believe it was for a fish finder or something to that effect. I do not currently have one so I plugged the hole. Also repaired other minor scratches in the area.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Photo 1: Shot of Port Side as it had most of the damage along keel
Photo 2: Looking along keel towards Bow
Photo 3: More Port side damage
Photo 4: Long scratches along hull near keel
Photo 5: Starboard / Bow area damage

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

OUTSTANDING!!!! With what you've had to work with and all the LIFE distractions you've had, I'd say you should be very proud of your accomplishments. I am!!!

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Guys, just looking to be sure on the wood I use. Home Depot staff tells me only the treated wood has the waterproof glue, so I am looking online and see this. It does not say that it is laminated with waterproof glue, but will this work?

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...th+waterproof+glue&storeId=10051#.UDfCF9aPXSg

18mm, (3/4" In Category), 4ft x 8ft, Sandeply Hardwood Plywood
Model # 454559 Store SKU # 454559

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Get the Arauco Ply wood @ HD. It does have the WP glue and is Good Stuff. I just bought a sheet today for $45 bucks here in Tulsa. Almost Void Free and by the way they are full of it. ALL Ext. Grade plywood is constructed with WP glue just like Marine Grade. Only difference is in the quality of the plys, and the voids in the plys and possibly the number of plys used.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Awesome Wood, thanks. I am so excited to get the wood. Ty again.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Extremely good looking progress, well done. WOG's got it, so keep on as you have & it'll be back in the water soon.

If you need to move the boat to Texas before you get the cap back on permenantly, you'll need to make sure it is secured VERY well. Even if that means running drywall screws thru a piece of 3/4" ply, thru an existing rubrail hole in both halves & into a 2nd 3/4" pc of blocking on the inside. I'm fairly confident that all of the Dept of Hwys between you in MS & DFW, frown on sailboard boat caps on or off the freeway

PS: Your welcome, happy to have helped

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

I will not be moving it anywhere before the cap goes back on except to flip it and put it back on the trailer. Once the transom in back in, I could put the cap back on so if it does take me that long to finish it, I will re-install the cap for the move. I am seriously hoping to enjoy a few days out on the water here before we move. Have some friends and support systems that I would like to share it with. Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Home Depot does not carry it here and they want you to buy the whole bundle if they order it. Did find something at Lowe's that the guy was pretty sure will fit the bill (plywood few or no voids and water restitant or proof glue between layers) Top Choice 1/2" Top Choice Blondewood
Item #: 89939 | Model #: 89939 $21.80 a sheet and I just have to go North of Jackson to get it.

Top Choice 3/4" Top Choice Blondewood
Item #: 90178 | Model #: 90178 $42.00 a sheet.

I sure hope these will work. Tried calling all the lumber companies - nothing. Let me know what you guys think.

I also put a few pictures in of the inside of the boat with and without the channels that the previous stringers were in. Most of them were 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide and that is with the fiberglass. However the one down the keel was actually a 2x4, or so the small piece I took out appeared.
I am not sure what to use for the stringers. I looked at the photo Wood left for the plastic cover and it looks like he has plywood. Not sure, could you give me some direction on this? Also, when you cut the stringers (after the transom is in and glassed in) do you coat them all the way around with resin like you do the transom before putting them in the boat? Thanks.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Nope, Blondewood is NOT gunna cut it. Are there any Local Lumberyards in your vicinity. Floor underlayment is another alternative or MDO plywood. Lowes and HD do not usually carry it. Quality lumber yards do. Call a local building contractor and find out a good quality Lumber yard.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Ok, thanks wood.

Latest update, Aug 25th, Brandon, MS store is calling Tulsa, OK store to see about getting some of the arauco plywood and how to go about doing so. LMAO.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Ok Wood and JB,

Since I have to order this stuff to come from out of state (Thank GOD they are NOT charging for delivery) I need to get my numbers together.

Wood, in the picture you posted of the rain cover you made, it appears you used plywood for your stringers and ribs. Is that what you did? Did you use 1/2" or 3/4"? The wood that came out of this boat was so rotten I would never know what it was, except for the center most Stringer that appeared to be a 2x4. Not sure it was, but that is what it looked like.

Also, I am figuring 1 layer of 3/4" and 1 layer of 1/2" for the transom. Which should I use for the floor? I posted some photos of what the floor looked like when I cleaned out all the mush (just a few posts ago).
If I had to guess what was in it I would say 3/4" for the stringers and ribs because the width of the channels where wood was measured close to an inch which would then also account for the fiber glassing. For the center stringer (keel) would it be better to laminate 2 pieces of 3/4"? What do you guys recommend?
Thanks. AJ

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Yep, 3/4". Transom should be 2 layers of 3/4 Unless it measured different. Deck should be 3/4" as well Keel is prolly 2 3/4" lams as well. I'd use Plywood for everything.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Well, got 2 coats of paint on today and it took little over 1/2 gallon. The boat soaked up a lot, but the bugs soaked up more. lol

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Looks great! Outstanding.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Now you know better than that!!! We need details!!! What paint! What technique? Did you use hardener? DETAILS!!!!!

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

So sorry Wood, I used the paint, hardner and roll on roll technique you told me about. Paint was Tractor and Implement Grey, Tractor and Implement White with hardener. Unfortunately we were not able to allow it to sit for the full 5 days of curing so when we flipped it back over we ended up with a few small areas of paint damage that I will fix this fall. I purchased outside carpet from HD and attached it to the old roller on the trailer as they were marking up the boat pretty bad before, and the new ones have not arrived yet. I used contact cement to attach the carpet which held very well.

After all the work I put into the bottom and sides of the boat, when the paint got scuffed up it felt like the first scratch or dent on a brand new vehicle. I guess you can imagine that feeling. Just made me sick. Still, I will fix it this fall when we have a garage and no bugs committing suicide in my paint job. Can NOT even tell it was rolled. I love the look of the white. We put 2 coats on but think we could easily do 2 more just for good film build (my partner is a paint expert in the semi industry). Some areas soaked up more than others. I am going to let it sit for 5 days as is without climbing up on the boat because I do not want any future paint damage. That will give me time to track down the right wood and clean the office which has become a mess with all my supplies.

I also got word from another iboater that Prasser Lumber might carry what I am looking for. Going to go there tomorrow, if not HD will ship it at no additional charge. It is amazing how one person there will do more for you than others. The guys all said no, don't carry it, no idea where you can even find it. The woman I spoke with gave me her direct number and said, yep, just call me with how much you need and I will make it happen.

I was looking over the measurements I have on the boat and it looks like I can go with 3/4" everywhere and 2 of them laminated in areas like keel stringer and transom. Wondering if it would be a good idea to go with 2 laminated pieces on all stringers? What do you think?

Any need for 2 laminated pieces with the ribs? Was just planning on 1 piece of 3/4" for the floor. I think I have everything I need except the foam. Gotta start thinking about that too. Was reading on a thread here that the foam should NOT be poured into the hole like I have seen many do. If I recall correctly, something about you want the foam to expand (I think it was referred to as open cell ???) not closed cell (???) which is what happens when the floor is already on and you only cut a hole in it to pour foam. Do you guys recall reading that?

Also looking at price and wondering if it is better to go with the foam boards (from HD) and cut them to size. I read a thread here too that gave the price per sq ft of each and the foam boards were definitely cheaper. If I recall right. What are your thoughts on the foam?

Thanks guys, I am really gaining confidence on my ability to do this and I owe it all to you guys. You are wonderful.