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

[Deleted member 340796]

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

2lb foam is all you need. If you want to create drainage channels to the bilge I'd use saran wrapped rope. Lay the rope in the hull and out throu through the pour holes in the front of the deck. Pour the foam in each section and just as it sets up put the rope out which will create a channel.to the bilge. Hope this makes sense. Just my 2?.

Wood, That makes perfect sense. Thanks. I really like that idea.

I don't think that just any paint would water proof the foam after it has been cut. Latex water paint may not work to well..

If you plan out how you want to use the foam, you should be able to pour the foam in the hull and be able to use a temporary deck if needed.. Then make whatever changes you need to the foam and put down the deck and glass it in.
The boat is 42 yrs old now. How long did the stringers and transom last? How long do you plan on owning this boat?
If you do a good job on glassing the transom and stringers and deck it will last another 30 yrs with no problems by just pouring your foam with no special drains or channels in the foam.
Just my 2 cents worth..:wave:

Decker, Thanks for the 2 cents. You are so right, the boats age and the fact that it is still in one piece despite the attempts that appear to have been made to sink it - worrying about water channels is way over kill. I still might follow Woods suggestion as I don't like the thought of not accounting for water flow and then selling it to someone else at some point. Last thing I need is some yuppie kid 40 yrs from now bad mouthing the woman that rebuilt the boat and did not account for the water that would eventually get below the deck. :rant:

Cuts on closed cell foam can be fixed by painting over the cut to make it waterproof again, 2 coats of paint and you're good to go again... epoxy resin will work well too.

Jig, I am using the epoxy and I have to say I am LOVIN IT! No horrible odor and seems easy to work with for the most part. I am thinking I might have to try making some other projects out of epoxy! You see I love alligators and crocs and I want them decoratively placed about my yard. I have 1 so far but did not make it. This is definitely a project for the new house!

Yes closed cell foam is what you want to use. However, maybe I wasn't clear. If you use pour in foam, which is closed cell, then you cut, slice, puncture, or drill into that foam you open the cells. The skin that forms while curing is what closes off all the cells.

That being said, most would be way better off pouring a thousand golfball sized blobs of this stuff than one huge 2-3-4 cup mix. This would keep 98% of the smaller "balls" of foam totally intact and not allow water intrusion. The problem is that it is completely impractical and way too time consuming.

Snowman, I was clear the on the potential to remove waterproofing by any puncturing to the surface of pour mold. I like the idea of making many small balls that could be used. Maybe that could be a project next year too. What do you think I could make off selling those little balls to boat restorers, guys in general, carnies :juggle: or kids prepping for a snowball fight? :smow:

My dad built a 22 foot cuddy from the keel up and used the 2lb foam. This is the foam generally used for floatation. The 4lb is a bit more dense and is generally used for building molds/plugs. I have been using the 2lb for duck decoys for 30 years.

It is your duck decoy that makes me think I could make an alligator mold from the epoxy. Thanks

If you cut open a section of the pour in, the pink, and the blue foam you will see that the cells of the pink and blue foam are tiny compared to the pour in stuff. You can place pieces of all 3 in a 5 gallon bucket and just let it sit. The results might surprise... I will never use pour in foam in a boat again.

You can read more here but that answers one of your questions. The heavier/denser the foam the more structural support you'll get but you lose some in flotation value.

TDF, Thanks for the info. I have not read the entire article yet, but I will finish it tonight or tomorrow. I like getting all these facts so my fan club is impressed when I spew it back to them. Dang they are gonna miss me, and I them. I have never had a fan club before. I feel like a star.

Thanks so much for all the 2 Cents, keep this up and I will be able to buy a fish locator for my boat!

 

[Deleted member 340796]

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

WOW the purple is PRETTY! :friendly_wink:

 

[Deleted member 340796]

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

Hello again,

I keep thinking about all you guys and how your projects are coming along. I have not done much on mine, but I have started prepping her for a trip North. We are set to close on our new house Friday and will be moving from MS to OH the last week of Feb. I have not taken any photos yet so I can't claim anything is done , however I have installed long boards under the hull to support the weight better (photos to come). Next I need to set the cap back in place and attach the rails to the sides again and then get the motor back on and get it winterized. All that to come in the near future.

What I have been up to is looking for a home. They have been saying this is still a down market and there are lots of houses on the market, but what I have learned is this: the majority of the houses still on the market fall into 1 of 2 categories. First there are the ones that were repo homes, most of which have not been taken good care of and would cost a pretty penny to fix up. Not a bad option if you have the time and don't have a boat project already in the workings. Second are the ones that are so over priced because their owners think they should get out of them what they want - not what the market calls for. So after much searching, finding a few and making offers only to have to walk away after inspections we finally found the one. It has a great place for the boat, the dogs, and even us. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, maintained very well, 3 car attached garage and 1 detached garage as well as a shed for lawn tools. All this on 1.17 acres all fenced except maybe 30 feet.

3700 Chickasaw Ave Springfield OH - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - MLS #343479 - Realtor.com?

We ran into a few problems like elevated radon levels but that will be corrected and hopefully everything will go smoothly from here on out. Sure can't wait to get the family back together after 4 months apart and the dogs will love the back yard.

I will be catching up on each of your posts again and keeping up with you all again after the big move. Hope you all and your families have stayed safe and healthy and that your holidays were wonderful. Thanks for staying interested and providing me with encouragement and lots of info along the way. I can't wait to get back at the boat and get her ready for the water.

 

[Woodonglass]

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

Well, Well, Well, Look who's back!!!!:joyous: Glad to hear about your new home. Looks Great!!! Looking forward to seeing more progress when the move is done.

Great to have you back on the forum!!!!

Mike

 

[jbcurt00]

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

Congrats & safe travels!

 

[GT1000000]

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

Great news and looking forward to you having a safe journey and getting settled in...
Best regards and warmest wishes...

 

[sphelps]

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

Glad everything is coming together for ya AJ ! Looks like you found a nice place ! Good luck on the move and keep us posted ..

 

[Deleted member 340796]

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

Thanks for the greetings and best wishes in our upcoming move Wood, JB, GT and SP,

I got some photos of the long board supports I rigged under the hull for transportation. It was much easier than I thought it would be. Wish I had a photo of me laying on the ground lifting the boat with my legs so the neighbor lady could push then into place. I am sure it was a sight. :crazy::highly_amused: So anyhow here are the photos for proof it was done. Next thing I need to do is to re drill the holes in the transom. Boy, I have been avoiding that. I think I am afraid to make any mistakes and have to do that all over again. Probably not much to it thought, just drill the same size holes in the same place from the outside in right? After I drill out the drain hole should I seal that with some resin or is the 3M 5200 Marine Adhesive/sealant? After drilling and sealing the holes in the transom and securing the cap again, I think I am ready to get the motor back on her and winterize it. By the way, the photos don't show it but I do have the boards braced so they will not move or bounce out from under the hull, and I still need to support both sides. You might be able to see that the outside supports are wider than the boat.

 

[GT1000000]

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

Mornin AJ,

You could avoid drilling holes for now by installing a simple spreader brace across the back of the hull and running a strap across it to secure it to the trailer...similar to this...

 

[Trooper82]

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

Congrats AJ...been thinking about you and wondering what you were up to...

 

[Outback Jack]

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

Re: water flow in the bilge, and pourable foam

It is often something you need to decide for yourself: This is what you think will work, be feasible to construct & install, and satisfy your concerns.

I am on the fence, mainly for the fact that the foam will (in theory) expand to fill any compartment you pour it into, and adhere to any below deck surface it comes into contact w/. Filling the area & adhering to the below deck surface, makes it difficult to imagine water reaching a central flow channel or the bilge.

Trooper did the pourable foam, and used upside down 1/2 PVC pipes to create channels in his foam, directing water towards a central drain area back thru the bilge......

Others have done similar & different, all in an attempt to create a way for water to flow back to the bilge. I do not have any real help, sorry.

Your plan certainly sounds like a good one, as long as you make allowance for water to gain entry to the channel in several places along it's length.

Just finished reading and great project AJ

JB I have done alot of reading up on this subject and talked to a guy I worked with back in the 80,s manufacturing fiberglass products.

I also talked to a family member that builds fishing boats for a living 2nd generation.

Basically what he told me was when the coast guard or who ever makes the decisions basically said one day that certain boats must contain some form of flotation.

So back wen they just had a boat design they decided to just fill the compartments with foam, most had limber holes to be used with no foam. Manufacturer decided oh well it will not hurt to fill these areas with limber holes or no holes.

To make a long story short if it rains out and your bilge pump decides to take a break your boat fills up and all water goes into these limber holes and wets the foam. If you don't take your plug out and it rains and your cover leaks your boat fills up , same scenario.

I don't think myself the manufacture thought this out and never changed the design of the stringer configuration for years, but at least in the 90's the boats are starting to rot and show what designs are under the deck.

When i first started my project i put in limber holes then I ended up plugging them up.
I myself think these foam filled areas should be sealed tight. People say condensation will get in, lol the amount that and if it does get in will dry up.

Make sure you don't make any intrusion to these compartments be it hardware etc. Keep them sealed.

Now boats with no foam should have limber holes everywhere, but again it depends on deck design

Now don't get me wrong I have seen some nice jobs done with limber holes and pipes and you have mentioned a few .

Either way the whole idea of foam compartments needs design work

I just thought I would throw my 2 cents in as I have not posted in awhile.

Cheers

 

[jbcurt00]

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

Jack: Yep, I believe most makers gave it little to no thought when they started adding foam to plywood stringer'd (others too) boats. It's a problem even the tin guys struggle w/ and many of their boats are 'designed' to allow water to run off all sides of the deck, into a bilge that's foam filled, w/ no where for the water to really go once below decks, and definitely not all the way back to the bilge pump/plug to drain out of the boat :facepalm:


AJ: If you do drill thru the transom, when actually (plug, motor mount, stern/tow eyes etc) make sure to drill 90 degrees to the transom, not parallel to the ground. You can use a portable drill press rig (I think HF sells 1, others do) or make a plywood jig. Friscoboater had some pix & a video (I think), on 1 of his previous builds, about his jig. If this ^^^ doesn't make sense, just let us know.

To Jack's post, have you decided how you intend to do the foam yet?

Go Buckeye's ....

{insert joke @why WV doesn't slip into VA.....}
Ohio generates a vacuum..... :laugh: :faint2:

Welcome to the neighborhood, kinda, sorta, nice to have ya join us this winter. I'd like to rewind back to last winter's weather. This white stuff sucks

BTW: When you get to the new place, any boats/trailers & assorted boat debris in the yard or any mule you may find wandering the property, are not mine Looks like a great place to work on a boat. Perhaps park another boat or 2, waiting to be next. I'm just saying....

 

[Woodonglass]

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

When you're ready to Drill the holes let me know and I'll show you a real easy way. Coat the holes with Resin AND 5200

 

[Deleted member 340796]

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

Mornin AJ,

You could avoid drilling holes for now by installing a simple spreader brace across the back of the hull and running a strap across it to secure it to the trailer...similar to this...

GT, I did not have to drill through the boat. I just re-purposed my hoist stand into long boards for support on the trip. Since I don't have any stringers in yet, I sure don't need those rollers going thru the hull if I hit a bump. I am also going to have that heavy motor on the back so I went again and put the cap back on too. Seemed like the safest and easiest way to get it to Oh.

I might use that system though once I get back up there and pull the motor and cap to do the stringers. I could do it without totally removing the cap but with my short legs it is much easier getting in and out of there without the cap raised up and sitting on a 2x6.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

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

Hey Trooper,

I keep wondering how your move went. How do you like that weather? I must say while up there over Christmas I loved seeing the snow, the dogs loved running and playing in it, but it was a bit cold. First time I have worn a winter coat in many, many years. This place is going to be a dream when it comes to projects and what ever other trouble I can get myself into.

How is your new place going? My other half told me she found me a fishing partner already so I gotta get back at this boat and get it finished.

Jack,

I have really not decided which way to go with it yet. I like the simple method that Wood shows, but I also like the idea of putting it inside of plastic. Now it has been a while since I have even thought about it so - the verdict is still out. I do appreciate you input though, I will keep you all posted when I make that decision.

JB,

EXCELLENT POINTS. Sure glad you said that, cause I might not have thought of that one. Wow, you sure saved me on that one. THANKS A TON!!! Hang in there big guy, they are calling for an early spring.

Wood,

The way I see it, I am going to be drilling the holes in the next few days. It is more getting the nerve up and making sure I have the right supplies on hand to seal them afterwards. I don't want a drop of water hitting that wood until it is sealed. a I thought we were due for rain but it is looking like it cleared so I can do it anytime.

Finally starting to feel some relief on the new house. Everything is ready for the closing on Friday. Then it is only a matter of time before we get to move in. We gave them up to 30 days to move but I don't expect them to take that long. I am set to move the last of the month. YAH, our family back together and the dogs are gonna love their new yard with NO STEPS! :clock::dance: YAH!!!!!

 

[Trooper82]

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

Hey Trooper, I keep wondering how your move went. How do you like that weather? I must say while up there over Christmas I loved seeing the snow, the dogs loved running and playing in it, but it was a bit cold. First time I have worn a winter coat in many, many years. This place is going to be a dream when it comes to projects and what ever other trouble I can get myself into.

How is your new place going? My other half told me she found me a fishing partner already so I gotta get back at this boat and get it finished.

Move went about as good as can be expected....bit of an adventure for sure...we are adjusting to the weather...and I love having the garage....you will love yours too I bet

 

[Deleted member 340796]

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

Trooper,

Glad to hear the move went well. For some reason it seems every time I go North there is some "adventure" as you call it, I call it drama. LOL. This past trip was met with: mom's surgery to repair kidney that had obstruction, aunt and uncle house fire, me sitting with uncle for the week after that while my aunt was at work, of course anytime there is a family emergency we also need to have someone check on Gma cause she gets worried and that can have negative effects on her heart, then there was all the holiday stuff going on, trying to find a home, car trouble, doing my yearly calendar with the entire bunch's birthdays, dealing with mom and dads printer issues, wedding shopping for my sister, and I am sure there is more I am leaving out. All that drama was while I was in OH. Not sure if God waits to allow the biggies for when I am in town cause I can handle them and keep others calm or if I just bring that to them, but I really hope it does not continue or I will be one tired little girl.

Since getting back in MS, the other side of the family has had 2 deaths - weird ones. A twice removed cousin was in a snow mobile accident at his house, he was 15 yrs old. Parents heard crash and went out to check on him. He looked at them said "I can't breath" and died in front of them. Then last week one of the women married into the family lost her brother. They found him in his apartment with a stab wound. Not sure if it was homicide or suicide as he had struggled off and on with drugs and depression - still under investigation. I say it was homicide. Men shoot or hang themselves, women overdose. No one stabs themselves in the chest hard enough to go thru ribs and hit the aorta. So, while that has not been really close to us type drama, both of our families have gotten off to a tough start of the year.

We will just be happy to get our family back together. My other half is working double time trying to bring back an plant that was being phased out over the past 10 years for closing and now all of a sudden they want to keep it open and increase through put. The housing market has changed laws so much so that it makes it damn tough just to close on a house. All this I am told is to prevent people with terrorist ties from buying in our country. REALLY??? I have not heard anyone lost their house because it was owned by a terrorist. What I have heard is the banks and brokers screwed up and allowed people to buy homes they could not afford. So just like all the other things, lets make it harder for the good people, and not punish the ones at fault at all. :mad-new:

Hopefully all the drama will be over Friday with the closing on the house. YAH!!! Wow, all that from the word "adventure". Careful what you say on here. :lol:

 

[Deleted member 340796]

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

UT OH, I stumped the choir. It is ok guys. Just a few life challenges. Don't let it keep you quiet. :embarassed: :lol:

I am going to enjoy the cooler temps with my hot flashes! :smow:

 

[GT1000000]

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

Totally agree with your former statement...

May your closing be trouble- free and quick!

Best of Luck!

 

[sphelps]

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

UT OH, I stumped the choir.

Shoot that was nuthing ! You should hear the Admiral when she gets started ! :rant::flame::yield::bolt: