restoring 13' plywood runabout

[ghamby]

This one is 3/8 Doug fir marine ply over white oak frames with mahogany
ply deck and mahogany trim. Built in the '50s by ANA boats.
What to refinish the exterior with?
please advise,GH

http://forums.iboats.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=43603&stc=1&d=1264203879http://forums.iboats.com/attachment...ent.php?attachmentid=43606&stc=1&d=1264204593

 

[Ned L]

Re: restoring 13' plywood runabout

If it were me, I would first seal it with a clear oil based sealer and then use a good quality marine or exterior oil based enamel. I think this would be the easiest route for applying and the easiest for future maintenance. - The ply looks in real nice shape, should be a nice runabout (have any overall pictures?). - Just be careful on the sanding with fir plywood, you can quite easilly end up sanding away the softwood (light colored) more than the hardwood areas (dark colored), and end up with a wavey surface. Good luck.

 

[109jb]

Re: restoring 13' plywood runabout

I would use epoxy and fiberglass cloth to cover the exterior. Go to http://www.glen-l.com/ there is lots of info there on this technique. Some of the boats there have epoxy/fiberglass with beautiful wood grain still showing.

 

[Ned L]

Re: restoring 13' plywood runabout

Glassing can be done, but I'd look at it this way. It is 50yrs old, in great shape, and will easilly last that long again with the same care. Glassing is a 'one way street' that has it's own issues. Why go to the expense & time if the design doesn't need it.

 

[ghamby]

Re: restoring 13' plywood runabout

Thanks for the replies gents. I am torn between glassing and marine paint.
The ply is real solid but discolored in some places thanks to Isabel throwing
the boat house and boat on the beach.
I'll Work on my photo posting technique. Please ignore the VW wiring harness
shots on photobucket.
Too true on the hard spot/soft spot syndrome on the Doug fir ply. The original
manufacturer fared it out, probably with white lead compound.
I will keep posting as time permits.
Thanks GH

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: restoring 13' plywood runabout

I'd seal and paint the exterior skin, to hide the white faring compound. If the inside is nice wood-grain, you could seal and glass it for looks.

 

[ghamby]

Re: restoring 13' plywood runabout

The fairing compound is all gone. She was right scraped up after Isabell. I have
sanded the exterior clean.
The interior will have to be painted. There is too much discoloration towards
the stern where water collected for a while. The mahogany will refinish bright.
The fordeck will be new Mahogany ply. The deck trim will have to be made new.
Glassing the exterior is still an option. There are way to many stringers and frames to consider glassing inside.
Thanks again, GH