Wood top for glass boat?

[oceanaddict]

I've got a 18ft fiberglass closed nose skiing boat with a 150hp yamaha on the back. The boat is not great looking as it has an old fiberglass top on it,but the hull has a very classic look about it.I want to rebuild the top with a woodfinish to to create that classic cruiser look.<br />any warnings or recommendations?

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: Wood top for glass boat?

Wood's pretty heavy, but your motor would push it ok. Can you post some pictures of your boat? We seem to be a very sight-oriented lot. Besides, if your boat really does look bad, I'll be able to feel better about mine and we all end up happier. As far as technical expertise, you're in the right place. I'm good for nothing but poking fun at ya, but there are really some fantastic boat folks here.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Wood top for glass boat?

I was reading a book I have on building your own boat (I know, I need therapy ). It says wood, fiberglass, and aluminum all have similar weight when used in boat construction. There are differences in the thicknesses of the materials when used, but very little difference in finished weight. This was in reference to a boat's overall weight. Don't know about just the cabin top, won't think it would matter.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Wood top for glass boat?

Wood is perfectly accaptable as a decking material on your boat. As a matter of fact, I have an old Glasspar G3 that I am considering "customizing" with a mahogany deck, as the original deck is toasted. I know several people who have made custom boats with a retro look using a late model hull and wooden decks.<br /><br />You'd build it much as you would a regular wooden boat deck, with a wooden rail inside the gunwale and several cross-members for support. For a classic 1930s look you can use sheet plywood as an underlay and add thin veneer strips as "planks", or you can use solid planking. Or, you can go with the plywood altogether for a more 1950s look. How you finish it is up to you! Find something you like and go for it! <br /><br />- Scott

 

[1730V]

Re: Wood top for glass boat?

Your idea is nothing new but a very classic one. Many high priced laerger boats do just that. They use a fiberglass or aluminum hull because most people today will not put up with a leaker. All wood boats leak. They are supposed to.<br />They then add a wood deck for aesthetic purposes. Keep in mind wood will have much greater upkeep but it is beautiful especially on a boat.

 

[oceanaddict]

Re: Wood top for glass boat?

Thanks guys <br />I have started to strip the top off and am now considering a complete wooden dashboard and interior sides.I am also thinking about moving the motor onto a outmount to accomodate a wrap-around wooden swim platform, any one have any experience with outmounts?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Wood top for glass boat?

Can you post some photos of the boat? This project sounds very interesting.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Mark.

 

[oceanaddict]

Re: Wood top for glass boat?

Thanks for the interest I will be setting up a photo site soon and will keep you updated, am only working weekends and as the budget allows so the going might be slow. if anyone has photo's of a similar project please let me know.<br />thanks