wooden row boat in fair shape

[sdexcalibur]

I went to look at a wooden row boat to get to the mooring, All wood as stated but has been sitting in the yard for a year or so, all the paint is peeling, but overall ok, Has a spot for a motor My question is can I reinforce the wood in any way, I was going to let the boat dry out then really check her out, Can I add fiberglass to strengthen the wood, Thanks all any advice would help
sd

 

[BigB9000]

Re: wooden row boat in fair shape

cover the entire thing in glass.

it'll pe pretty damn strong, and probably a tad heavier

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: wooden row boat in fair shape

1st check it for rot, before buying.

 

[sdexcalibur]

Re: wooden row boat in fair shape

it's free. so worst case I'll waste the time to pick it up, Just didn't know if I could wrap the thing in fiberglass, or at least the outside, best of all it's about 10 min from mt house, I posted a ad on craigslist looking to buy one, and this guy replys and says I can have it for free, Seems like he had big plans but never followed through

 

[CATransplant]

Re: wooden row boat in fair shape

Get all the paint off the part you're going to glass. Otherwise you'll waste your time. Back in the 60s, lots and lots of folks were glassing their wood boats. Even Sears sold kits to do it with. It works a treat, but, unless you take your time and do a nice job of it, it'll look funky. If you do it right, making sure to get a nice lay and no bubbles and the like, it'll give new life to an old wooden boat.

 

[LORDY611]

Re: wooden row boat in fair shape

I wish I could find an old wooden rowboat. I want to turn it into a flower bed. That is of course assuming it wouldnt be able to keep the Cap'n dry...

 

[horsebbls]

Re: wooden row boat in fair shape

You can find old inexpensive boats on Ebay.
My husband has bought 3 boats on Ebay. One to fix up for fishing, the 2nd because it had the same motor as the first, to rebuild and have as a spare, the third for the trailer. $350 later, and I have a 1960 something 21' Chrysler boat to put in my yard to use as a planter. I've always wanted to do something like this although I was thinking smaller. I live in the desert on 2.5 acres and the rodents eat everything I plant. I have plans to put flowers including some vining ones around the edges for viewing and on the inner part of the boat I will plant some vegies. I also am planning to hook up small 12volt solar panels to run the boat lights at night, as they are intact. It has a hatch up front that I will open for more plants. I have quite a few ideas and because it has a deep hull, I'm thinking of cutting a few half-moon holes out towards the front and making those come out like the sides of a strawberry pot. Any ideas on how to attach to the existing hull anyone?
I have had my problems with gophers, squirrels, etc coming up from underground and eating my vegie garden plants. This way I will have a raised garden and it will serve two purposes; unique landscaping and (almost) pest-free garden.
I'm excited to get started. I really need to clean it up as the boat has been sitting for about 10 years. I may paint it also, we'll see.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: wooden row boat in fair shape

Sounds like an interesting plan, but don't get your hopes up too much that this will solve your wildlife problem....especially if you put vines where tyhey can use them as a ladder. Those rodents are very adaptive.
Your best bet for the squirrels and gophers is to give them .22 reasons to go somehere else...

 

[Ned L]

Re: wooden row boat in fair shape

As for glassing your wood row boat, that may be an ok idea to get some more life out of it, it might be a waste of money, or it might be a 'not so good' idea. It all depends on the construction and condition. At times glassing a wooden boat amounts to not to much more than a way to quicken its death so to speak. In order to really "strengthen" the boat you would need to add so much glass & resin that you will really add to the weight. How is the boat built, what type of wood (plywood, or planked with solid wood, strip planked, or maybe lapstrake?). If plywood and everyting is in good condition, then the best thing to do may be just to tape the seams and possibly a light layer of cloth on the bottom for abraision resistance. In this case a picture would really help to advise you.

Never mind, just realized this is a year old post.