Git Rot

[SHelms8844]

I am getting ready to replace the transom, stringers, and of course floor and I have been considering several different options. From CPS, Seacast, and even replacing with wood and glassing the crap out of it. Now the guy down at the local marina is telling me he uses Git Rot. Says it is as good if not better than anything out there. Anyone got an opinion or better yet any experience with this stuff? I am really interested in what you guys think? Thanks!

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Git Rot

SHelms8844,<br /> I had a 16' AMF Crestliner where I used GitRot to strenghten a soft transom.It did work well,but must be mixed thoroughly before use.It is a 2part liquid epoxy designed to soak into rotted wood fibers.I drilled 1/2" holes vertically from the top and went as deep as I dare(without coming out the bottom!).Almost 3 feet deep in the middle.Then I filled the holes with GitRot,and waited.It takes a LONG time to soak in,(in my case days)and you want to MAKE SURE the wood is DRY to start with.After that,I filled the holes(1/2 way) with fiberglass resin and hammered 1/2" hardwood dowels into the holes.Let dry,cut dowels to size,re-glassed transom top edge.I also added a 8"x24" stainless transom plate(custom)on the front of transom.<br />With all said,it's a good product.But use common sense.If you think it's too far gone,replace the wood.Plywood is cheap compared to one's safety on the water.

 

[SHelms8844]

Re: Git Rot

Thanks Reel! I am trying to do this as cheaply and effectively as possible but the more I read and hear, I think replacing everything with wood and glassing over it is the best way to go. I certainly dont want anything bad to happen to me or the boat. Thanks again!

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Git Rot

SHelms8844,<br /> Just a footnote.Try to aquire Marine Plywood for your transom work(if available).Check your local lumberyard.Marine Ply is stronger and use's a waterproof resin between plys(unlike regular plywood).

 

[crab bait]

Re: Git Rot

marine ply & doug fir exterior ply is the exact same thing ,,EXACTLY.. 'cept ex ply can/does & will have voids.. where marine is SUPPOSED to not have any.. ex ply is a whole lot cheeper...<br /><br />also i wouldn't fill 'half-the-whole' with 'fiberglass resin'... fiberglass resin will not stick to epoxy.. but will the opposite...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Git Rot

I'm with crab bait...CDX plywood is the same wood, same glue as Marine plywood.... the difference is the "standards"... CDX is allowed more/ larger Knots,+ voids than Marine....<br /><br />I also agree that Which ever family of Resins you Start with, you'd Better Finish with the Same.....

 

[crab bait]

Re: Git Rot

CDX is becomin' a common lump sum word for doug fir exterior plywood..and it is just that ,, an exterior ply..<br />but ya gotta watch it... <br /><br /> CDX is really junk in a major way..<br /><br />the 'C' stands for c-grade .. which is a bad grade for the one side of the sheet..<br />the 'D' stands for the very worst grade for the other side of the sheet... <br /> the'X' stands for exterior grade..<br /><br />there are other/better grades of doug fir exterior ply...such as bcx ,, alittle step up.. to abx an aax.. both darn good boat buildin' plywood...almost or sometimes equal to marine ply.. which is not SUPPOSE to have voids... but good luck findin' aax.. only one place i know of that sells it.. habor sales on the eastern shore maryland ,, sutlersville..<br /><br />voids in plywood is obviously bad for boat buildin'.. but really bad for the not so obvious.. <br /><br />voids are internal air spaces... warm ambient air temp & cool water temp causes condensation in the voids .. causin' the wood to rot from the inside out...<br /><br />an 'CDX' has plenty of them... <br /> i wouldn't build a dog house with the junk...<br /><br />so you can call it CDX ... just don't<br />buy it....

 

[BillP]

Re: Git Rot

Excuse me guys and I don't mean to step on toes...but aside from grades or recent changes in the plywood industry, the major difference between exterior and marine ply is the angle of plys...<br /><br />Exterior grade plys set @ 90 degree angles.<br />Marine grade plys set @ 45 degree angles (big time stiffer and big time harder to work with).<br /><br />My preference is AB exterior when not using marine. Glue is same on both. I have cut nearly 100 hundred sheets of AB exterior for boat projects (west type sheathing)and found maybe a 1/2 dozen small voids. This isn't the stuff you find at HomeDepot.

 

[ScottRock]

Re: Git Rot

Ok-so what I am getting here is stay away from CDX and try to use marine plywood if available, if not use BCX?

 

[SHelms8844]

Re: Git Rot

Thanks for all the info guys..stuff I havent even thought of(as far as the type of plywood!) I have checked out the marine plywood here in town but any one have ideas where to get AB plywood? I havent tried the local lumber yard. Suppose that would be my first stop. Thanks again for the great info!

 

[crab bait]

Re: Git Rot

there are aax & abx.. there is also aa marine & ab marine...<br /><br />depends on your lowcow [local].. <br /><br />around here,, marine is easier to find .. but cost way much more..!! <br /><br />they're rite.. home depot don't sell none of it..an your best is to get an stay with abx... it's your best value...<br /><br />call around... most can order anythin' ..<br />even aax.. but i betcha it'll come from sutlersville...

 

[BillP]

Re: Git Rot

Go to your local independently owned small lumber company and ask them to order high grade exterior for you. That's what I did. Cost has been about half of marine.

 

[SHelms8844]

Re: Git Rot

Thanks!! That's exactly what I am going to do first thing Monday morning! I'll see what they can get me and what I can afford. Thanks again you guys! This board is great