The area the keel was on the hull isn't as bad as I thought. I do need to replace a section of the plywood, but the rest of the bottom isn't so bad.
Side note, with the keel off, the boat is very light. I'm able to pick up the bow or stern and lift with little effort. Gives me hope the boat will be close to the 910 pounds when it's done.
You definitely want to consider replacing the bottom while you have the chance with a single piece of 3/9 Okume. There are a few reasons for this:
1. The fasteners are probably at the end of their useful life. Unless those fasteners are doing their job the bottom will move relative to the chines and crack anything you put over it (e.g. Glass, Resin, Paint).
2. If there is frame rot, and looking at the pictures there might be, it will be evident when the bottom is removed. It will be MUCH easier to replace the frame bottoms with the bottom off then on.
3. If you get a 1 piece 24' x 4' x 3/8" piece of Okume, you won't have to deal with butt-block anymore. The problem with the block is that it holds water and the boat can't drain completely while on the trailer.
4. The Okume bottom is going to be lighter and stiffer then the fir bottom which is currently on the boat.
Have a look at my FB page on the restoration of #112 and you will see how I went about taking off the bottom of my boat.
Hope the above helps, and of course it's you're boat and you should do what you think is right for you.
I think at this time I will not be replacing the bottom of the boat. Most of the plywood is actually in good shape. I will be replacing a small section where the keel goes on the boat. The rest of the bottom is good.
The keel bolts will be replaced with new ones.
I will check and replace fasteners as needed...if not, maybe all of them.
There is no frame rot. Some of the wood was exposed to the sun, so that might show up discolored, however it's in good shape still.
I do appreciate your comments and I always consider what people tell me. At times some of the information is a bit conflicting. I will do the best I can with the boat.
Hi again,
ReplyDeleteYou definitely want to consider replacing the bottom while you have the chance with a single piece of 3/9 Okume. There are a few reasons for this:
1. The fasteners are probably at the end of their useful life. Unless those fasteners are doing their job the bottom will move relative to the chines and crack anything you put over it (e.g. Glass, Resin, Paint).
2. If there is frame rot, and looking at the pictures there might be, it will be evident when the bottom is removed. It will be MUCH easier to replace the frame bottoms with the bottom off then on.
3. If you get a 1 piece 24' x 4' x 3/8" piece of Okume, you won't have to deal with butt-block anymore. The problem with the block is that it holds water and the boat can't drain completely while on the trailer.
4. The Okume bottom is going to be lighter and stiffer then the fir bottom which is currently on the boat.
Have a look at my FB page on the restoration of #112 and you will see how I went about taking off the bottom of my boat.
Hope the above helps, and of course it's you're boat and you should do what you think is right for you.
Best,
James
I think at this time I will not be replacing the bottom of the boat. Most of the plywood is actually in good shape. I will be replacing a small section where the keel goes on the boat. The rest of the bottom is good.
DeleteThe keel bolts will be replaced with new ones.
I will check and replace fasteners as needed...if not, maybe all of them.
There is no frame rot. Some of the wood was exposed to the sun, so that might show up discolored, however it's in good shape still.
I do appreciate your comments and I always consider what people tell me. At times some of the information is a bit conflicting. I will do the best I can with the boat.