After several days I now have the BBSB fully stripped, with the original Atlantic Cedar saved for use later either in the same place or repurposed. Pulling the rusty nails and screws was a nightmare, as all were fully imbedded into the boat’s ribs. Sanding down to the glass was an all day event. The hull in particular had dozens of coats of oil based paint and it did not come of easy. 60 grit sandpaper was the only way to get it to budge.
Next step: assess the full condition of the hull and fiberglass. Patch all the holes, and determine where to put the replacement bolts and screws. I’ve got some ideas of how to make it suited to how I hunt (and where), and have been talking to Dave “the boat whisperer” Diefenderfer about options.
What I have learned is that this boat was restored before – probably in the early 80’s. (I still have not determined the date of construction). I think this because under the glass the wood is fixed with brass and copper. Then the next level up there are screws that were not stainless steel which have additional fiberglass patches… often over the paint.
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Next step: assess the full condition of the hull and fiberglass. Patch all the holes, and determine where to put the replacement bolts and screws. I’ve got some ideas of how to make it suited to how I hunt (and where), and have been talking to Dave “the boat whisperer” Diefenderfer about options.
What I have learned is that this boat was restored before – probably in the early 80’s. (I still have not determined the date of construction). I think this because under the glass the wood is fixed with brass and copper. Then the next level up there are screws that were not stainless steel which have additional fiberglass patches… often over the paint.
View attachment IMG_0204.JPG
View attachment IMG_0199.JPG
