Boat Soup

Z

zane Every

Well-known member
Boat Soup:
I am considering using this age old concoction of; Equal parts of turpentine, boiled linseed oil and pine tar with some Japan dryer added to seal the inside of my cedar BBSB.Currently the ribs and planks are untreated. I would like to stay away from paint and thought this traditional wood sealer might do the trick. Anyone have any experience with it? Would be curious to hear your thought either positive or negative on using boat soup for the inside my sneakbox.


Thanks,

Zane
 
We used to use something like that on our Tong boat decks that was constantly in contact with sun, salt and abrasion from shellfish and other bottom debris and foot traffic, very old fashioned but worked well.
As for interior use, it should work well, but the pine tar would probably not be necessary, You could also use Cuprinol, another relatively old method which would preserve and protect from any rot, is easier to apply, soaks into tight spots better, and might be cheaper, You price real turpentine lately? [cool] , I once used used drain oil on some new floor boards I made, once it dried it was like using an oil based stain/penetrating preservative.
 
Zane~


I agree that the Pine Tar is probably unnecessary. It will ultimately turn everything black. And, you should not need much dryer because the turpentine will help the linseed oil cure more quickly. Note, though, that mildew can and does grow on linseed-oiled surfaces in the dark, airless spaces.



I used to use Cuprinol on every boat - but not sure it's available anymore, at least not in New York State. I added a bit of the paint I used on the inside of the hull and it wore very well. A quick search suggests that Cuprinol (the brand) is only available in the UK.



It might be worth checking other products, something for decks or outdoor furniture - perhaps Woodlife's CopperCoat would be a good choice. I'd check the label for legal applications.


https://www.truevalue.com/coppercoat-green-wood-preservative-1-qt?cid=gooshop_google_ss&ctcampaign=4680&ctkwd=&ctcreative=375466626602&ctplacement=&ctadpos=&ctmatch=&ctlocid=9004948&cttrgtid=pla-797470702039&ctfeedid=&ctnwk=u&ctdevice=c&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjwq4fsBRBnEiwANTahcKdClZLjHwpuj9ggnNEpmF7Iobv1eooN9D8HZI1DzBTHQWe2WSfUXhoC-6cQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds



I think it's important that you find something with a fungicide.



All the best,


SJS

 
Thanks Steve and GCS for responding. Yes, I read about cuprinol and yes I think you are correct about it not being available in the US. Funny, the coppercoat green kept popping up when I did a search for Cuprinol.

I read to use pure pine tar "light" to prevent darkening. Maybe from the wooden boat forum? but I don't think I will risk it. I don't want to do all the work to have it turn black over time. I would want to experiment first. Perhaps better to save the boat soup for a future project after some testing.
https://www.solventfreepaint.com/pine-tar.htm

The Coppercoat Green Wood Preservative can be purchased locally and much less expensive.

I will post up some pictures in another thread of the BBSB when I make some more progress. Tonight I will refasten the keel and tomorrow I will be priming the hull. Then paint hull Saturday, then flip to work on the interior and deck. Fun stuff!!

Thanks again!
 
Thanks for the link Patrick. They have cool stuff on the site. I did some looking at the copper green last night and unfortunately it leaves a green tint to the wood. They also make a clear coat version that is water based, sold at Home Depot so I may go this route. It is funny how such a simple project can take on a life of its own. I think I "over think" think things sometimes. Probably any exterior deck or wood preservative would do the job perfectly fine. I like the fact that this stuff repels fungi and insects. To bad it doesn't repel mice too!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Copper-Green-1-gal-Wood-Preservative-221834/300502826?MERCH=REC-_-pipinstock-_-NA-_-300502826-_-N


Zane
 
While it doesnt help with your choice of finishes, Irish Spring soap, the original one, does deter mice. We have a seasonal use cabin and have always had a problem with mice in the closets over the winter. We now cut up bars of Irish Spring and put them in several places in every closet. not 100 % effective but better than 90%. Probably not helpful to you but I thought I'd throw it out there.
 
Steve,
I will try anything. If it works great! If not, nothing lost. My father-in-laws does the same thing in his flower beds to deter deer from eating flowers and shrubs. He has wooden stakes throughout the garden with wire mesh baskets screwed on top. He pushes them into the ground and puts Irish Spring soap chunks in the little baskets. He says it works great. So I would imagine it could work on mice too. I will give it a try.

Thanks,
Zane
 
I just used some Thompsons Timber Oil in the transparent finish they make it in a clear. It seems to be a new product
closer to the older formula clean up with mineral spirits.
 
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