Input request from wooden boat guys.

Ed L.

Ed L.

Well-known member
Supporter
So I bought this old scull boat. It's in amazing shape for how old it is and it appears the exterior fiberglass has been redone recently. Now I'm wondering if the open seams are anything to worry about. I imagine this is normal but I'd hate to have water get in and start to rot. It appears originally it was just painted so can I continue with the same process or should I be doing something else before paint. I was told do not fiberglass the inside because if water should penetrate it it will not be able to dry ad will begin to rot. Thanks for your input.

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Good morning, Ed~

I concur with those who advise not to 'glass the inside. But, you are right to be concerned about water laying in the seams. I am not sure what wood preservatives are on the market right now. Previously, I would have soaked each seam with Cuprinol "red" when she was bone dry.

In any event, be sure to sponge out any water after use and store the vessel so she stays dry inside. Can you store it upside down (off-season) without misshaping the hull ? (Many smaller craft are OK upside down - as long as she's level left to right.)

Hope this helps,

SJS
 
Thanks Steve. I'm sure I can build saw horses and store upside down without deformity the hull.
 
When I glassed my BBSB, I had faired the hull (excessively) so the seams were mostly filled, at least from the outside. I slathered the inside with oil based paint. Used white where the birds can't see, and FME where they can. I have a sponge in the boat, and store it under cover. I have a box fan that I zip-tied fiberglass rods to, I place it across the coaming and turn it on high, blowing down into the hull after each hunt to dry it thoroughly. I live in VA so I have he advantage of thawing, and if it got really cold would pull the boat into the garage and kick on the salamander heater to be sure.
 
I would spray the area of the seams with a liquid seam sealer of some type car way. I would even consider using a auto or boat spray wax over the seams. You don't need anything that will be durable as in between the boards won't get any rubbing or wear I them. You just need something that will repel the water or make it just bead up.

Just passing along some thoughts Ed. Hope all is well with you.

Mark
 
It almost looks looks like that there was some sort of seam compound at one point. You can always paint the floor with a good quality paint.Personally I prefer a oil based paint for a job like that.
 
Thanks Dave. I have the sponge and the box fan. That's a great idea on the suspending the fan over the combing and drying out the boat. The thawing thing, I have that covered with the fact my garage is heated and the wife is good about giving me the garage.
 
Mark, I'd never even thought there was such a thing. I'll have to get some. Miniwax has a product as well. Thanks. BTW, doing well. I got bored with retirement and went back to work. Hope you doing well also.

th

 
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