cleaning out ceck seams on penn yann 14' runabout

[dexter]

i have a 14' penn yann runabout and it needs new decks lines on it the old stuff is hardened in and i would like any info on how to clean them out without marring the existing wood also any info on the proper stain to be used would also be helpfull

[Dale R. Hamilton]

Dex- we covered this before. There are two schools of thought. The manualists would creat a special hook on the end of a file, or use a chisel to scrape out the old caulk and stuff. Besides being labor intensive, its too easy to escape your seamline and drag your tool across a plank. The powerists (like me) would take a skill saw, put 2 or even 3 blades in it (to equal the width of your seam), adjust the depth- and then just follow your seam lines. You may be more comfortable using a batten as a guide- but I didn't need one. Some like to use a router- but this uses up a hell of a lot of blades- the cutting surface being so small. Also you can't see your seamline as well. Good luck