Leaking Lapstrake

[nu2wood]

I have taken posession of a lapstrake (clinker-built) wooden
boat,built in the West Indies, that my grandfather bought in 1952/3
and willed to me when he died. This boat was last used 3 summers
ago so I know it's still seaworthy BUT since then the boat has been
stored outside and covered with tarps. There is also drain hole in
the aft section so I know that the wood was not given much
opportunity to rot from rain water, yet there are a few problems with
it.

It seems that some of the planks have dried out and are no longer
as tight as they were before. I also notice that some planks near the
waterline (naturally) are separating from the stem. The joint between
the bottom of the transom and some planks are also suspect.

Overall I think these are minor problems that can be corrected. For
obvious sentimental reasons I would like to restore my grandfather's
boat. I have been reading about resins', glues, epoxies, sealers and
primers and frankly I am getting a bit confused as to which product
is best suited to my needs. Thus I am looking for advice on what
product I should use and if there are any particular repair techniques
I should use. This boat means A LOT to me and I want do the best
job that I can. This is also a saltwater boat and I am not sure what
kind of wood it is made of.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Robert

[Jack Heinlen]

Before you do anything, throw the boat in the water and let it soak for a week. At that point you'll have a better idea what's what with the planking. Don't try any fixes till you know what's broke.

[Stargazer14]

You sound like a good candidate to read;
"Wooden Boat Renovation : New Life for Old Boats Using Modern Methods" by Jim Trefethen.
It was a great place for me to start when I aquired my first boat that needed ALOT of work. The whole project was a bit freightening at first but I have come to love every minute of it.
That book and some research, and you are well on your way to saving what I would think would be a priceless boat. Dont rush things, just learn all you can, come back and ask questions(you will be asked even more), do the work yourself, and that boat will be in the family for many more years to come.
And I'm sure some good help is about to follow.....

[Harry Miller]

Hi Nu . We could be neighbours eh!
Here is a link to one of Walt Simmons books I think you'll find it worthwhile. I'm just starting to build a lapstrake boat (small) I bought his Lapstrake Boatbuilding 1 and like it a lot.
Repairs (http://www.duck-trap.com/repairs.html)

[Thad]

How the planks are fastened is a factor, but the planks definately need to be refastened to the stem. I would do that and then put her over as Jack suggests to see how she takes up. If the fasteners are in good shape and she tightens up good, you might well recaulk the backbone seams--stem, garboard, and transom--and get out there with your grandfather.

[reddog]

Robert;
What Jack said.Get the boat into the warer and let the planking take up.Then you can have a look and asess it's needs.With lapstrake construction built of real wood I would give it searious thought before applying epoxy or any mircale goops.
All the best;
Earl

[nu2wood]

Thank-you so much for all the good advice. As winter is coming on I have had the boat flipped over and covered until next year. In the meantime I will use this time to learn as much as I can about lapstrake boats. I am really glad I came here to consult with you folks before I started to haphazardly apply epoxies and glues. You saved me from a lot of heartache.

Robert

[Bob Smalser]

Robert,

Make sure it's stored in a manner that keeps it from drying more than it has....preferably outside under cover but on a dirt, not concrete floor.

[nu2wood]

Bob we are on the same wavelength here.

The boat is turned upside down and is resting on two large blocks at either quarter and the midship area is also supported so the weight of both hull and snow won't break her back. The bow is also supported on two tires. Altogether the boat is supported at five points. I also placed old tarps underneath the boat so grass etc. doesn't grow up and rot the hull before I can start my work. I spent a few hours putting the tarps on. I placed two cedar poles lengthwise on eitherside of the keel and placed salt on the hull before covering it with the canvas tarp. The poles keep the canvas from touching the boat and allows air to circulate. The reasoning for the salt is that if any rain water should come in contact with the boat, the rainwater/snowmelt will become saltified. Is that a word??? I also placed two layers a plastic tarp over the canvas and have them snug so they don't collect puddles of water. Since I've tarped the boat we've had two days of heavy rain and not a single drop found it's way to the wood.

Robert

[ 10-26-2003, 07:20 PM: Message edited by: nu2wood ]