Larson Refurb Project

[jklnhyde]

After much deliberation on what my winter project would consist of, I finally settled on a 1983 Larson DC-25, also known as an 8500. The other boats I had considered (Nova 25, Nova 21) had been mistreated excessively, and would not have been good candidates for a winter project on a budget. The DC-25 is complete and in great shape considering it's age, but I have tons of refurb and improvement goals waiting for her.
One item of importance that I must get to fixing within the next few weeks is the access hatches on the deck. The boat has the usual huge hatch over the engine, another large one over the fuel tank (centered on the keel) and two other rectangular hatches on the port and stbd. deck areas. Only two of the hatches are salvageable (port and fuel tank) and the two others are a soggy, pulpy mess.
The problem is they were all made of wood and the two I still have are starting to flex with my weight on them. (the last thing I need is for one of these things to let go when someone is standing on them!) I would like to get this taken care of because I hate having water below decks and it's hard to walk around the boat when there are huge, open voids every few inches!

Can anyone suggest if marine ply and glass' would work well? What about Starboardr other composite sheets? The engine compartment hatch is huge (42x48), so it would have to be ribbed underneath...

Thanx!

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Larson Refurb Project

For your situation there will be no advantage of using marine ply over exterior ply. The decision involves the finish of the wood. If you are going to leave it bright (wood, stain, and varnish) go marine because you can get nice veneers. If it is going to be painted use high quality ext. ply. If you can't find quality, they just get some bondo and fill in the cracks and voids to get a smooth surface.

I also think glass is over the top here. Unless you are going to be constantly walking on this piece, I would forgo the glass. Just coat the entire thing in whatever you choose (paint, varnish, etc). You can use epoxy, but once again I think that is over kill. You make get 26yrs instead of 25yrs. Wood needs moisture to rot, a good coat of paint will protect the wood just as good as epoxy will, just make sure you cover everything, especially end grain.

Finally, I would also reconsider the starboard unless you have uber funds to spend on this project. Starboard is 3~4 times the cost of marine ply. If you can spend the money, you will never have to worry about the material.

If you maintain the coatings most ext ply will last a long time. Just be vigilant, seal any screw holes and penetrations and the ply will last a long time!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Larson Refurb Project

I think you defenitally need to cover the wood with a layer of glass. Probably go with a vinylester resin, it has better water permiation properties than regular polyester, and the price is the same. Epoxy is not going to buy you much in an "above water line" application. Plus you will save $$$$ on the cost of fairing materials, and you can roll, brush or spray on gel coat as the finish, something that can't be done with epoxy.

I would not just paint the wood, that will just not hold up to a marine environment for long, and you will have scraping, sanding and more painting in your future. Gel coat will last 20 years or more if protected by regular waxings with a uv protecting wax.

The most practical and cost effective method is to go to a lumber yard and see what grades of pressure treated wood they have available. That or exterior CDX will work.

If you want to spend the money, starboard will work too. It will also need to be supported because it is not as strong as plywood.

A single layer of 1708 bi ax will more than protect the wood from the riggors of being walked on, plus the gel coat layer will keep it looking good.

 

[djracer]

Re: Larson Refurb Project

hi I have the same boat and it has regular plywood that has been painted white
the woos is 3 years old now and it is still in great shape.
don't wast your money just paint it.
I would love to see some pics of your boat.
my email is EDIT