1959 Dowty Turbocraft Possible Resto

[mmd5]

Hello all - Looking for input / suggestions on a possible project I've dug up. It's a 1959 (I believe - maybe a '60) Dowty Turbocraft, very simlar to a Buehler Turbocraft. I'm at the evaluation stage right now, but I'd really like to attempt this resto. I'm really more of an engine guy and only done limited glass work before (lot's of reading on this forum and others on it though) and it's going to need a bunch.

I've removed all the hardware, controls and engine. I peeled out the rotted deck and will have to redo the transom. My questions are as follows:

1. How should I clean the stringers to accept a new, glassed plywood floor

2. Should I glass both sides of the plywood (I was going to use 1/2" dried pressure treated)

3. I was going to install aluminum or steel engine mounting plates on the stringer - the engine slightly compressed the previous 1/2" plywood base

Any other suggestions are welcome

 

[bigredinohio]

Re: 1959 Dowty Turbocraft Possible Resto

Hello all - Looking for input / suggestions on a possible project I've dug up. It's a 1959 (I believe - maybe a '60) Dowty Turbocraft, very simlar to a Buehler Turbocraft. I'm at the evaluation stage right now, but I'd really like to attempt this resto. I'm really more of an engine guy and only done limited glass work before (lot's of reading on this forum and others on it though) and it's going to need a bunch.

I've removed all the hardware, controls and engine. I peeled out the rotted deck and will have to redo the transom. My questions are as follows:

1. How should I clean the stringers to accept a new, glassed plywood floor

2. Should I glass both sides of the plywood (I was going to use 1/2" dried pressure treated)

3. I was going to install aluminum or steel engine mounting plates on the stringer - the engine slightly compressed the previous 1/2" plywood base

Any other suggestions are welcome

Nice little project...

#1 - Remove all the existing stringers then grind the areas smooth (I go back over the area with a sanding disk to clean up the grinding for a nice smooth surface. Just be careful and don't put holes into the hull. Go slow and steady.

#2 - Yes, glass both sides...treated can and will rot eventually and glassing both sides will help extend the life of the wood.

 

[Shully]

Re: 1959 Dowty Turbocraft Possible Resto

How are you making out with this project. I have done several stringer retros and have built from scratch. Would like to see how it's going.

 

[mmd5]

Re: 1959 Dowty Turbocraft Possible Resto



I like all my projects, they take more time than they should. I re-enforced the stringers, installed a new transom, new deck and coated it with white polyurethane (Line X)

 

[mmd5]

Re: 1959 Dowty Turbocraft Possible Resto

I stripped and prepped the bottom using west system epoxy and sprayed with interlux 2 part epoxy. Turned out better than I expected.