1969 18' fiberform floor removal

[jhtaylor]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

If this works this view is looking forward:

 

[oops!]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

pic didnt work bud

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

Oops, You're right! I (retired metal fabricator) use airtools for the most part, all the time, especially cutting/grinding/sanding. Just never gave it a thought about electrical tools and water.
Duh! Obviously, don't run water while using your Black and Decker.

On the other hand since water intrusion and rot is the reason for removing the floor to start with. Water is not going to hurt anything at this point. Clean-up and dust clearing with the water hose is much easier and dust free(er) in relation to a shop vac. Just let the crap wash to the bilge and drain it out. Fiber dust clogs up your shop vac filter (and every other tool) in a hurry.
You can try bagging, panty hose, foam, etc. the vac exhaust still blows that fine crap around and you end up with it everywhere, including your lungs and eyes, and that was my main concern.

 

[oops!]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

Oops, You're right! I (retired metal fabricator) use airtools for the most part, all the time, especially cutting/grinding/sanding. Just never gave it a thought about electrical tools and water.
Duh! Obviously, don't run water while using your Black and Decker.

On the other hand since water intrusion and rot is the reason for removing the floor to start with. Water is not going to hurt anything at this point. Clean-up and dust clearing with the water hose is much easier and dust free(er) in relation to a shop vac. Just let the crap wash to the bilge and drain it out. Fiber dust clogs up your shop vac filter (and every other tool) in a hurry.
You can try bagging, panty hose, foam, etc. the vac exhaust still blows that fine crap around and you end up with it everywhere, including your lungs and eyes, and that was my main concern.

yuppers bud....i knew it......but some might not think about it..

glass dust imho is worse than drywall dust.....and grinders throw a lot of it !

nova is raising a fantastic point.......any one that id oing any repair work around fiberglass......read the safety stickey at the top of the forum.

cheers
oops

 

[jhtaylor]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

OK, I think I have this thing figured out: This is the view forward, of course.

 

[jhtaylor]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

That seemed to work so here are some more shots showing the holes I was talking about. In thinking about this it looks like this boat may have been redone at some time in the past and these may be core holes. It looks like a piece of deck may have been replaced.

 

[jhtaylor]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

Now for the last two . . . The first one shows the rear motor mount board laying aside. It is rotted away. The second photo shows rot I dug out near the drain hole. This rot on the transom is about 1/2" deep and then is solid wood. It is solid out beyond where I dug it out. The port stringer, on the right of the second photo has some rot extending about 2: up the stringer.

 

[jhtaylor]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

Last but not least . . . I am sorry to be using up so much space here, but I have to comment on your safety concerns. You are to be highly commended. Fiberglass is glass. If people could see what those tiny little strands do to lung tissue at the microscopic level they would never fool around with it without protection. Electrical safety, ventilation, dust control for yourself and any casual observers, this is great stuff and the best attitude I have encountered anywhere on the internet. I am a Safety Manager at work, and have been one for a couple of decades. Please keep up the great work in keeping us nubs safe.

 

[keepNitreel]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

Last but not least . . . I am sorry to be using up so much space here, but I have to comment on your safety concerns. You are to be highly commended. Fiberglass is glass. If people could see what those tiny little strands do to lung tissue at the microscopic level they would never fool around with it without protection. Electrical safety, ventilation, dust control for yourself and any casual observers, this is great stuff and the best attitude I have encountered anywhere on the internet. I am a Safety Manager at work, and have been one for a couple of decades. Please keep up the great work in keeping us nubs safe.

This is your thread you can post as many times as you want, this thread is all about your project. Also my dad is a safety inspector and I always ask him about the right safety gear for my particular projects.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

JH:
From the looks of it, it does not look like a quick fix. Your are going to have to open her up, explore for damage and replace all the rot. Partial replacement is a waste of time. That is what the last repair was IMHO and it didn't work or was not done right. It looks like the sole has been replaced at some time.
Depending on how much time, energy and money you want to spend it looks like you have a winter project. Good luck.

 

[oops!]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

Last but not least . . . I am sorry to be using up so much space here,

read keepin it real post twice, i boats IS about helping boaters

This is your thread you can post as many times as you want, this thread is all about your project.

the archives hold over 8 years of projects and replys for every question ever asked about a boat......my thread is over 80 pages long with some 2220 ish replys.....dont worry about the space. but if you need to buy somthing....use i boats

JH:
From the looks of it, it does not look like a quick fix. Your are going to have to open her up, explore for damage and replace all the rot. Partial replacement is a waste of time. That is what the last repair was IMHO and it didn't work or was not done right. It looks like the sole has been replaced at some time.
Depending on how much time, energy and money you want to spend it looks like you have a winter project. Good luck.

the above post is totally correct.....you will not stop the rot.....it is a cancer....it needs to be totally removed

but....if you choose to do the restoration, and have a solid, sound boat for next season........we can walk ya right tru it !

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

post removed, wrong thread

 

[92excel]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

I just used some scrap found in Mall store dumpsters.

Dumpster diving goes hand and hand with boat rebuilting.

 

[jhtaylor]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

I appreciate the help . . . This boat is the size and shape I was looking for. The hull is sound. I got it for $150 and figured I would have to go through the whole thing. The outdrive is in good shape. The 225 odd fire V-6 will be completely rebuilt by me. I have limited money but my labor rates are cheap. With your valuable help I should have a great Columbia River Steelhead/Salmon fishing boat by next Fall. I will start the sole removal this weekend. Thank you.

 

[jhtaylor]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

I cut the floor out this past weekend and it was easy based on all the info I got here. All of the wood below deck is rotted so I am glad I did it. Replacing the two full length stringers and the center support does not look complicated at all. Again thanks to advice on this forum. The small detail I missed, although someone surely mentioned it, is how much work it is to strip out the foam. It is saturated for sure and actually splashes at times when I hit it. After the first hour or so of struggle I remembered Oops saying he preferred an adze for stripping foam. I had no idea at the time why anyone would need an adze for removing foam. Well now I know why and I built myself a right smart adze-like tool and the process gained speed. I am about half done with the foam. Whew, what a workout. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[maxum247]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

Where da pictures?

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

Electric chain saw for quick and easy foam removal. Won't hurt the hull, you'll hear it when it touches.

 

[jhtaylor]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

My Brother suggested using some kind of solvent, contact cleaner, or aircraft paint remover to dissolve the foam. I would be afraid of how hard cleanining the goo would be. Has anyone tried a chemical stripper? In the meantime, I will continue to pry the stuff out. I don't own a nice electric chainsaw but would probably sink my project if I tried that one. Thanks . . .

 

[oops!]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

use a pick axe with a 3 inch wide blade on it....swing shallow.....and dont go thru the hull....it will take a few swings to get the right distance.....but when you get going....the foam will be out in a jiffy

 

[racinrc14]

Re: 1969 18' fiberform floor removal

Oops,

I don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but do you recommend replacing his foam, or leave it gone? And if you replace it, what do you replace it with?

Good luck JH, I feel your pain. The folks here are wonderful, and full of knowledge. I'm having engine trouble, and I'm constantly recieving useful advice. Stick with it, and keep the goal in focus, and you'll have great pride when it's finished.