1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

Hi Chuck.

I didn't take any photos of the process, sorry. Typically you would to do the repair differently by trying to bond to the inner skin. I found it just not feasable. There is alot of wood in the keel. About 3 inches in that area and multipul layers of roving, a mahogany board and more layers of roving on the inside. First I made sure the wood was in good shape, which it was. I ground off the gelcoat 12" on each side and the ends. I used epoxy and biaxil for the repair. My first layer was 7" which gave me 3" up each side. The 2nd layer overlapped the first by going up the side 6". The 3rd layer went up 12" on each side. Using a bubble roller I had no problem keeping the layers intact with no sagging.

I've had extensive expierence in building boats but not so much in repairing. I have a few friends that are experts in this field and all gave me the recommended layup process. My trailer was the culprit. I have beached her many times since and all is well.

Good Luck, I hope you enjoy yours as much as we enjoy ours. A friend of mine just returned from the Abaco, Bahamas and noted he saw 3 of these old timers there used everyday.

 

[chuck in WA]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

Thanks very much for the description, very helpful. Glad to hear the cloth was able to stick in place without sagging while the resin cured - perhaps my air bladder idea IS over thinking things a bit. Do you remember which brand of resin you used, by chance? I hear there's a variance in viscosity between a few. I have seen a resin for sale at the local marine supply which claims to be specifically formulated for inverted repairs, but it's a polyester resin - not an epoxy like I hope to use.

Also, did you end up filling the void with the epoxy/cabosil mix you described on page 1 of this thread after grinding out the old wood (before putting the 3 cloth layers over the top)? Did it work well?

My only fiberglassing experience to date is on a kayak I built a few years ago (fiberglass over wood), but I didn't have to worry too much about sagging, as I could just turn it upside down and let gravity hold things in place. I used MAS epoxy on it, which I was happy with, but I'm unsure how it would have performed if inverted while "green" - it was relatively runny stuff.

Thanks again

 

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

I highly reccommend epoxy, Chuck. Easier to work with and much stronger than poly. I used West Sysyem Epoxy. We jammed a pick thru the wood to check for moisture, then we filled it with an epoxy/cabosil putty. I applied the first layer of glass on before the putty kicked. This enabled me to somewhat fair it out without grinding.

Mind you, the bottom of her has about 10 coats of old bottom paint, which is rough. I was in no way worried about a cosmetically perfect job at this time. I was more interested in structural integrity than anything else.

You may want to start a thread on your project an you will recieve many ideas other than mine... if you wish. I would like to see more pics of your boat also.

Good Luck!

 

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

Sasto, About your blower. I am told there are blowers intended to run constantly in engine rooms that need forced ventilation. However the common bilge blowers you find (inline and otherwise) at west marine and boaters world wont hold up very long under constant use. So buy a quality constant run type blower. OR put a big badge on your dash that says REMEMBER TO RUN YOUR BLOWER BEFORE STARTING ENGINE BONEHEAD The bonehead part is their so your Admiral wont have to say it when you forget.

Have a good one
drewp

Thanks, drewp, I didn't think about that. (Blower will have to run constantly while running.) I don't want that. I thought I was on to something. I like the simple idea of a sign till it becomes a habit. Maybe a big red key chain that says "BLOWER". I am getting better at it, but not good enough. My memory is not as good as it was a couple years ago. Only takes one time to forget.

You have a good one too!

 

[chuck in WA]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration



Thanks again Sasto. Here are a few more pics. I sent you a PM, but at the end of the message couldn't find a way to attach photos, so apologies to everyone here for the thread hijack.

 

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

No problem to me, Chuck.

Good luck with her. She is very simular to mine. We use her quite frequently and she makes a good fishing machine. Shallow draft, large cockpit, and a flybridge for spotting fish. Alot of boat for only 23'. Fuel milage is awful, but we don't have to go far. Sometimes only 100 yards from the lift I now have her on.

I have been busy for a few weeks now and have been unable to take her out. I lowered her last night and found the batteries to be dead. I didn't pull the plug on her because I have some oil in the bilge from an earlier leak. I'm going to have to do some troubleshooting and get the bilge cleaned up this weekend.

 

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

I'm in need of a captain/mechanic on my boat. I've been neglecting her. I check the fluids, filters, etc before every trip. I carry duct tape in the engine compartment.

Finally replaced these exhaust hoses. We were on the verge of some big problems :facepalm:.

A good friend gave me a small truck load of mahogany. I have enough planking to do the cabin sole. Going to make new drawers and locker doors. I'm not much of a woodworker, but have a couple friends that build high end Sportfishers willing to lend a hand. I can only imagine what she will look like soon!





View attachment 106575View attachment 106576

 

[erwinner]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

Been lurkin' your threads and really like this boat, not to mention the Chris-Craft you captain!
How's the Baccala doing?

 

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

Been lurkin' your threads and really like this boat, not to mention the Chris-Craft you captain!
How's the Baccala doing?

She is doing very well, erwinner. Thanks for asking. I just installed a planked mahogany sole in the cabin. We have been running the heck out of her and she has made for a great fishing machine in the river. I'll post some pics soon.

Have a good day!

 

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

The mahogany sole unfinished. She needs sealed and a few more pieces added outboard to fit. I have this area that had a material glued on it. These bulkheads were laid up with woven roven and I faired them in. Now the lady dosen't like it. What would you do with this white area to make it more appealing?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

Love the mahogany!!! The White has to go!!! What is it? Paint, Gelcoat?? They make vinyl plank flooring now that looks pretty darn close to wood. You might lay some over it. Would not cost much to do it.

http://www.armstrong.com/flooring/l...y-resilient-vinyl-tile-A6839/floor-117528.asp

 

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

I think all those photos were reposted throughout the thread.


The 318 runs like a champ. We put over 150 hrs on her in less than a year. And yes I did replace those exhaust hoses....you know.....the ones with duct tape on them.

 

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

Love the mahogany!!! The White has to go!!! What is it? Paint, Gelcoat?? They make vinyl plank flooring now that looks pretty darn close to wood. You might lay some over it. Would not cost much to do it.

http://www.armstrong.com/flooring/l...y-resilient-vinyl-tile-A6839/floor-117528.asp

Yup, woodonglass, white gotta go. I have more mahogany and could do it in more planking, but not sure if it would be appropriate. I faired it out and probably used Rustoleum. Maybe a solid color....or how about mahogany formica. I'm not good at woodworking, so simple is good.

I don't know how many hours I have on that sole...:facepalm:

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

Hey that vinyl plank is EASY to put down. It's about 3/16" thick by 21/2" wide. Snaps together. You could lay that area in a couple of hours. Wish I was closer, I'd come and help ya!!!

 

[oops!]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

thanks for reposting the album sasto....geez....im sorry i missed this thread when you were doing the keel......but it sounds like your boat building buds got you covered.

as far as the white.....i was going to say rug it......but you would not be able to hide the edges........formica is a good idea....

i go to a local supplier and get broken pieces for free.....i just wait till i get what i want.....they are usually 4x8 or 5x10 sections with broken corners.

i kinds skipped out of going to the boat to read this.....

The boat is fantastic.....really pretty.....the pics of the boat in the storm on the dock were kinda scary....those look like 3-5 footers rolling in there.

i hope the Admiral loves the boat.....even with the white !

gotta run to the house boat now. lol....im late....gonna miss working hours in the sunlight unless i put the puter down.....lol

cheers sasto
thanks
oops

 

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

Hey that vinyl plank is EASY to put down. It's about 3/16" thick by 21/2" wide. Snaps together. You could lay that area in a couple of hours. Wish I was closer, I'd come and help ya!!!

Do you think planking would look good on those bulkheads? Here is another view. I made that drawer face out of a piece of mahogany house trim. Needs some sanding and finishing. Pardon the filthyness, we were out fishing all day.

I have some Rustoleum Urathane I plan on using to seal the sole. Any thoughts?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

I sure do!!!! The more wood the better. When you but the varnish or poly to it it will look AWESOME!!!

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

I keep forgetting there are States in the U.S. where you can leave your boat in the water year-round. Man that must be nice!

I kinda like the old wood look. That's genuine patina! It's not supposed to look like a 2011 boat. That's what's cool about it.

 

[oops!]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

lol sasto.......i just checked the times of our posts.....you were posting pics at the same time i was commenting

 

[sasto]

Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

I sure do!!!! The more wood the better. When you but the varnish or poly to it it will look AWESOME!!!

My lady thinks the same, woodonglass. If I had my way the whole interior would be gelcoat. I'll get after it!

I keep forgetting there are States in the U.S. where you can leave your boat in the water year-round. Man that must be nice!

I kinda like the old wood look. That's genuine patina! It's not supposed to look like a 2011 boat. That's what's cool about it.

Boating is my life and love, Luhrs. Don't think I could live anywhere else.....except maybe further south.

Patina? Never thought of it that way. Sounds better. I have no desire to make her look new, just make the Lady happy. All I care about is the running gear and the need for fish blood in the cockpit. The Lady just loves her, she is one of a kind around here. I (wood) like the interior to have a clean look to her. Best time of the year to be on the hook for the night.

lol sasto.......i just checked the times of our posts.....you were posting pics at the same time i was commenting

Yeh....but you were right about some photos from the album being unaccessable, oops!

Hope you all have a good day and always thanking for the comments.