40' 1955 fisheries patrol boat rebuild

[pontosquantos]

Hello,
I have taken the plunge into the wooden boat zone.. I am going to re-configure the interior to use as a live aboard and try to restore as much of the exterior as possible. My first order is to deal with leaking decks. I was told that the best way is to just fiberglass over the existing fir planks. I'm worried that if I do that then I will have to redo it in 5 years or so.. is it better to tear out the old deck and starting fresh?
thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[eggs712]

Really cool boat there, I'll be tagging along.

 

[jbcurt00]

Ned L is likely to be a valuable resource for rehabbing a big ole wooden boat.

His rebuild
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat-...shed-sept-2017

FYI: Ned's in the running for the Resto Forum's Splash of the Year
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat-...ination-thread

good luck w your project

 

[oldrem]

Looks like a neat old boat. Should be a fun project to watch.

 

[Ned L]

Hello,.... nice looking boat. Where are you located? Given the boat and what I see in the background Id guess the PNW. There are lots of good resources out there to keep you from going too far astray.

As for my first though, I dont know who suggested you glass the existing decks as they stand, but I would cross them off as someone I would ask for any advise. There are a variety of things that could be done for leaking decks and some could involve the use of glass, but not directly over the existing.​

Where are the leaks? What is the condition of the planking? How close are they to the original thickness? How are the fastenings? How is the cotton? When did they last have some proper attention? What is the seam compound on top of the cotton? (Looks like it may be proper & traditional Jefferys marine glue.)

Ill leave it at that for starters​

 

[sphelps]

Oh boy this is gunna be cool! Tagging along ! op2:

 

[pontosquantos]

Yes I am in Vancouver. The deck seems to be leaking down the inside of the hull. So I did a little exploring ... the fir deck planks are about 1/2" thick and have no cotton between the seams, just caulking. it looks like stainless steel fasteners. I took a hammer and sounded each deck plank and found most of it to be solid. this spot is the worst spot it is at the stern port side. the rot seems to be in this one area. I'm not sure what the blue stuff is under the planks. it doesn't seem right ???

 

[Ned L]

Hmmmm,..... It appears that my post above disappeared. Oh well, you pretty much answered my questions (between what you wrote and the pictures.

Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing???? Is that some sort of plastic membrane under the planking?

And yep, only 1/2" thick with those seams you couldn't have cotton.

What do you see when you look up under the decks from below? (Any chance plywood??)

I'll start by making a wild guess that the decks were replaced with sort of a 'composite' construction(???) Maybe plywood sub deck, that plastic membrane as a water barrier in case of leaks, and then the 1/2 fir planks fastened on top. The problem I see with this is that when a seam starts to let go a bit and lets water in, the water creeps along between the plastic and the fir and you end up with what you have.

I have my ideas, but I will wait to hear what you say you see from underneath.

 

[jbcurt00]

Ned L recovered your post. Not sure what happened.

 

[Bayou Dave]

I'll be tagging along.

 

[Ned L]

Ned L recovered your post. Not sure what happened.

Thank you.

 

[sogood]

That boat is a thing of such classic beauty. I don't know boats per se, but I know what I like and I really like that. Don't know why but I thought of The African Queen when I saw it. I'll be following along with great interest and thanks for sharing.

 

[pontosquantos]

You are right Ned. As you can see nothing but plywood. It seems to me that this whole back deck and transom were rebuilt not too long ago..

 

[Ned L]

I would definitely consult a knowledgeable boat carpenter in the area who will be able to really figure out how she is put together and figure out where the problems are so that you can make a correct informed decision about what you want to do.

Things look quite good from below. there are a couple of areas that should have some looking done, but really pretty good looking.

If it were me, ........... I think the current solution may continue to be problematic for you. Pretty yes, but not a construction that was put together with a long life in mind. At this point I think I'd be inclined to forgo the attractive look of the current deck and go for long lived practicality. I would probably remove all the deck hardware, remove all of the 1/2" fir planking and plastic sheeting, make any necessary repairs, lay another layer of 1/2" ACX plywood to get back to the proper surface, and finally lay a layer of Dynel set in epoxy. That will give you a leak proof deck with a very traditional and appropriate canvassed deck look.
A big job, yes, but it will give you a tight deck that won't cause continuing problems. In this situation I really don't think any sort of planked deck (being 1/2" is all you can lay down) has much chance of long term success. You need to keep the fresh rain water from getting down inside the hull.

Those are my thoughts from about 3000 miles away, and again I'd consult some knowledgeable people in the area. There are a number of retired Parks Service boats out there. They seem to be quite highly regarded and worthy of proper care and maintenance.

Please keep us posted on your plans and progress. She looks like a great boat and very comfortable for a live-aboard.

 

[Mikeopsycho]

Cool project! I'll be tagging along for sure. Is this a BC built boat? Do you know her history?

 

[pontosquantos]

Thanks for your thoughts Ned. I am on the same page as you with this, I'm not attached to the look of the planked deck or the maintaining of them. Removing the planks and going with a more traditional canvas look would bring it more inline with what it would have originally looked like.

 

[pontosquantos]

Thanks to everyone for the interest in my project. This boat was built for the department of fisheries by star shipyards in New Westminster B.C. it was in service as a fisheries patrol boat on the Fraser river from 1955 to 1987. it was purchased by the previous owners from the government in 1987. they owned it until I bought it last month.. I must admit that I am not as gifted as Ned when it comes to the fine art of boat building as this is my first wooden boat.. I am open to your ideas comments and thoughts.
thanks again

 

[Teamster]

I think I have to follow along,................

 

[Watermann]

Wow super cool choice for a wood boat restoration, not many of them left I'd bet.

 

[kcassells]

Well if Watermann is on board so am I! Nice pc. of history. Looking forward to the rehab.
Welcome aboard. Dig that boat.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!