cutting cap on my boat

[tbird175]

I am planning to cut the cap on my 1969 model Cathedral hull Thunderbird to repair the transom (outboard). My question is should I cut through the rubail or try to remove it. I have doubts of being able to remove the entire rubrail without destroying it. I don't see a problem with removing the short piece that would be on the section of cap that I would be removing. I welcome any suggestions or comments.

 

[sasto]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

She is more than likely what we called in the boatbuilding industry as a "shoebox" fit. Picture a shoebox as a hull and cap. The rubrail would be on the vertical part of the lid. Screws go through the rubrail, through the cap and into the hull.......most likely.

If this is the case...to do a quality job and save expenses....remove the rubrail.

Stay tuned. Many here to help.

Good Luck!

 

[tbird175]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

My concern is removing the rubber insert in the 44 year old rub ail. Is there a way to soften the rubber to facilitate its removal?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

heat it with a hair dryer or heat gun. If it's to far gone then they do make replacements but...It is pricey. Do NOT cut the cap, remove the rubber and the screws/rivets holding the cap to the hull. Post some pics so we can see what you see.

 

[tbird175]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

I had planned to cut the cap at about where the tie down strap is located. This cap is very heavy, the elevated deck for the bow is apart of it. It would be much simpler to only remove the rear portion of the cap. I do not have a problem maintaining the structural integrity of the cap upon replacement. What are your concerns about cutting the cap?

 

[sasto]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

The problem comes when trying to secure the cap after your repair work is done. The screws going through the rubrail may be the only thing, except some adhesive, that secures the cap to the hull.

That said. I just removed a much older insert.......and much rougher looking than yours......and she went back in.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

Ok I gotcha Now. You mean just cut the back 1/4 section of the cap off in order to get to the transom.

Yeah that's done a lot and will not be that much of an issue. Are you planning on painting or gelcoating? Getting the gel coat to match is and ART that not many people have.

 

[jimbo_jwc]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

You can come and practice on my 1968 Woodson.Im going to cut to two feet above water line fill with Isoboard cut and fiberglass on edge to play with on river . Look what was put on back of transom of mine . Out board clamps just started breaking through inside .

It sure is a nice looking boat, worth the sweat and pride when you complete . Mine was taken down to the ground by a large Pine and home made tarp shoved 11/2 conduit through floor and bottom .

 

[tbird175]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

Yes, this is my plan. I will probably just paint the repaired area for now. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[jimbo_jwc]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

The Boat I put in the picture had the transom repaired and you could see wavering on the outside so they added the aluminum plate for strength of where the motor pushes on the transom You have to click on pic and clickon again to be able see.

 

[tbird175]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

Woodonglass - I can not tell from the photo that you posted last night if you cut the rubrail with the cap or did you remove it first? If I were to remove the rubber insert on the rub rail would cutting the aluminum portion be a problem?

 

[sasto]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

Dang, Wood. Do people actually do this? Looks like alot of work. I'm a builder. You're the (repair) Man.

Maybe somebody can give tbird a diagram of his "deck to hull" joint.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

I would recommendtrying to pull the rubber out on the back 1/4 of the rubrail and drilling out the rivets or screws. I would only cut the rub rail as a last resort.

 

[tbird175]

Re: cutting cap on my boat

Thanks for the good advice. I will try to do it that way.