Help, should I fix this boat

[Kira Decyk]

I was given a boat by a family member and I am trying to find out if this boat is even worth repairing.<br /><br />Here is the deal<br /><br />The boat has been sitting for the better part of the decade unprotected. <br /><br />It is made of plywood, and the majority of the boat is still solid, it probably has dry rot and a few patches of the regular rot. Although honestly I don't know how to assess these things. <br /><br />I was just hoping to strip, sand and epoxy, but based on what I read on this forum, I guess you can not epoxy plywood??<br /><br />Can anything be done for this boat?<br /><br />Kira

 

[Mark42]

Re: Help, should I fix this boat

What type of boat is it. Being all wood, it is probably a major project, involving major effort and major money. Of course, I'm just speculating...

 

[Kira Decyk]

Re: Help, should I fix this boat

I don't actually know what type of boat it is. It is very small. Maybe 10ft long, motor boat.

 

[patuxent]

Re: Help, should I fix this boat

I suppose "worth it" is a relative term. I am fixing up my grandfather's old boat. From a financial stand point its not even close to worth it, but since it was his boat and it's fun project it's "worth it" to me.<br />I read that your boat was given to you by a family member; does that give it sentimental value? If so, that obviously can be a factor in your decision. Is it an exceptionally neat looking or unusual boat? That could be a factor as well.<br />As far as rot goes I have found it's like an iceberg. That tiny soft spot you see is nothing compared to the hideous mass you can't see.<br />If it were me I would drill some exploratory holes to try to determine how bad the rot is. I might even begin to take the boat apart some to see how much work it really needs. Drilling a few holes, taking things apart and looking around is pretty cheap compared to how much you could spend if you tried to restore it and the boat is worse off than you expected. It could be the factor that helps you make the decision.<br />Whatever your decision is keep us posted, and welcome to iboats.

 

[tengals123]

Re: Help, should I fix this boat

I second the above.<br /><br /><br />cheers

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Help, should I fix this boat

get a bic lighter and a pack of hot dogs. Invite the nieghbors for a weiner roast.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Help, should I fix this boat

patuxent hit the nail on the head.

 

[Kira Decyk]

Re: Help, should I fix this boat

I am glad to get this input. The boat does have sentimental value since it was our family boat when I was a child, and I am sure that the restoration would exceed the actual value of the boat. The problem is that I had planned to basically sand the thing and epoxy it but the more I read the more I realize that making this boat float will be a bit of work. <br /><br />I am not afraid of a little work, but I don’t want to rebuild the whole boat. <br /><br />Can anyone recommend a book that might help me to assess the damage and the extent of the work required.