Re: Removing my deck
I am sorry if this is a repeat of a previous thread, but when I start removing my deck, what tools would be helpful? Should I cut out a small circle with one of those 2" diameter cutting bits? After that, should i use a sawsall or a circular saw set shallow?
Just start with the circular saw, set to cut through the glass and wood.. try not to cut any deeper, and be aware you may hit the odd staple or nail. Removing deck sections is easy if you separate off the glass from the wood first.. it adds a ton of strength. The wood may splinter off if you wiggle it, but the glass won't.
Get a good 4 1/2 inch grinder, a cheap one, with a metal cutting fiber disk or three. It'll cut in small spaces better than the circ saw, but the fiberglass powder will probably kill it eventually unless you blow it clean regularly.
I also recommend a good crow bar/pry bar, a reciprocating saw with a good bi-metal blade, and a comfortable pair of goggles or full face shield. Also a respirator mask good enough to filter particulates, and maybe some ear protection. Recommend coveralls or a disposable suit to prevent itching.
Also lots of bags for trash. Tearing out the deck in a 17 footer is going to yield maybe 10-12 30 gallon bags of foam, wood, and fiberglass. More for the rest of the work.
Plan on a complete deck, stringer, foam and possibly transom replacement. But not sure where to go after I remove the top from the hull. Also is that expanding foam from a can the stuff I should use between the new stringers?
No. You need to get expanding polyurethane closed-cell foam, which is sold here at iboats and elsewhere in liquid 2 part form. You can get several varieties, but if you're looking just for floatation, the 2 lb per cubic foot stuff will work, and it's cheaper than the 4, 8, or 16.
After you remove the top cap, be sure the hull is well supported on blocks or a bunk trailer.. if you remove the stringers inside there's a chance of it twisting if it's unevenly supported. If it's blocked up well, then I'd remove the deck, foam, stringers, transom inside skin, transom core, then rebuild in reverse order.
I really need alot of help, but I am very gung-ho about this project. I grew up riding in boats in northern Wisconsin, but I know nothing about renovation or the maintenance needs. Want to get my Rinker V170 with that Johnson 135 ready by next summer so I can take my daughters boating. I am sure they would have a great time. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jason
Next summer meaning 2009? Be realistic about your schedule if you're planning all that, so you won't get frustrated and quit. For a 17 footer expect to need quite a bit of time, assuming you have all your supplies on hand when you need them. Don't let the repair job become a death march trying to get done by a certain date, unless you're retired (really retired, not like Don here
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Welcome to Iboats. Post pics of your progress so we can offer advice and gain inspiration
Erik
