Re: thinking of covering my 40 foot wooden boat with some type of covering
Steelespike,<br /><br />I did research prior to buying my boat; I am the type of person that believes in finding what fits me and keep it, maintaining it and every so often investing in it breathing extended life into it. I spent time at the boat repair yards here on the Gulf coast doing research and surprising found as many glass boats with rot and hull problems as wooden boats. The old times that work on those boats told me that glass does not equal no problems (long term) but does equal less upkeep (long term). Bottom line, those guys at the repair yards that had been around big boats for many years pointed me toward a wooden boat, provided I was committed to upkeep. Those same old timers are against covering a wooden boat with glass. I got no help from them regarding covering a wooden boat, thus this question to this forum. <br /><br />Hawkeye1<br /><br />Thanks for information, it is good to know that glassing over is being done in the Carolinas, and works. Do you know if they fasten the glass to the boat? The process I am aware of fastens glass matting to the boat with nails, staples, whatever works. Next resin is applied to the mat. Next fiberglass fabric is applied over the matting, fastened, and the process repeated until the desired thickness is achieved. What I was hoping to discover is a product that sprays on or is applied directly to the wood that could replace the glass matting and fabric. I would be interested in more details on how they do it in the Carolinas. I am planning to take a trip to Savanna Georgia in Jun and can ask around at that time.<br /><br />Capt. Bob<br /><br />You helped me address the question I have been tolling with these past few months. As she sits out of the water on land, I covered 80% of the boat with tarps. When a Texas size rain happens, 7 -12 inches in one day, she fills up with about 4 gallons of rain water. I suck out the water with a shop. If I were to add salt to hull, would this address my immediate concern of standing water in the hull? Could I add salt and let the water stand?<br /><br />Also, you are dead on regarding fresh water leaks. I have rain water coming in around windows and decks seams. I do not yet have rot but water gets in the boat. <br /><br />Hawkeye1<br /><br />Thanks for the boric acid tip, at this time, I do not have rot problems, I do get rain in but shop vac it out to keep her dry.<br /><br />BillP<br /><br />I have read and own the book "Covering Wooden Boats With Fiberglass" by Allen Viatses, this book is what triggered my question about covering a wooden boat with glass. The concept in the book makes sense and I have bought into the idea. What I am looking for is someone like you; you actually covered 2 boats 20+ years ago. When you covered your boats, did you fasten the glass to the wood? I would really appreciate more information on what steps you took. <br /><br />All,<br /><br />After much thought on the subject, my plan of attack is as follows. I have a 1961 31 foot Christ Craft Constellation that requires some rot and needs to have wood replaced and basically a total overhaul from top to bottom. I have no love for this boat and plan on bringing her back to original specifications. I will use the 31 foot as a run about and the Owens as a live aboard. I will make a decision regarding the Owens after working on the Constellation. Bottom line: wood all the way for the Constellation and a to-be-determined on the Owens.<br /><br />Thanks
