Wood boat leak repair needed: Central Ill.

[W_Guy]

HI, Is there anyone near Central Illinois who would care to undertake a repair of a leaky 1960 Thompson Sea Coaster? The boat is all original and in very good condition but leaks badly. I'd be surprised if any rot is there, but it certainly needs re-caulking along the keel and maybe the transom. It's currently in storage in Loda, IL on a trailer. It's never had any previous repair work done to it so there shouldn't be any "bubba" surprises to deal with. I'm looking for a good repair - not a restoration. Mod EDIT: Please let me know if you can recommend someone I can contact. Thanks Verne

 

[Woodonglass]

Is there some reason why you don't DIY this repair???

 

[Ned L]

I have no idea on who to recommend out your way, and could only do the same "google" searching that you can. ...... However, I can help out with evaluating the plan that someone may present to you.
Lapstrake boats are really built with no "caulking". Sometimes 'something' can be helpful as they age, be careful about what people may recommend using.
Your Thompson is plywood planked, so it won't swell and tighten as much as a 'dimensionally' planked boat (solid wood).
You say it leaks mostly along the keel, I'm thinking those fastenings may be brass, which at this age may be getting tired. It may help a lot to just do a refastening of the garboard and transom. New screws, carefully remove the original ones and replace them with bronze screws, maybe the next size up). I would first pull a random sampling to take a look at them. There is a possibility they just need a tightening and some seam compound.
How long did you have her in the water when she was leaking? If not for at least a day or do she might just need to swell after so long in a barn.

 

[W_Guy]

Is there some reason why you don't DIY this repair???

Because I live 800mi away from the boat.

 

[W_Guy]

I have no idea on who to recommend out your way, and could only do the same "google" searching that you can. ...... However, I can help out with evaluating the plan that someone may present to you.
Lapstrake boats are really built with no "caulking". Sometimes 'something' can be helpful as they age, be careful about what people may recommend using.
Your Thompson is plywood planked, so it won't swell and tighten as much as a 'dimensionally' planked boat (solid wood).
You say it leaks mostly along the keel, I'm thinking those fastenings may be brass, which at this age may be getting tired. It may help a lot to just do a refastening of the garboard and transom. New screws, carefully remove the original ones and replace them with bronze screws, maybe the next size up). I would first pull a random sampling to take a look at them. There is a possibility they just need a tightening and some seam compound.
How long did you have her in the water when she was leaking? If not for at least a day or do she might just need to swell after so long in a barn.

I only had the boat on the water once. The leaking started almost immediately. Had it on the water for about 2 hours and about every 10min, she needed to be bailed.
I'm just guessing the leak is by the keel, but I can't be sure. There is no sign of damage or any previous repairs. After it was back on the trailer, I noticed water draining from the center of the keel. I'm not experienced at these repairs but I've read a lot about people removing planks and adding caulk, then screwing everything back together tightly. I do believe Thompson used some kind of rope or sealer originally and after over 50 years, I'm sure it's pretty dried out and shrunk.

As far as finding out exactly "what" it needs to sure the leaks, I'd leave that up to a qualified person who is willing to undertake the project.
Verne

 

[harleyman1975]

There are some wood boat places in northern IL and Southern WI Fox river is one and Lake Geneva is another. Both have very good reputations.

 

[W_Guy]

Thanks for the reply. If I have to go with a professional, I will, but I'd prefer a hobbyist who's willing to help. Afterall, this isn't a Chris Craft.

 

[harleyman1975]

Just want it done right and not "homeownered to death". I do some work on boats (own a body shop) and am sure we'd be able to do the job but I am in Northern MN. It is going to be a by the hour kind of job. I would plan on spending between $2000-$3000 IF problem is simply refastening bottom planking. If you find rotten wood that is a whole new can of beans.

 

[sphelps]

Beautiful boat ! Hope you get the leak fixed !

 

[W_Guy]

Thank you. I like it very much. It's also GREAT on the water. Handles like a dream. I just can't afford more to fix the leak than I paid for the whole package.

 

[mickyryan]

id be willing to almost bet it needs to swell back up do you have someplace you could sink just enough to swell it back up? or leave in the water for about 2 weeks or so if it don't stop its not going to . we used to raise bilge pump about 4 " and let water soak boards back when we built wooden boats for crabbing , it worked they would swell and very little leaking after that

 

[W_Guy]

Nope. No place for it to sit and swell.

 

[mickyryan]

try filling bilge with water? soaking from inside out? at least you would be able to verify where leak is if nothing else

 

[W_Guy]

BUMP.
Mod EDIT: solicitation not permitted
Verne

 

[jbcurt00]

W_Guy

Please simply ask if members know someone who might be interested, otherwise it's solicitation, esp when you add: Not for free.

Thanks and good luck. It's getting to be the time of year when many have already committed to their own or someone elses project.