Running out of summer - filler

[gimmellsmom]

Five weeks until we haul out.. <sniff> although the weather is still holding for the most part. Awesome sail yesterday - did some sanding, then said screw it - good wind, good sun... off we go!

When we stripped the cabin sides, we have a crack where the two pieces of wood that make up the cabin meet. Whats the best way to fill this? Epoxy? Some sort of caulk?

From inside:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3941259495_d8e31fbe7d.jpg

Outside (wet & not yet fully stripped / sanded) :
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/3942029388_1871db87cb.jpg

I've got a few other small spots like this around the cockpit too (more where two pieces meet, around bungs...etc) and was wondering what the best way to deal with this is?

Thanks!
Michelle

[Lew Barrett]

This sort of repair is always troublesome on a wooden boat. You don't just have a gap; they look offset as well. I like permanent fixes as a rule, and I can promise you my suggestion won't be that, but it's the way I'd approach it for now.

I'd use an oil based seam compound and then keep an eye on that junction. Tp me it looks like the lower plank has sucked itself in, either through warping or some other movement. I would not epoxy that seam at this time nor until I figured out how much seasonal movement (or movement under load/stress) that junction is under. Then I might consider a spline depending on what it really looks like up close. The vertical seam with the end grain exposed to weather (or soon to be) obviously needs some sealing too. You have to ask yourself: " what's really going on there?"

Added: The second photo displays a very typical problem with old boats. CAREFULLY clean up the seam and pay it with a good quality and durable decking compound. It would be nice to know that all the wood was dry and in good condition before doing that. The bottom corner looks just a bit wet and funky.

House/deck junctions can be a PITA with old boats.