Spruce planking on an X-boat

[chris cox]

:confused: I have an early X-boat built, I believe in 1971. The hull and deck are two layers of thin spruce laminated at right angles, glued and screwed to spruce or pine ribs. The hull is a hard chine shape. The deck is about 1/4" thick and the hull about 3/8". Gaps are opening up between hull planks as large as 1/8" but all seem quite sound and it doesn't leak. The boat is trailered for week-end sailing. Is this a candidate for the wax I have been reading about in this forum or should I glass the bottom of the boat? What about flexible sealants like Geocell or Tremco Mono or Dymonic? It is not leaking but this is not a rot resistant wood, glass might be a bad idea?? Comments appreciated.

[Dave R]

Hey Chris, wish I had answers for you on your X-boat. Hopefully the smart ones will answer soon.

Was your X built by Johnson or Melges? I'd guess Melges by your location.

We have a Johnson X-boat that was built, we're told, in '32. That came from the guy who bought it from Johnson. My in-laws are the second owners. From what I have learned, if it really was built in '32 it makes it one of the first 3 X-boats built in the winter of 32-33. I'd sure like to see how the construction differs. Ours is decked with pine (I think).

[Tim B]

Chris,

There were many, many X Boat builders in the early 70's. If I had to guess, I would think it was a Johnson Boat Works from White Bear Lake in Mn. Reason: double planking. Are you sure about the types of wood used. It should be cedar planking. The frames and other support members may be spruce though.

Glassing the hull may be an option, provided that the boat will forever be trailer sailed. Glassing the hull and leaving the boat in the water for even a week at a time could be just asking for problems. First try to correct the problems using the original building methods. Fill in the planking gaps with a flexible caulk. If you can figure out what was used when the boat was built that would be my choice. White Bear Boat Works (what JBW is currently called) is using 5200 on the wooden scows and X's that they are restoring. Some of the people here in the forum have strong opinions about 5200 and when and where it should be used. I have used it as described above on my scow and don't have complaints, yet. You may want to hear some other opinions first though.

WBBW's has a website at http://www.whitebearboatworks.com

hope this helps,
tim