Selecting a Restoration Project?

[Nartker]

I have found an old wooden row boat, manufactured in the Lac du Flambeau area of WI.

It has seen some abuse, but the ribbings seem to be in good shape. The planking has been allowed to dry out, and as a result there is a thick, badly done coat of fiberglass on it to keep it water tight.

The lines are good, and it rows well, but the added weight of the fiber glass affects its handling.

Wood this be a good first project? any words of caution or direction?

Nartker@AOL.com

[cs]

We need some photos. Just off the top of my head I would say first thing is to remove the glass and deterimne the shape of the wood beneath. I think I would give it a shot, but than again I'm a sucker for lost causes.

But than again we need photos.

Chad

[Mr. Know It All]

A small rowboat is a better first project than a 40 ft. cruiser. Is it lapstrake construction? Sounds Interesting.Please tell us more and post pictures if you can.
Kevin in Ohio

[Art Read]

Nartker... The first thing that popped into my head when I saw your post's heading was that people don't select restoration projects. The projects always seem to "select" THEM! Sounds like you've been "selected". Gonna start by getting rid of the fiberglass and seeing what's what?

[Dale R. Hamilton]

Nartker- Be damm careful when you grind off the old FG. Many boat builders- including me- have gotten into serious trouble with old FG dust-it is an extreme irritant and it carry's with it all sorts of mold spoor. Wear a tyvek suit, gloves, a particulate respirator and the best eye protection you can find. Also good to do this outside. If you can, tear off as much as will come in your hands, grind what wont.
When its gone, you can shed some of the protection when you smooth and fair the boat. Sounds like a worthy prodject- good luck.

[Concordia..41]

One word: Enjoy!

Depending on your level of skill (which can often be offset by sheer determination) it sounds like you've found a nice first project.

You're off to a good start finding this place. It's an absolute wealth of information via asking questions like you just did or using the search feature.

We've gotten a tremendous amount of good advice and sometimes just much needed encouragement.

Again, enjoy!

[Tim B]

Welcome Nartker!

I strongly agree with the philosophy of if the boat picks you then you have to pick the boat. From the limited description it sounds like a worthwhile and do-able project. You didn't say anything about cost to acquire the boat. Assuming that this becomes mainly a refinishing job - remove fiberglass, minor repairs, refinish, then figure you'll spend $500 on material, tools, and supplies by the time your done.

Like the others have said, "Pictures, give us pictures."

[KimApel]

Before you grind the glass off, try peeling it first; push and pry with a chisel. If it was done with polyester resin (likely) it may peel off, all or in part. It's easier of course, but you still need to protect yourself. The ripping fiberglass releases irritating dust and fibers.

[Todd Bradshaw]

The other problem with grinding glass off is that it takes a pretty powerful machine and a pretty coarse disk. The glass is much more abrasion resistant than most planking, so when the disk finally gets through the glass, the stuff under it is much softer and it's very easy to really chop up the surface or cover the entire outside with hollows and dents. A good heat gun can be a great aid in peeling off the old layers of glass without tearing up the planking. Grinding the stuff off should be the last resort.

[videoguy]

Nartker be very carefull thats just how it starts, with a old boat with nice lines. The next thing you know the boats done and people are comming up to you telling you what a nice boat you have.Then youre hooked and before
you know it ,you get another boat . then you find your self forgeting to mow the lawn,or take
out the trash . Before you know it the only thing
you can think of boats boats and more boats .
You are at the top of a slipery slope my friend.
So jump on the slope and slide in the waters fine . Welcome to the club .