Fiberglass over strip planked hull?

[sailmed]

Looking at a boat described as strip planked construction, covered with fiberglass, the entire hull glassed over with West System. Is this "kosher" or is it a practice to be avoided?
Maybe you all can save me from a big mistake, or not?

[JimConlin]

It can be good practice.

It's used in boats ranging from 25 lb. cedar strip canoes to the 130' plus extravaganzas by Hodgdon Bros. Antonisa (http://www.bkyd.com/antonisaD.jpg)

The concept is of a sandwich panel in which a core consisting of edge-glued wood strips is sealed, protected and reinforced by fiberglass-epoxy skins on both sides. If done well, it can produce hulls which are structurally sound and long-lived. If done badly, you get some expensive junk.

[Zane Lewis]

What sort of strip planking?
Is it epoxy sealed strip plank or the slightly older edge nailed and riveted to ribs with red lead(or simalar) between each plank

Most glued and sealed strip plank or coldmolded hulls should have some sort of fabric cover to strengthen the outer shell to help keep water out. (Protect from abrasions and small knocks such as dingy's fuel docks etc)

If the hull is of the older style nailed and riveted construction then there may be some issues with a glass skin.
We had an H28 of this style and when the rocks got her the construction proved to be very strong. I don't think a glass skin would have stayed on as the wood moisture levels did change. When she was on the hard we conld see moisture beads coming though the paint.

http://www.woodenboat.net.nz/Boats/boatmischief/boatmischief.html
Scroll though to the last 1/3 for the damage pics

[ 05-28-2003, 04:29 PM: Message edited by: Zane Lewis ]

[Capt.Pepe]

I have a strip planked sloop ( a spray 22).
When I purchased her she was covered with glass from the waterline down.
I did some research on this type of construction and was surprised to learn that this is the norm for this type of construction.
Now the bad news - Her sheathing had pulled away from her hull in spots( large spots ) and she had carried pockets of fresh water in her which caused extensive rot.
I have since stripped all of her glass off and replaced all of her bad planks and ribs and stem.
This was how I spent my summer vacation last year-
not a fun time but a great learning experience.
The good news - she is sound again and starting today I will be glassing her again with 2 layers.
The bottom line is to have her checked out very carefully- know what her condition is under the glass. You don't want any surprises after you have bought her.
Capt. Pepe