Ash and Epoxy or White Oak and Green Death?

[Ron Williamson]

We are currently reframing Maleo's cockpit.We plan to replace all of it and build proper watertight hatches.I know that the oak is naturally more rot resistant,but the ash is more epoxy compatible.I can apply wood preservative to the oak,but it stinks,and will be exposed/vented to the cabin.
All the material is available within minutes.
What say ye?
R

[Dave Hadfield]

You have white oak handy Ron? I think I'd use that. Why not just paint it?

BTW, are we talking about the blue trawler I saw last year in Big Tub -- sorry I don't recall her name? I wouldn't have thought she needed that much replacement.

I had glass and epoxy lift from the ash external chine strips of my Elegant Punt. Admittedly it's where it turns the corner, but it surprised me.

[Ron Williamson]

Yes, that would be the one.You mustn't have looked too closely,as the cockpit floor was pretty spongy(though well painted).It couldn't be original,because it was so poorly done.The guy used 3/4" spruce subfloor and coated it with polyester resin.They cut a flush hatch into it,that merely sat on the beams,and collected most of the rainwater into the bilge :( This is quite an effective method if you want rotted framing.
We were going to be using epoxy on the cockpit floor as well as the hatches,and I'm sure that some of it will migrate to the framing.
We'd thought of paint but since it will be difficult to recoat,we didn't want to use any thing that would peel.Maybe something soft with mildew/fungicide in it.
Ah well,no boats today,as I have to get a grip on my bathroom reno.
R
R

[JimD]

There is an article in Feb 2002 ClassicBoat magazine about shoring up the frames of a 95 year old cutter after taking some damage on an Atlantic crossing. If I recall correctly the article says the chosen boatyard said they have successfully epoxied white oak and the cutter was being sister framed that way.