decking caulk

[Rusty]

I understand that the only stupid question, is one that was not asked. On Mahogany boat decks, between the decking strips, is a white material. I asume that it is a caulk of some kind, but it looks like varnish, or other clear coats go over it, so it must harden, and be sandable. What is this material, and where do I buy it. Thank you one and all.

[Bob Cleek]

It's "stopping compound," or most likely, more accurately, simply putty. Laid (planked) decks made of teak, fir or cedar are generally left bare. All planked decks are caulked just as are hull planks, or used to be. Today, there are various systems which may also produce a deck that looks traditionally planked, but may only be a veneer over plywood. Either way, the caulking grooves into which the cotton is hammered are finished off flush with the deck surface with a filling of either white putty or, originally, tar. Tar, or now various black polysufide sealants are used on bare decks. Varnished deck seams are filled with white putty or other sealants made for the purpose. At this point, the color difference is basically traditional. In the good old days, you couldn't get varnish to stick to tar, so a varnished deck had puttied seams. Today, you can't get varnish to stick to polysulfide no matter what color it is.

There, you have it! Good question.

[Gary Bergman]

Available in both one and two part systems, a favorite on several schooners recaulking locally seems to be a one part product by TDS (teak decking system)

[Duncan Low]

Rusty, I have a mahogany runabout and there is caulking in the seams. There seem to be two thoughts on the matter as to how to approach it: 1-Put the mahogany colored Sikaflex 291LOT in the seam and then white pinstrip the caulking. 2- Make sure the seam is the width you want and use either the Sikaflex 291LOT white or the white Boatlife Life caulk. I don't know which one gives you the shine on the surface. For that answer, check with Jamestown Distributors at 800-423-0030. Hope that helps.

[Rusty]

Thank you very much. I am, again ready to step into the unknown and start to plank the deck, and putty the seams. Your help, as always, very much appreciated.

[Rusty]

I noticed that you all live in CA. The boat that I'm restoring, is a 1956 FAIR SHIPS by Vern Marine enterprises. Out of Long Beach CA. Model number 12, serial number 3312. Would any of you know anything about this company?

[John Gearing]

Bob C...nice to see you back on the forum. I've been away for some time myself. Didja get that Dyarchy? Ever hear from Bob Miller?