Help!!! Planking question

[adamt]

I'm new at this so I could really use some opinions...

I have come to own 1973 beetlecat with ½" cedar planking with 1/8" to ¼" gaps between planks…the boat hasn't seen water in 10 years...I have swelled up the planks before and they seem to close up nicely …I am currently refastening all planks below the waterline but I’m not sure what the next steps are…

Should I:

a) swell the planks and then caulk, seal, and paint the bottom.
b) CPES planks inside and out and then swell, caulk, seal and paint
c) swell planks and then CPES, caulk, seal , and paint
d) some other plan

Thanks for any advice...I could really use the guidance.

[Thorne]

First, you may want to contact the various catboat and Beetle Cat associations / websites and ask them the same question.

Second, can you be more specific as to the condition of the boat and planks? Are you refastening them in the same locations, and were the previous ones rotted, split, or ? Do you know who built the boat, or have any photos?

Third, how have you been 'swelling' the planks?

Fourth, although I'm a fan of CPES for some applications, using it on planks that need to take up water seems like it would be a mistake. Most likely you need to stick to traditional caulking materials and procedures for your traditional boat.

I'm sure others will have some good advice -- here is mine:

I assume you have it in a heated shop? Unless you plan on putting her in the water this winter, I'd save any soaking/swelling until just before splashdown in the Spring.

As for the gaps, I suspect you should plan on caulking them loosely, topping off with one of several specially-designed materials that will ooze / squish out between the planks when the boat takes up water after launch.

Let's see what the more experienced folks say...

(You may want to list your location -- click on the "User CP" link in the upper left of the browser window.)

[adamt]

Pictures to follow...

The condition of the planks is generally good. I am using the original screws locations At each fastener removed I drill a new tapered hole one size larger than orgiinal and fasten with the appropriate size screw...I have been getting a good 'bite' on most screws but some have stripped...I have marked each of these and moved on ...I'll need to get back to the stripped ones with a solution later.

two planks are split....I would prefer repairing/ patching them for the time being as steam bending and shaping a new one is a bit daunting to me...I may get to that another season.

I have swelled the planks this past fall by covering with a salt covered carpet and sprinkling with a garden hose for a few days...she took right up and closed the gaps...I was surprised.

I live in Maine and the boat is actually outside under a tarp tent...plenty of air circulation...but cold!!!