How Much Swell Should I Expect???

[palvo pal]

Hello - thanks in advance for any contribution on this subject. I inherited a small century runabout from the early 1960's. My uncle was always sending the boat out for refurbishment and I know he spent at least $15K on various things, mostly the wood itself and most of the work was done about 10 years ago. It has been in a garage and has not seen water in at least 10 years, maybe more. So here is my question: The side planks have about an eighth of an inch between then and the bottom planks have smaller gaps like a hairline. Is this a normal amount of gap? Will the swelling take care of it? If I want to sell this boat, would potential buyers want to see it swollen? Should I swell it and what would be the best way? Regards!!!

[Tom Hunter]

Getting it wet will help, are you in a dry climate?

Don't fill the hull with water, the weight will stress the hull. Putting in a little bit is ok, but not more than a few inches, and if fyou do make sure the boat has plenty of support.

Wet blankets can help as well, especially for the sides of the boat.

Swell it some and at least part of the problem will go away, maybe all of it.

Pics? your location? both will help the forum answer your question

[palvo pal]

no pics yet, boat is in the midwest

[Thorne]

I'd say get a survey from someone who knows wooden boats, but either sell it as-is or completely ready to sail -- the latter will involve a lot more $$ and time but be unlikely to really pay off.

What you don't want to do is try anything cheap 'n cheerful (like caulking with 5200 or fiberglassing the hull) to prep it for sale that actually reduces the value or causes problems for later owners.