Hull seams on old Lightning

[Gerhard]

Hi All,

I was looking for an inexpensive day sailor for casual sailing and for my intro to wooden boats. I found an old pre-war Lightning for sale. Sounds like the owner has done a lot of work to the hull but some deck work remains...something for me to learn (I haven't seen the boat yet).

My concern is that 3M-5200 was used for the hull seams (and apparently screw holes). From what I have read in the archives, what the owner has told me, and my knowledge of 5200, it seems like this should work fine EXCEPT if I ever need to replace a plank or need to make other repairs because I'm afraid nothing will come apart ever again (now, this is usually a good thing!). I'm not sure how much I should worry about this so comments would be appreciated.

Gerhard

[bob goeckel]

if it's a good deal don't worry about it. by the time you need to replace something you'll have figured out how to get it apart. even if that's right away. trust me you'll figgure it out. besides if it's done properly it will have been a good fix. go for it!

[Jana Shaw]

Hello Gerhard,

My lightning I am restoring is glued seam construction with tongue and groove planks. Definitely a big job to replace a plank - I hope don't have to do it. I was told that the boat is really meant to be dry sailed so you are not waiting around for everything to swell up when you had just trailered your boat to a race. Mine is hull # 7147 built in 1958 so there must be plenty more of these around.

Good luck,

Jana

[Johannah]

Gerhard, is that #850 from Virginia that you are considering? The old woodies stayed in the water for the summer so the planks needed a bit of room to move. Are you planning to dry sail her?

[Gerhard]

Thanks for all the comments so far.

Yes, it is #850 that I was referring to. As I said, I haven't seen it yet and still wondering if it is something I should be doing.

I would like to leave it in the water during the summer. There is a small (and shallow) marina about 10 minutes away. I'd like the boat to be something I can easily get back home to work on, though, so something like a Lightning might fit the bill.

Do you know the boat?

Gerhard

[David Tabor (sailordave)]

If you'd like to see pics of my Lightning (5813) check out my web site and follow to the lightning page. Takes a while to load, but it will show you what I'm working w/. Any questions I'll be glad to help... MYBOATYARD (http://myboatyard.homestead.com)

[Gerhard]

David,

Looks like you have quite a project ahead!! I'm hoping the one I'm looking at is in better shape! I'll be in touch, I'm sure!

Gerhard