cotton caulking

[redbopeep]

OK, for those of you experienced folks: I've seen the type of caulking in this link used before:

http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse.cfm/4,6511.htm

But, haven't seen this in use:

http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse.cfm/4,6512.htm

What's the real difference--when is the second one used? Thinner seams? Any difference in performance or technique?

Getting ready to caulk...so buying caulking...got the irons, making a few too, but don't yet have anything better than a couple ordinary wood mallets...

Thanks!

[Dan McCosh]

The first is bulk cotton--which means that you have to kind of twist it up to make a ropy thing to put into the seams. The second is pre-twisted, which means you have to use about the right amount by separating it first. I usually use he second kind.

[Plover]

Redbopeep,
Caulking has always been something of a specialized trade and there are lots of examples thoughout this forum. If you have or can get issue 57 of Wooden Boat starting on page 112 is a very useful section on how to do it and get it right. Theres a video that shows a little bit of it and the work that goes into it, these guys in the video make it look easy. The video is from the National sailing hall of fame titled; "The ghosts of cape horn". The link is here and it is somewhat lengthy but really cool (Especially if you like Irish music). http://www.nshof.org/videos/nshof-video0006_player.htm
If someone on here knows how to scan in issue #57 page 112 It will help alot of people! I have the issue but don't know how to get it in here, any help there would be great! Thanks.
Paul

[redbopeep]

Hi all, Thanks for the info! I saw the bulk cotton used in a caulking demonstration at the 2007 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Show--that fellow really made it look easy for sure.

There's a fellow who works on wooden boats in the same yard my boat is hauled out in who said he'd show me how/help me get started with my caulking in a couple weeks. So, hopefully I won't mess this up! My husband and another fellow we've hired are working on other things around the boat and it seems to me that the caulking is something that I can actually do instead of relying on the guys as I have for the "heavy work" of planking, etc. Hubby's helper has caulked big fishing boats before (30 years ago) and should be able to steer me right, too. If I'm just unable to do it (don't know why...) he'll be stuck with the task. He says our garboard and lower planks are going to be back-breaking to caulk and hopes I don't give up leaving him the task:rolleyes:. Our planks are 1-3/8" thickness, by the way.

Thanks for links and info about caulking methods! :)

[Stephen Kessler]

Hi redbopeep, which yard are you located in San Diego? Is it Kohler's yard on Shelter Island?

[redbopeep]

Hi redbopeep, which yard are you located in San Diego? Is it Kohler's yard on Shelter Island?

Hi, Stephen,

No, Kohler's has been undergoing some major renovations/new buildings for the last year or so. I'm not sure how they're getting any real work on boats done over there with all the construction.

We hauled out at Driscoll, immediately went into a small yard over by the Sports Arena for a the fall of 06-early summer of 07 where we had some yard workers working with us on doing floors and initial "big" work (i.g. the counter timber and stem); we started planking up there ourselves and then once sufficient planking was in place, we moved to an inland location (near the Qualcom Stadium I8 and I 15 intersection) run by San Diego Boat Movers. Here, we're finishing up planking and doing the deck, etc. While most of the boatwork being done in this yard is on fiberglass boats, there are a couple wooden boat professionals who work on the waterfront but also have projects going on here in this yard.

[redbopeep]

OK, I got some caulking cotton (both kinds...but just playing with the bigger stuff) and began my experimental caulking today. It actually took more force than I expected to get the cotton set into the seam. I think I'm going to have very sore arms.

It was just my "experimental" start. Next...make an apron or something to carry the irons and all that pretty white cotton around without dragging it through the dirt under the boat...:)


Also, while I'd intended to use linseed oil or red lead paint in the seams, I read somewhere here on WBF that CPES was a viable material to paint into the seams prior to caulking to help prevent rot. Do you all recall a post talking about this?

Thanks!
:)

[Thorne]

As I dimly recall, the CPES suggestion was poorly received -- the cotton needs to get wet and swell, and the red lead keeps the rot on both wood and cotton under control.

Let's see what the more experienced folks say.

[S B]

I'm an oakum fan myself. Caulking isn't difficult to do but it is one of those things you really, really, really should get someone to show you how it's done. And practise on someone elses boat. good luck.

[redbopeep]

I'm an oakum fan myself. Caulking isn't difficult to do but it is one of those things you really, really, really should get someone to show you how it's done. And practise on someone elses boat. good luck.

Do you work on big ships? Most boats use cotton. Oakum reserved for the job of filling up space...

And, yes, I agree that one needs to have a hand's on lesson with someone who knows how its done. That's why I said (previously) in this thread, that a fellow here in the yard will be showing me how to caulk. Luckily, besides that fellow, I have a resource in the guy who's planking the boat (who also knows how to caulk). He's looking over my shoulder advising as I go along.

I don't mind practicing on my own boat. When the consequences are high, I tend to perform well. If not, I get sloppy :rolleyes: