lapstrake seams

[kulas44]

Hi guys, is it possible that Kulas Custom Sea Skiffs used a sealer between the lower planks on there lapstrake sportfishing boats. If not, whoever put it in did a very good job. every lap below the waterline has the stuff, it's black and rubbery, kinda soft. I also found some cotton up front, probably a later attempt to stop a leak. I can't imagine how I could ever get all of the black sealer out of the seam, or even if I should. The boat didn't leak before it dried out. What do you guys think ? thanks

[Gary E]

It could be a Thiokol seal many skifs used it. I would not remve it.

http://www.polyspec.com/Technology/Thiokol.html

[nedL]

Bob, sorry I didn't have time to reply yesterday. As Gary said, Kulas may have used a thiokol or polysulfide in the seams when building. Your boat is close to the upper end of what is usually thought of for lapstrake construction, so I think slightly different 'rules' may have been used regarding the typical thought of dry seams during construction. The only other builders I'm familiar with that built up to 44' were the Hans Pedersen yard in Keyport NJ, and Bayhead Skiffs in Bayhead NJ. The Pedersen's are still in business & will still build on order. If you want to know if that seam compound is original you might try calling Pedersen's & ask for Ivan Pedersen, I'll bet he is is quite familiar with what Kulas did (they were only a coupld of miles away from each other). If you'd like, I may even be able to chase down some of the Kulas' for you, I think I know the owner of their old shop. As you said I doubt the cotton is original though. If she were my boat & she didn't leak when last in the water I'd leave well enough alone & use nothing more than a permanently soft seam compound for the initial swell up period (something like 'Slick Seam', as has been mentioned already). I know that Woolsey or Pettit used to make a product called "underwater seam compound" that was about the consistance of roofing cement (except that is never hardened), it could be easily troweled into seams & was perfect for this application. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any indications that it is still available. Maybe someone else knows?
- It sounds like you have a good plan for your shear strakes.
Ned

[ 08-31-2004, 08:00 AM: Message edited by: nedL ]