Hi - Introducing myself.

[caribbeancat]

Just thought that I would introduce myself. CaribbeanCat, UK and Caribbean based Yacht Skipper usually specialising in catamarans.

I've been following this forum for a while as I have just taken on a restoration project for a classic day racing yacht, The Portsmouth Victory. She's lovely, built in 1936 and part of a very active class association in the UK.

I'm running a blog on it and as you will see I'm already labouring over some questions and no doubt many more in the future... Seems like some of you guys could from time to time help me out..

The big one for me is the debate over epoxy... Epoxy soak only, soak and coat... is it right for this kind of boat... I'm concerned about not being able to access all aspects of the planks, moisture getting in and then some real trouble..
Take a look at the blog at http://victoryrestoration.blogspot.com

[JimD]

Welcome to the forum, caribbeancat. Strickly speaking, guys like me aren't supposed to offer advice in situations like this because I have never applied epoxy to an old boat so I have no first hand annecdotal wisdom as to just what a bad idea it is. But were I to restore an old trad build boat I wouldn't let epoxy anywhere near it. Nice blog. :)

[Tom Robb]

Epoxy- v- timber, as opposed to plywood or laminated veneer, is probably a bad idea. The glue won't be able to contain the stress of the largish timbers shrinking and swelling with changes in moisture content; something busts loose, moisture gets trapped in, rot ensues.

It looks like you've got a fair amount of replacing to do.

[Flying Orca]

Hmmm. Your name wouldn't be Matt, would it?

[caribbeancat]

No - My name isn't Matt!

That was my concern with the epoxy... I couldn't visualise it working with all that movement.

Not too sure about how much needs replacing at the moment, you think it's a lot?

[paladin]

I would not let epoxy anywhere near the boat if you are intending to restore her......the only exception would be an epoxy sealer on wood trim that is to be varnished over, then I would use a varnish with high ultraviolet additives.
Best of luck.....and welcome.

[Flying Orca]

No - My name isn't Matt!

Just curious. A friend is currently sailing with a captain who works cats on the UK/Caribbean route.

[Excalibur]

I believe Tom has it right, something rigid like epoxy isn't a good match for clinker constuction. Now I think CPES is just fine, and has done well for the timber in my 41 year old carvel/clinker hull. CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Solution from Smith Company) soaks into the wood displacing the water without making things rigid. Worked for me. Holds paint well too.

[caribbeancat]

Thanks guys.

That's pretty much what I was thinking and the confirmaton gives me much more confidence in the CEPS type approach. I guess I'm going to need to get her in the dry for a fairly considerable period before applying this?

There are quite a few more issues that I'm sure you guys can help with but I think I'll get some more photo's and more stripping done before I bring these up.

[caribbeancat]

Just curious. A friend is currently sailing with a captain who works cats on the UK/Caribbean route.

Possibly might know him, there are a few of us doing the Cat thing here and I know a few Matt's!

Nice boat and blog BTW.

[Flying Orca]

Possibly might know him, there are a few of us doing the Cat thing here and I know a few Matt's!

Nice boat and blog BTW.

Thanks! There are a few shots of our friend Ron on the blog, he's the guy who is sailing with his friend "Captain Matt" (last name Debicki or something like that). Cheers!

[Cate]

Thought some info may be useful. Applied heat will revert epoxy to a soffened state. When cool, it will adopt the position it is in. Do a test is best. Hope this helps.