Trojan Sea Skiff Bimini Bottom Painting

[cpapa]

Hi Everyone. I have a 1967 Trojan that I am bottom painting back to it's original black color. It has been restored so my question is this. How do I go about getting the old paint off (or do I?) and fixing any imperfections to the hull of this boat? Also, many have told me I do not need to soak this plywood bottom for long. Is that true or are they wanting me to sink!! Thanks to all

[mucrewbtp]

I am guessing that this is of plywood lapstrake construction, some pictures and more details would help quite a bit. To answer your first question, it depends on how thick the bottom paint currently is. If it is like a lot of older wooden boats with multiple layers of thick ablative paint built up over the years, you will probably want to remove it. One of the best methods I have found is the careful use of a heat gun and a scraper. You can also use chemical stripper but that is nasty work. Your last and worst option would be to sand off the bottom paint. Your second question is far to broad to quickly answer. There is any manner of problems you may possibly find when refinishing a wood boat and there is no single answer on how to fix "imperfections". If you are referring to minor scrapes or dings, I would just give the wood a light sanding and apply the bottom paint, the fish wont care. Please post some pictures of your boat and we can better judge the condition.

[nedL]

'67 Trojan should be sheet ply. It should leak very little when launched and will not swell up a whole lot, so it needs to be pretty tight when launched. As for the bottom paint, .... what mucrewbtp said.

[cpapa]

Good Morning Everyone! I am sorry that I have been out of circulation but I just had disc fusion surgery in my neck and I am on the mend. I appreciate the answers so far and I am going to post some pics of my skiff. I have three plugs to put back in engine and I see there are 2 for the manifolds but cannot find the third. I'm thinking water pump but it's hard to look with a neck brace on. I will find it though rest assured! Also, I am going to stick a hose in her and see how much water comes out of the plywood bottom and keel. Any suggestions on sealing the keel would be great. Otherwise, fill the tank back up and run the engine would be next. Thanks to all for the input.

[cpapa]

http://s1144.photobucket.com/albums/o494/Carmen_Papa/

Here is the link to check out my Trojan Photo's!!

[nedL]

Nice clean looking boat. I like all the brightwork! - I see we were both half correct on her construction. With that sheet plywood bottom she shouldn't leak much on launching (because she won't swell up much). You could spray some water around in her bilge to see if anything leaks out along the keel or chines (though that won't be a 'for certain' test). I wouldn't allow more than a couple of inches to accumulate though as that will be a lot of weight that could do damage. On a plywood bottom, if there is a visible seam along the keel I'd use something like 'Sikaflex' or 'boatlike' as they will stay pretty flexible, and you don't need to worry about something that will squeeze out real easilly. - I would not use a real adhesine (like 3M5200).

[wizbang 13]

That boat should not leak a drop, ever. WESTepoxy is your friend. I would not use sika, boatlife or 5200. Bottom paint removal is a large topic.

[nedL]

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this. WEST epoxy & 3M 5200 = basically permamanent, requiring somewhat destructive disassembly, longer lasting. Boatlife, Sikaflex, & the like = not as long lasting, but reversable with no destruction. Just two different approaches.

[cpapa]

Well I have this boat for sale and not that I want to. I have been looking for a Formula 233 fishing boat and so happens that I got a great deal off an estate at home. I tried talking my wife into keeping it so we could use it at a lake where my Uncle lives but she won't have it. So, if anyone is interested in her, she is a fine boat. No not NEW boat, I said a fine boat! It has a 289 Ford Interceptor, is 24' with 8' beam. Not looking to get rich, I just want a buyer who will take care of it. My asking price is 3,800 which includes the trailer. It's a great deal for someone in the market for a cool looking wood boat. Thanks Everyone!

[Bob Adams]

You might want to put an ad in Woodenboat. Selling stuff on the forum is HIGHLY frowned upon.

[cpapa]

You might want to put an ad in Woodenboat. Selling stuff on the forum is HIGHLY frowned upon.

Uh oh!! My bad and I will abide by the forum. I apologize!!