Cleek

[Chris Coose]

Bob, I posted this info request on another thread but thinking you might miss it. I thought better to topic it.

Originally posted by Bob Cleek:
... I've never had problems with leaks below the waterline. It seems that all the water leaks from the top down.

Bob since Victoria had an extended period out of the water many years ago, she takes on a maintenance amount of water, 10-12 quarts a day. There is some around the CB trunk which is obviously the business around the spline seam which I think will take a rebuild.
But this haul season I'd like to take care of the plank seams.
As you may know, she is Cheoy Lee built and it appears the principle reliance is in the fit seams for tighnness. There is some dry hard caulk in the seams but no cotton I've ever seen.
What would be your approach and material for tightening her up?

[Bob Cleek]

Just answered it!

[Chris Coose]

1963 Ronald Carter Cape Cod Cat 18'9".
Yeah I know, the Cheoy Lee web site folks were baffled too.

Good thoughts on the planking changes. There are a couple of suspect places that I shall sponge and inspect before I haul her.
I am not likely to go at her with a saw but an appropriate reefing, say with a bent file will allow a re-compounding. The garboard will get particular attention.

Have you pulled any rivets for inspection?
Probably also a good idea. Hugh has suggested that but I'd rather keep her moored in deNile.

[Bob Cleek]

Yep, I replace a number of frames maybe ten years ago now. The existing rivets were pristine. Copper is at the top of the electrolysis food chain.

I am aware that Cheoy Lee did build a cat boat at one point. In the early sixties, they were a bit behind the curve and tried to produce primo stock boats, like the Vertues, Wanderers, the Alden 32' motorsailor, LFH's Rosinante, the Robb Lions, Pacific Clippers/Frisco Flyers (carvel planked Folkboat) and so on, for export. They pretty much priced themselves out of the market when they had to compete with fibreglass that was coming on strong back then. Construction was top drawer, generally classified by Lloyds as 100A1+.

Be very careful reefing that you don't gouge the plank seam edges. Teak will spinter easily if you catch it on the grain run out. (If she is teak, as I believe all their woodies were.) If you are having garboard leaking problems, I'd really take a look at the floor timbers. Teak has very little movement to it (Hence their practice of tight seaming). If you have leaking, something has moved. Putting goop into a seam isn't going to solve the problem except maybe in the short term. It is likely to make the problem worse, actually. Have a good wooden boat surveyor take a look at her.

[Cosmo Lengro]