What is this stuff? (Thompson boat)

[Roger Stouff]

Does anyone know what the lap bolt heads (holding the lap seams together) might be bedded/puttied/covered with on the outside of the hull, 1963 Thompson Super Lancer. It's a gray, hard stuff.

In attempting to remove the nuts from inside the hull to replace the bottom, which is bolted to the last lap past the chine, all the bolts turn with the nuts, so this stuff has gotta come out.

I tried to pick it out with an awl, but I'm wondering if heat would work better.

R

[ 11-11-2002, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: Roger Stouff ]

[NormMessinger]

Maybe maybe not. If the bolts stick up enough above the nut and you can get a hacksaw to them, cut a slot for a screw driver so you can use it to keep the bolt from turning.

--Norm

[rickprose]

roger,
it sounds like bondo, or some resinous cousin thereof. it's time consuming, but try drilling into the stuff with a small drill bit, then drive a screw into it and a)keep going until the screw hits the machine screw head and backs the plug out, or b)drive the screw in enough to get a good grip on it and pull the plug out with pliers or vice-grips. either of these methods will get it out without messing up the plank on the outside. maybe...

[ 11-11-2002, 10:07 AM: Message edited by: rickprose ]

[Donn]

Roger...it sounds like Hull & Deck, which is a polyester putty reinforced with milled fiber. I don't think heat will soften it. I drill it out with a Dremel.

[Mr. Know It All]

Roger......Sounds like some type of fairing compound. Depending on how old it is and what it's made of, heat might help. I'd try it and see. My Lyman has clinch nails holding the laps between the frames so I really can't offer much advise, other than.....be gentle. Drilling screws out is a fine art and necessary at times but I usually do more damage than good. I've learned to rely more on hand tools and patience, instead of reaching for the power tools.
Kevin in Ohio

[CharlieSanti]

Hi, I usually just lurk in the background but I guess I will put in my two cents worth. Check plate on transom to see if boat is a Cortland built Thompson. If it is take the nut off if you can they usually come of easily if boat is dry. The heat the 8-32x5/8 brass FH bolt with a soldering iron takes a couple minutes but the bedding will soften and you can push to bolt to the outside. I am currently working on one as well it was stored in a building that collasped the boat has extensive damage to front deck, ribs, and the top 4 laps. Charlie

[Donn]

Charlie!! What's happening?

[Roger Stouff]

Thanks all. Charlie, the bolt and nut move together when I turn the nut. I think Don or Rick are right, it looks like Bondo or something similar. Probably a previous owner's idea of repairs.

I'll try the heat gun on it, though, and see what happens, then apply the other suggestions as needed. I appreciate all you kind folks' help, as always.