A Deck Dilemma

[ron ll]

Snoose’s foredeck leaks. The original 2” fir planks just come and go too much with seasonal changes. A few years ago I had it professionally recaulked, didn’t help much. At one point I sanded it down and flooded it with linseed oil on the advice of someone who said planks that old need oil replaced. Didn’t help. This time of year I can look up from below and see daylight through the seams. By Spring, it’ll be tight again. But the summer and fall rains and rough water over the bow, make the fo’c’sle uninhabitable. And that’s where the main v berth is. Sam Devlin suggested a German made clear goop that he used on Josephine that he said solved 90% of the problem. Not sure 90% is enough.

I’ve plywood, glass and epoxied all the other decks and cabin tops and they are now gloriously dry below. But I’m having a hard time bringing myself to give up the looks of the bright finished foredeck. To me that is one of her best looking features. But if I plywood/glass and paint it, life would be sooo much more pleasant while cruising. So unless someone has some better idea, I guess I have to do it.

Just finished the plywood/glass on the trunk cabin top, trim not yet reinstalled in this photo.
4A2BA127-993E-4F67-8C9C-8A0F793EC043.jpg

Really hate to have to paint this.
738BCD67-2181-4053-AF4B-AEB71A553BE6.jpg

[Bobcat]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

There is a lot to be said for dry bunks.

[cstevens]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

I love the original deck too but my bet is that if you cover it and paint it, the first time that it rains and you don't have to deal with tarps and a wet bunk you will forget all about the look of the planked deck. As Bud McIntosh said, laid decks are for people who can afford to hire a hand to sluice down the deck with salt water every morning (or something like that).

[Peerie Maa]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

Bruce will be along soon to tell you to rout out the seams and glue in splines.

[Pelirrojo]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

I agree with the above comments on covering the deck. I am however curious who did your recent corking? Not all caulkers are equal and all the good ones I know in Seattle would guarantee their work.

Nicholas

[ron ll]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

I agree with the above comments on covering the deck. I am however curious who did your recent corking? Not all caulkers are equal and all the good ones I know in Seattle would guarantee their work.

Nicholas

Likely part of the problem, but it was a few years ago. Both of fhe Tims and Mark were all busy, I got a recommendation from John Thomas for this guy, and now I don't recall his name. And at this point, not sure having a caulked plank deck over the main bunk is a good idea, especially when it can't be sluiced regularly. My dock neighbor, Barnacle, has all painted decks as do many other fine old boats. I just have to get used to the idea I guess.

[Pelirrojo]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

If it was a recommendation from John it was likely Milton. He does excellent work. Sounds like it’s probably worth doing the overlay.

Nicholas

[ron ll]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

If it was a recommendation from John it was likely Milton. He does excellent work. Sounds like it’s probably worth doing the overlay.

Nicholas

Yes, it was Milton. He said the seams were pretty wide, he had to use oakum plus cotton in some spots. I liked his work, wasn’t his fault. Yes, think it needs the overlay.

[johngsandusky]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

We all love beautiful boats, but they have to be useful too. The only varnish above deck on my ketch is the wheel, which I cover when not in use. My decks are glass/ply and don't leak. When I sailed on the South Shore, a boat neighbor had a clam boat with a laid deck. He swabbed it every day to keep it tight.

[wizbang 13]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

Bruce will be along soon to tell you to rout out the seams and glue in splines.

This would be a first.
I do not believe I have ever recommended this time wasting practice
I do not believe I have ever even used it
the decks of woodwind are white
they do not leak
now let’s rip some rotten oak out !!!!

[cstevens]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

This would be a first.
I do not believe I have ever recommended this time wasting practice
I do not believe I have ever even use it

I think Nick was "taking the mick", as they say over there. (Do they actually say that? Or does that just happen in Guy Ritchie movies?)

[wizbang 13]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

I think Nick was "taking the mick", as they say over there. (Do they actually say that? Or does that just happen in Guy Ritchie movies?)

I think Nick likes hunting for Bruce , like that new movie “Prey”

[cstevens]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

I think Nick likes hunting for Bruce , like that new movie “Prey”

Perhaps, perhaps. We all have our small amusements. Trolling traditionalists, for example. Seems like I know someone who does that occasionally?

[Boatbum]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

How about laying a teak decking system over the existing deck or better still, remove original deck and put down an underlayment of marine plywood before the TDS. It will maintain the salty appearance while being much more watertight.

[cstevens]

Re: A Deck Dilemma

How about laying a teak decking system over the existing deck or better still, remove original deck and put down an underlayment of marine plywood before the TDS. It will maintain the salty appearance while being much more watertight.

Oh, please please don't make Snoose "salty" with TDS or some other fake laid deck! She's so much better as an honest work boat. No slight intended for those things on faux work boats - tug yachts and so on - but not for the real thing.