12 foot homemade boat.

[gfr231]

I am looking at maybe buying a 12 homemade wooden boat. The guy said it has no rot. I was wondering if I could put a layerof fiber galss around it to seal it up or just coat it in resign. I have been able to look at it I am just looking at options before I jump into this thing. He also said it has been coated in a water proofing. Thanks in advanced for any help.

 

[Ride_Klein]

Check it out carefully. Rot is sneaky. Coating it in fiberglass cloth is going to be very difficult because fiberglass cloth and mat don't like laying over hard corners. When people build wood boats that they cover in fiberglass they'll radius each corner and filet each inside corner so there is a nice smooth bonding surface for the fiberglass.

Coating it in resin might work, but it won't add any significant strength without the underlying fiberglass material. Also, you'll want to ask him what kind of waterproofing he's used because some will inhibit the resin's ability to adhere to the wood.

You'll want to ask the seller what kind of wood the boat was made from, what construction method he used, how old it is, was it stored in the water/outside but covered/or just laying around. If you've got any pictures of the boat it will help provide a few more answers.

 

[gfr231]

I was thinking the resign would be just a way to seal the completely. I'm going to look at the boat tomorrow and I will take pictures

 

[Ride_Klein]

Definitely grab some pictures when you look at it. Don't be afraid to poke and prod on the boat to look for rot. The most likely spot for rot will be in corners and in low spots. Use something like a flat head screwdriver to lightly push on it. Don't pound it or try to push it through the hull, but give it a little pressure. If it is soft then be very careful and understand the project you're buying.