My original DaySailer 2 cuddy doors had plastic around the outside edges. I just got new ones and the edges are bare wood (the wood layers show). What should I do to protect them from moisture?
DaySailer cuddy door
- Thread starter Sail17
- Start date
- Status
I coated the edges with a thin coat of WEST SYSTEM Epoxy before applying several coats of varnish to the wood. You could use paint if that is what you prefer (I enjoy the look of the teak plywood, varnished). You could skip the epoxy and just use varnish or paint, but epoxy should result in better protection. You will need to overcoat the epoxy after it dries with a UV-resistant finish, since epoxy is vulnerable to UV degradation.
You really should also coat the insides of the vent slots in the panels as well, those are harder to protect (I accidently completely sealed of a couple of them when the epoxy cured faster than I expectd!), but the original panels fro mmy boat had delamination around the slots as well as the top edges. OH, and don't forget to coat the inside of the slot for the locking tab!
I replaced the originals in about 2006. The pics of the freshly varnished new panels are from today, the stainless -steel plate that protects the wood around the locking slot has not been reinstalled yet, I need to apply one more coat of varnish first.
(Thought I had a pic of the replacement panels installed on the boat, but can't find that shot!)
You really should also coat the insides of the vent slots in the panels as well, those are harder to protect (I accidently completely sealed of a couple of them when the epoxy cured faster than I expectd!), but the original panels fro mmy boat had delamination around the slots as well as the top edges. OH, and don't forget to coat the inside of the slot for the locking tab!
I replaced the originals in about 2006. The pics of the freshly varnished new panels are from today, the stainless -steel plate that protects the wood around the locking slot has not been reinstalled yet, I need to apply one more coat of varnish first.
(Thought I had a pic of the replacement panels installed on the boat, but can't find that shot!)
Attachments
Last edited:
I think Sail17 is refering to the edges of the wood panels, not the fiberglass edge of the opening?
Yes, D&R does sel lthe trim molding for the opening, I replaced mine back in 1996 when I bought my DS II, will need to replace it again as soon as I have the funds. (even the low cost of that molding is too much since I lost my job again!)
Yes, D&R does sel lthe trim molding for the opening, I replaced mine back in 1996 when I bought my DS II, will need to replace it again as soon as I have the funds. (even the low cost of that molding is too much since I lost my job again!)
Re-reading, I see Sail17 is probably referring to the hatch covers. I have a set of original teak hatch panels and they have the exposed edge, haven't had a problem. I made a set of hatch covers for the Texas 200 that are hinged so I can open the top half to get at stuff I need and keep the rest of the hatch in place in case of capsize (not that I want to capsize) to keep everything in the cuddy cabin.
John
John
I think that coating the edges with Epoxy is a great idea. I bought some new pen boards off Rudy a few years ago and he told me to coat the edges with polyurethane so that water doesn't get in and delaminate the plywood. I'm on my second set of boards now and I think my next set will be solid wood that I will build myself.
- Status