Mr.

[STLOY]

I have never posted a thread (nor ever refinished a sailboat). I was given a 1986 Hunter 23 foot sailboat. I have taken all of the wood out of the boat and started sanding it. The plywood on the floor (that covers the bolts that hold the keel on)-used to have a nice hardwood appearance (which made for a nice floor). The condition of my wood is in very rough shape and I don't think can be sanded. Where can you find nice replacements?

Additionally, I don't think my sailboat has a bilge bilt in? I have 2 manual bilge pumps, but was thinking about adding an automatic bilge pump? Is that a bad idea? Where would I mount it, and what brand, etc would you recommend.

Thanks

 

[Ed Schenck]

If you are new here I would suggest the "Search" tab at the top of the page. Using "refinish sole" I found: http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=491830 . Several items about refinishing or purchasing the plywood with teak veneer. There is also the "plastic" option( http://www.plasdeck.us/index2.htm ). Big project but an H23 is worth the effort. Pretty boat and one in our club wins a lot of races.

I know nothing about the H23 bilge. But I cannot imagine not having an automatic bilge pump hot wired directly to a battery.