re-attaching wood trim

[Scott]

I just removed most of the wood on my Cat 30 and have been refinishing, some pieces, like the cockpit pads and the large runners along the deck top seem impossible to get off...what is the best way to re-attach and seal back to the boat...and how do i get all the old sealant off the boat ?thanks everyone

 

[John]

Wood

Hi scott to remove the wood first you need to find the screw plugs .Sand thru the finish down to wood then drive a screw in the plug slowly. when the point of the new screw hits the back of the old screw in the wood it backs the wood plug out ,then you can remove the screws and peel the wood off with a puddy knife.To clean the glass i scrape off with a razer blade wash with thiner light sanding so the new sealer sticks. If its nasty you can use a wire weel on a drill If silicone was used on the boat before I would use boat life siliconised sealer If they used regular sealer i would use 4200 fast dry.counter sink the screw holes in the deck 1/8" I dont sand my wood I run it thru a power planer and it comes like new in less then a hour.I just sand the sides.I tape the boat off around the parts ,then put the splooge (mairne sealer) on the wood and stick them on, run screws down snug and clean splooge ,remove tape ,the next day tighten screws .I cut new plugs with a tapered plug cutter and wet them with finish of choice and tap them in, when they dry cut them with a sharpe chisel sand flush and cut then coat with finish a few times. John

 

[Stephen K.]

Sealant

Scott,You will want to use a good quality sealant. I have had very good results with a product called Life Seal...sold at most marine stores. Use a good amount of sealant...no skimping and be sure to apply in a circle around each screw hole which is a possible water entry point. Apply the sealant to your wood and not the fiberglass surface. It is best to put the wood down "dry" first and tape off the areas around the wood to catch the excess sealant...this will save you lots of time versus not using tape and wiping up the mess. After applying the caulk, screw down the wood and make good contact, do not overtighten. Let this set up 24 hours and then come back and tighten down....this method makes a "gasket" type seal that has been metioned here many times as the best method. Whatever you do, DO NOT use a glue or permanent adhesive product. You get the old sealnat off by carefully using a razor blade. Sometimes heat from a hairdryer can soften the old stuff and make removal easier. Clean up samll remaining amounts using acetone. Follow John's advise for removing and reinstalling plugs.Good luck with the project. Done properly the seals will last for years.

 

[PY charlie]

Stphen & John

The 3-M 5200 not recomended?I figure if good for below waterline, should be the best for deck and chain plate caulk. Seems it would last forever.

 

[Scott]

thanks..

Thanks for the help, the detailed instuctions will be great...

 

[John]

Dont use 5200

Its very hard to get off and sooner or later every think has to come off. John

 

[Stephen K.]

Don't

don't use 5200, you WILL regret it later. Quality sealants applied correctly will last for years, but as John said...they will have to come off at somepoint.