Restoration help

[Griffymon]

I have acquired a '67 Rhodes 19 by it showing up and beaching at my dock. It was last registered in '89!

I'm thinking this could make a great project boat but I have no idea where to start.

I know the entire boat inside and out needs repainted but it appears all the rigging is in good shape and the boat does float.

Where does one get started?

I'm sure I am not the first to take this on I just don't want to go in the wrong direction.

Can anyone help point me in the best direction to tackle this?

 

[agprice22]

Last registered in 89 doesn't mean abandoned. Is it possible someone will claim this boat? I would hate to see you invest time and/or money to have someone claim rightful ownership. Finders IS NOT keepers according to the law. You might have to apply for a "salvage / abandoned" type registration which could cost a lot in public notifications, etc.

Be careful here. I know that I don't know all the facts here, but I don't want you to get burned. A friend got embroiled in a lawsuit for years over a boat he found capsized in the Gulfstream off Florida. He claimed salvage, the owner found the notice, and he sued to recover his boat. Turns out my friend only had the right to recover any costs for towing and recovery. He could not get ownership of the boat.

Anyway, good luck.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Griffymon]

Thanks for your post

Let me say that I found the owner and he's trying to decide what it will take to get it off my property and whether he's going to finally take this on. I'm perfectly content leaving it until the water comes up if it becomes my property.


I'm just trying to see realistically what all this restore will take. I do know it's not something I can do in a week or two and is probably more like a year.

 

[agprice22]

You might consider checking Jamestown Distributors videos on Youtube. There are some excellent videos on using varnishes, urethanes, epoxies, epoxy paints, etc. While JD is a bit expensive, they seem to understand that service after the sale, or before the sale, is important.


Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Ritdog]

Get "this Old Boat" by Don Casey- it's about 1.5 " thick, and covers everything you would want to do, simple or complex. The thing aboutd boats in general is that you can get WAY into the details, or do enough to get it sailing, then keep working on it.

I myself like a boat that looks "OK" and is comfy, but if my brightwork has a scratch or two, that will last until I haul out. I do like working on them, butd epoxy and poly work is isn't SAILING....

 

[jeadstx]

I am currently restoring a Rhodes 19. If you do get possesion of the boat and decide to restore it there are two main sources of parts for the R19, Stuart Marine which is the current manufacturer of the boat (production from 1957 to present) and D&R Marine which sells parts. Parts from D&R are less expensive than Stuart, but there are some things only stuart has. There is also some information at the Rhodes 19 Class Association web site, although they have a poor forum with little activity. Sails can be found from several sail makers. The best price on new sails are at Intensity Sails.

John

 

[Griffymon]

Thanks for all the advice! I feel much more comfortable with taking this on.

I think my biggest task is going to be removing the flaking paint from the entire interior and repainting!

It looks as the entire gel coat is crazed so that makes (I think anyway) refinishing the hull a little more straightforward.

 

[jeadstx]

What condition are the ribs that the floorboards are attached to in? The ribs may need to be replaced if the have begun to rot. I'm replacing the ribs on mine currently. The generally need to be replaced every 15 years or so.

John

 

[Griffymon]

They show some bad spots so ill probably replace, did you buy from Stuart Marine?

I know all the floor boards need replaced.

How difficult are they to do?

My first challenge is going to be finding a trailer to get it out of the water!

 

[jeadstx]

I'm working on my ribs currently. I work on it slowly as I don't have a covered place to work on the boat, I'm at the mercy of the weather. I'm in central Texas and no work was done in the heat of the summer.

That said, a friend of mine was restoring a Rhodes 19 in San Antonio and had a set of tracings of Stuart ribs. Since I work with AutoCad, I created scaled drawings from the tracings. My boat had a couple ribs already replaced when I got it so I don't have to replace the whole set. A friend (with a good wood working shop) cut my new ribs out for me per my drawings. I decided to go with mahogony ribs instead of white oak that was used on the original boat. Ribs should be a hardwood. I have been able to dry fit my ribs and there was little trimming needed other than one set of ribs. When I figure out how much change was required of that rib, I will correct the drawings. My ribs have been a problem since a previous owner tried encasing the old ribs in fiberglass after they started to rot. Made a real mess of things. Removing the old ribs was easy, removing the mishappen fiberglass covers has been a real pain, lots of careful grinding.

Stuart sells new floorboards and ribs. They also sell used floorboards and trim that can be refurbished in their "used parts" section.

You should be able to find a reasonably priced used trailer on Craigs List. Is the boat a keel model or centerboard? Weight of a centerboard boat is around 1030 lbs., keel model about 1355 lbs. Of coarse a keel model takes some modifications to the trailer to support the boat with the keel on.

John

 

[Griffymon]

First all that is awesome you could make your own! So I guess start and do inside first!

I'm in upper SC and fortunately have a carport I keep my tractor and implements in I can clear out.

I'll be taking plenty of before, during, and after pictures!

My boat will stay in the water so not sure if I want another trailer around if I only have to take out every so many years. May try to borrow one from someone at the local sailing club!

I should know for sure this weekend if ill be starting on this. We should stay in touch since we're tackling a similar project. Be good to hear what decisions you make as to paint, etc

Have any pictures?

 

[jeadstx]

I have many pictures of my boat. Send me a private message on this site and I will send you my e-mail address. I have plotters available to me to print out my drawings as well. Didn't see whether you said the boat was a fixed keel boat or centerboard R19.

I just purchased replacement rub rail from D&R Marine. The rub rail on mine was in very bad shape.

Be happy to trade information with you.

John