best method to repair and type of wood?

[James_D]

On my 1960s clinker plywood motorboat there is a single piece of wood about 1inchx 3inch by about 5inch long which supports the base of the wooden seat, this single support goes from keel to a runner of same size which goes accross the bottom of seat, the small support is soft, what kind of wood should I replace this with, I will be using epoxy, should given the small size just use ply laminated to give same thickness or encapsulate the existing piece? thanks for help, can send picture if needed. JBD /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Peterduck]

As the existing piece is soft, it will have to be replaced. It has lost its strength, and all the epoxy in the world won't bring it back. Remove the existing piece and replicate its shape in oak. If you want to use some epoxy, then coat the ends of the new piece to prevent water running along the grain. Sometimes in pieces like this, screws are run into the end grain, which is a very bad practice. Always run screws across the grain if possible.
Peter

 

[James_D]

Thanks Peter, you are exactly correct! it is where a screw is and on removing it the end of wood looks as though it has been untreated, thank you, JBD

 

[oldharry]

Oak best. Iroko, keruin or similar hardwood almost as good and much more readily available in UK (if thats where you are!).