Caulking the other type

[Ferretmn17]

I am currently re-decking my old girl, I have gone for Douglas fir for the timber and I am going to pitch the seams afterwards. But what should I caulk them with cotton or oakum? Which would be best? And before you ask yes I know I’m mad to go for a laid deck.

 

[johnlilley]

From my memory, oakum, the original version at least, was just tarred , stranded recycled old ships rope that was not good enough for use as warps etc. but probably cheaper than new cotton which is softer to use.
Cotton in that case...

I'm probably out of date.....
John Lilley

 

[Chrusty1]

[ QUOTE ]
From my memory, oakum, the original version at least, was just tarred , stranded recycled old ships rope that was not good enough for use as warps etc. but probably cheaper than new cotton which is softer to use.
Cotton in that case...

I'm probably out of date.....
John Lilley

[/ QUOTE ]

That's right, used to keep the old lags occupied unpicking the ropes.

 

[monkey_trousers]

I don't think your mad! I'll be doing the same thing shortly...

from what I can remeber being told years ago, cotton for decks, oakum for hulls

 

[Ferretmn17]

Thanks cotton it is then