Caulking Tutorial

[Beth_1934]

Came to the conclusion last weekend that im gonna do Beth rather than botch her up i might as well do it right first time /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Ive had a little search on google but i cant seem to find anything on how you actually caulk. Ive never done it before and want to do it myself i just need to know how and what to buy...

Can anyone shed some light??

 

[Paglesham]

It all depends on the construction. If you have a boat with the normal 1/2"-3/4" planking use caulking cotton and trowel cement. If you have a monster like mine (canal boat,1937) you need oakum and pitch.
Your best bet would be to buy a book with it in like Complete Amateur Boatbuilding by Michael Verney (page 94) or Boat Repair and Conversions by the same author (page 103).
There are a good many books on the subject and if they cover carvel construction or repair they HAVE to cover caulking.
It's tedious and potentially dangerous if you don't do it right and use the right materials.
You can get all you need from Traditional Boat Supplies in Beccles, Suffolk. John Greenaway is a fount of info, knowledge and experience. He'll even sell you the caulking irons as a set in leather wallet.
I'm experimenting with adapting re=ground bolster chisels for use in an air chisel with the speed turned down, so it just goes "bomp,bomp,bomp" without the need for so much heavy whacking!
Good luck, Martin

 

[yellowberd]

If its any use and your location permits I can recommend Square Sail in cornwall who I know will teach all aspects of Caulking, they have all the gear, oakum etc.
Thier phone number is 01726 70241.

 

[Seanick]

Didn't the forum come to the conclusion that she didn't need re caulking? By the look of your pics she just needs stopping with soft red laed putty, a coat of antifoul and popping in with a pump and float switch. Don't make work for youself! If she is dry and you overcaulk you WILL have an A1 botch on your hands!
So, Soft putty, paint, launch. No pitch, no trowel cement, and no raking out and recaulkin unless really nessercery.
We have just done a similar job on a 4 tonner which has been out of the water for 9 years. I will photgraph tomorrow for you and post asap. I would spend your efforts on the shaft, engine and prop.
Thanks for that other thread, good pics from everyone.

 

[Peterduck]

Aye, I'll second that! Caulking is one of those things that you have to be shown how, because there is a 'feel' to it, so that you know when to stop pounding the cotton in. Certainly here, there is some very dodgy stuff being sold as 'caulking cotton', and you have to know what the real thing looks like. Just go with the softened putty.
Peter.

 

[Beth_1934]

thanks guys its just the feedback ive had from others who have seen her is that it should be done...

so would you say that stripping all the paint off and resealing it with new caulking putty and repainting/ antifouling her is the best way??

I know im undesissive but i keep getting mixed reviews from people how have seen her /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif