Exterior Varnish System Advice for 1929 Classic Ketch

[robhickman]

Hello,

I am after some informed advice from you kind and knowledgeable people out there.

We are currently refitting a 1929 classic ketch and are trying to come to a decision on the exterior varnish system to use. Her main mast is around the 85 foot region (so you get an idea of size....and cost!) and solid wood.

Ideally the varnish system used would be hard wearing and have good longevity.

Would you recommend a different system for the spars, to say the cap rails?

She will be used in Northern European waters mostly with a professional full time crew to maintain and run her.

I am aware and have read the recent article in Classic Boat reviewing the different varnish systems but any advice and opinions would be greatly received.

Thanks in advance

 

[ccscott49]

With a pro crew, epifanes for everything.
But the spars could be done in Coelan, a german product, with excellent properties. KJ Howells supply it, dont know who else.

I use both these products on my wooden ketch, with excellent results. I have no ties to either company, apart froma satisfied customer.

 

[Poignard]

I am very happy with Epifanes gloss varnish. I hear that Le Tonkinois is also very good .

 

[Guest]

I am actually rebuilding a 63'/48' 1934 staysail schooner .
Same thing !! Big masts (65') solid tree around 120 years old when it was cut (Main mast) I count the rings !!
My mast were treated around 2002 with Lindseed oil and they were black !! Ugly !!
So sure they need to be varnish !!
I am going to use penetrating epoxy to protect them !!
Epoxy is sensible to UV so the trick is to use epoxy as an undercoat and protect it with 5 or 6 coat of varnish !!
Talk to a few people who have done that and they were very pleased with the results !!
There are as many opinions as there are make of varnish !!
Any pictures of the boat ?? Website ??

Visit my website : www.mavourneen-mary.com !! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[robhickman]

Sounds like coelan for the spars and epifanes for the rest.

Its like choosing a mobile phone tariff, so many choices and opinions!

Web site isnt up yet but will keep posted on the progress.

I might post a thread asking if anyone knows about her history, she used to be a merchant navy training vessel in Southampton and has done a number of tall ships races so should be some people that could give me a few stories on her.

Thanks for the replies, appreciated very much

 

[lexi]

Is plain old fashioned Yacht Varnish not good enough?
Alex