Stopping the Rot

svenmaximus

svenmaximus

New Member
Joined
23 Nov 2010
Messages
11
Location
Cornwall, UK
Visit site
Can anyone recommend some decent rot stopper for use underwater? I have a mahogany planked carvel folkboat (1964) which has a very small soft area on the outside of the stbd garboard plank, right at the bottom aft corner. I believe that if I get in there quickly with some kind of hardener and preserver product I can safely extend the life of the plank. Other than this small area the hull is in excellent condition all round. We refastend the plank ends a couple of years ago, and there was no sign of any problems back then, but on inspection following the haul out this winter, I spotted the small area of softening. Any recommendations greatfully received.
 
Stop the rot

Cut out the rot and replace with a dutchman made from mahogoney (sp). Leave wood hardener to the furniture and other non-structural areas. As you remove the rotten wood you may well find that the rot actually goes further than you thought.
Good luck
John
 
When restoring a 28 foot mahogany carvel last year we came across a similar prob. The rot whent a bit deeper than is originaly obvious. I started by poking with a screwdriver which quickly became a chisel. I kept poking until I had removed a sizable area (about as big as my hand). I sprayed with cuprinol and then brushed the edges with some wood hardener epoxy. I made a small block out of teak (that I had lying around). We then attached this with blocks behind, stainless screws and wood glue. A lot of sanding and a little bit of filling and it looks like new. Need to wait 20 years to see if it all works out.
 
svenmaximus said:
Can anyone recommend some decent rot stopper for use underwater? I have a mahogany planked carvel folkboat (1964) which has a very small soft area on the outside of the stbd garboard plank, right at the bottom aft corner. I believe that if I get in there quickly with some kind of hardener and preserver product I can safely extend the life of the plank. Other than this small area the hull is in excellent condition all round. We refastend the plank ends a couple of years ago, and there was no sign of any problems back then, but on inspection following the haul out this winter, I spotted the small area of softening. Any recommendations greatfully received.
Click to expand...

No. There is no such thing as a decent rot stopper. 'Freezing' with epoxy is no good as epoxy doesnt displace moisture, so it will be impossible to get it to penetrate the soft wood. In any case the rot will just continue to spread round the 'repair'.

Bite the bullet and grave a new piece in as suggested.
 
Hello and

a Happy New Year to you all...
may I suggest you give your boat the treatment it deserves... I am ready to bet that the problem you can SEE is only one tenth of the real trouble. If you do not tackle it NOW and the "proper" way, any delay will cost you more and more. It is a well known fact... Changing a length of plank is not that a big deal on a folkboat (regarding removal of fittings inside) and in the end you will SAVE money compaired with the kind of repairs suggested above... guaranteed. If you cannot afford to spend 10 per cent of the value of your craft, whatever the craft every year in maintenance and repairs, then I am afraid, you are loosing money AND your boat. This from 30 years of wooden boat ownership and professional observations as a shipwright... Good luck and long life to your folkboat...
 
Thanks for all of your replies guys. I have today been down to check the extent of the problem with a local boat builder and it would seem that I've over estimated the problem ever so slightly. He thinks I'm being over cautious as he could see no soft areas, and thought that the condition of our planks externally, and the bildge was spot on. I'm going to keep a close eye on things for the next 12/18 months but don't quite feel the need to carry out emergency works right now to keep the old girl afloat.:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top