31 Eastern Deck Replacement

[CaptDave]

Well, let the games begin and I only have about six weeks to get this project completed. I need to start by burning off about 80 gallons of diesel fuel this week some night and that means a long ride prior to hauling the boat. Once the starboard tank is empty we will haul out in Marshfield, wash the bottom, remove the radar, raft and EPIRB and truck the boat to our new winter project bay hopefully by the end of the week.

I was lucky today to secure a great space five minutes from the house. Even though the boat will fit in with only a few inches to spare side to side, the door is 14' and the bay is 55' deep once the back hoe is rmoved. Once in the bay we will cut out the decks, replace with most likely composite, replace the fuel tank, gel coat bilges, replace the hatches, clean, compound and wax the hull, and paint the bottom. Yes, all in about six weeks. I will need the help of friends and many hours to complete this on time. The bay has heat which will help things cure and harden this time of year. I am very excited about this project and as progress proceeds, I will take photos and keep everyone posted.

 

[Bill]

Dave.. dont work Jerry to hard.. I will definitely be by at least 1 day.. please get the pics ready for the "So you think you can fiberglass" contest which will launch in a few weeks and run til May..

 

[CaptDave]

Fiberglass

Bill,

Come on down with Jerry, would love to meet you. By the way I can not glass very good that is why I have a few talented friends.

Dave

 

[tunaorlater]

Rather then waisting the fuel you should pump it into that white thing in the corner.

 

[Raider Ronnie]

Dave.
I can offer to bring a fuel transfer pump down to your marina ,
Tie up my boat next to yours and transfer the fuel to mine

 

[CaptDave]

Let The Games Begin

Well, after much planning we have secured an industrial bay for a fair rate (even though it is high) locally to start working on the decks. On Monday Relentless was hauled out and I winterized the engine and fresh water system. Today she was hauled for the first time ever over land since her original launch and Simms Brothers in Marshfield did a great job. I was worried about the boat not fitting in the bay but she fit like a glove and there is plenty of room to work and have some tables set up on saw horses for projects. My goal is to get out as soon as possible to save a few dollars but with the awesome and very talented crew I have I see this as a strong possibility. Here she is headed down the road and in the bay where we will replace two side windows, replace the decks, starboard fuel tank, reroute a few bilge pump hoses, wax and compound the hull, paint the bottom, have the propeller balanced and do some other small but significant projects to make the boat better all the way around. I will update this site and am very excited about getting the work started.

Respectfully,

Dave

 

[Eastporter]

Looks good so far! Keep the photos and commentary coming.

 

[Tunascapes]

Good luck Dave. I look forward to seeing this progress. I took advantage of the Hamiltons sale and have my strongwell fiberglass I beams at the house for my project. This is my first go around with the composite stuff so it will be good to see how you guys get it done.

 

[jawz]

composites are definatley the way to go - penske board - i've used this product a few times - it holds a screw better than divinycell,and it will absorb no water - these products will last a life time !

 

[CaptDave]

Deck Cut Out

Well, yesterday was the first day of starting the project with both side windows removed and the front starboard. Once out templates were made out of Laun to send to Wynne this week. The reason they were coming out was they leak pretty good and it will be easier to replace these than rebuild them. This will give me the majority of the windows being new.

Bob Fuller of South Shore boat works stopped by to give this less than average back yard builder a few pointers. He marked out about four inches out all the way around the gunwhale to cut out. Once cut out and fuel tank removed we will discuss options and much more we need to cut away. On scene yesterday we had Gillis our mate, son Shaun, brother in law Donny who built his own DE BHM 21 and Jerru, AKA whale tale for some part of the day. By the day's end we cut away maybe 20% of the deck which weighed a ton and was saturated. Using a skill saw and a saws all and taking our time we were able to have a first successful day without cutting through wires or hoses. Today is a day to watch the Pats beat up on Indy and have some down time. Back at it tomorrow night and really enjoy having this great shop to work in.

 

[CEShawn]

I knew I love this board! I just got on this board for the first time really in about five weeks or so. I find these threads that I really like as I'm thinking about redoing my deck. It kills me because I have a picture of last spring when everything was rolling out to the water looking at the top of her game. I left five weeks ago, fished on Monday, flew to work on Tuesday, my boats a mess at home. Keep the pictures coming! That guy Bob seems like a great guy, several of my friends have said only but good things about him.

 

[CaptDave]

Progressing Slowly

Well tonight Don my brother in law and myself went down and got an hour in after dinner and exposed the fuel tank. He cut away while I supervised , actually he is talented at this stuff. Here are a few updated pictures of the deck and window out. We are progressing slowly but making overall good progress. Once everything is out we will have a discussion with Bob Fuller and discuss our options. One thing for sure is this boat wil be much better when done. I would have got more done if the Red Hot Bruins were not playing Pittsburgh tonight and wanted to catch the last period.

Port Forward Window Pulled Out

My Brother In Law Don Kelleher Going To Town With The Skillsaw

 

[RAMPAGE88]

Thanks for posting your progress Dave, very interesting

 

[CaptDave]

Learning things about boat with every section cut away. The templates for the windows are getting shipped out today and my goal is to have the fuel tank pulled out this weekend allowing me next week to gelcoat the bilges.

Dave

 

[captainlarry84]

Dave did you confer with Wynne windows on your corner radius. Wynne only makes 2.5 radius corners. My JC had 3" radius corners & wynee windows would not work for me. I ended up with Seaglaze & the 3" radius corners.

 

[CaptDave]

Wynne

Larry,

The windows coming out are were made by Wynne so I would certainly expect they can duplicate the same 12 years later. By the way Kristen looks as good as new.

Dave

 

[CaptDave]

A Little Progress

Whale Tail and Capt Shaun made some more progress today getting 90% of the decl cut out. Now we need to concentrate pulling that starboard fuel tank. The port one was replaced a few years ago by Bob of South Shore Boatworks and his opinion and expertise is greatly appreciated with his wealth of knowledge.

The pictures are of cell phone quality, not the best but you get the picture, no pun intended.

Dave

 

[Eastporter]

Wynne only makes 3" radius windows (use a 6" diameter circle to measure).

 

[Fishgill]

That looks great Capt Dave. I'm glad to see the guys got that done. Hopefully the tank isn't too difficult to remove.

 

[CaptDave]

Welcome aboard Fishgill, glad to see you found the site.

Dave