Where to start?

Hello All,

I bought a wooden drift boat a few years ago and am finally getting the time to start digging into it. I know it has been sitting for quite some time and is in need of repair as it immediately started leaking when water tested last Spring. Considering I have the time and energy to devote whatever it needs to get things right I have the following questions.

After searching the forums I started by sanding what I believe are called the "chines" and found the damage as seen in the pictures.

1. When do you know if they can been repaired or need to be replaced?

2. Can someone point me in the right direction on how to properly repair or replace these?

3. Anything else I should focus on or repair/replace? 

Thanks in advance!     

Jared

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on April 20, 2021 at 5:50pm

Jared, there are multiple entries concerning the replacement of chine logs. In the upper top right of the main page there is a search function. I typed in "how to replace chine logs" and found many entries that answer your question. In the 11 years I have been around here almost every drift boat restoration question has been asked and answered. Give it a look and let us know if you still have questions. A secondary reference takes some time but provides many boatloads of info that you will want to know about.

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by David Witton on April 21, 2021 at 6:37am

Jared

Grab a slot head screwdriver and pull those screws fastening the chines. Removing the chines may be more challenging since it appears that someone before you has tried to address the leaks by fiberglassing the bottom. Once the chines are off, dig around with an awl and identify the extent of the rot. Hopefully you won't find issues with the sides or the piece of wood inside the boat at the junction of the side and the bottom - that's the chine log. Rest assured that pretty much anything can be fixed with enough time and effort. Rick is correct, this site offers a wealth of knowledge. Best of luck.

Permalink Reply by Jared Howell on April 27, 2021 at 12:29pm

Gents,

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, simply knowing what terms to search for provided me with exactly the info I needed!

Now that I have the old chines and screws removed I let the boat dry thoroughly. I understand I have two options in repairing the small amount of rot I found on the floor of the boat. #1 Cut out, remove and re-install a new section of floor or #2 use an epoxy system with filler to fair in the spots that are missing. Am I missing anything else major? 

Since I had to sand back roughly 1/2" of fiberglass around the entire floor perimeter to check the condition of the wood I am wondering what is the best way to cover this exposed area again. Fiberglass over the exposed floor up to the edge where the new chines go or simply cover this 1/2" exposed area with just epoxy?  

Simplified steps I plan to take

  1. Apply epoxy filler to rot section 
  2. Apply epoxy alone to all old chine screw holes
  3. Fiberglass the exposed floor edges?
  4. Sand all areas 
  5. Install new chines & screws with Lifecaulk and SS screws.
  6. Treat new chines with stain or varnish 

Thanks

Jared

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on April 27, 2021 at 1:18pm

A quick reply based on the photos you provided suggests a whole bunch of new plywood to replace the floor. If the condition of the observable plywood is any indicator you need to remove a lot more of the epoxy and such to get a true, clear picture of what the conditions are. Time for sanding and gring and perhaps a heat gun to remove materials. You will be happier long term if you correctly fix all the issues rather than apply band aids!

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by David Witton on April 28, 2021 at 7:34am

Without seeing the boat, your photos make me suspect the bottom. I'm with Rick here - there's a strong possibility of more damage under the existing fiberglass. I'd get a heat gun and remove it. At that point you'll know if you need a new bottom.

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on April 28, 2021 at 8:57am

If the plywood looked like normal fifty year old laminated wood that was dry then there are many fewer potential problems. It appears to be waterlogged and almost rotten.

I think almost any older drift boat can be restored to be as usable and as good looking as when new plus you get patina from badges of honor the boat has earned along the way. The question sort of becomes, what do you want from the finished product? Time, money and energy, how much do you want to spend? T+E+M=nice drift boat good for many years, especially if you apply TLC along the way.

Check out early posts back from the start of time on here. You can see good examples of what can be done. Start your search here: (A J DeRosa scarf pictures) AJ and his crew used to travel to the annual show we held a few years ago. Seems like on each trip they would grab another "aged" boat to restore and use them in their business or sell them. They offer drift boat wildlife viewing type trips on the Snake River in the Grand Teton area.

Wish you luck on your quest. We will help you along the way.

Rick Newman

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