Fiberglass Cloth Recommendation?

Gents,

I'm currently restoring a 1947 Shell Lake Boat (model 104 called a "Snipe"). I need some guidance regarding fiberglass cloth. I re-did the teak deck and would like to apply a layer of fiberglass cloth to stabilize the deck, in an attempt to avoid cracking along the seams.

I don't want the cloth to detract from the beauty of the teak. What weight/size cloth should I used that would be semi- transparent when wetted out?

I've posted a photo of the deck below. Thanks in advance for recommendations.

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on October 12, 2015 at 2:22pm

The problem won't be the cloth. The issue is the wood will shrink and swell dependent upon the conditions it is kept in. A perfectly humidity and temperature controlled environment will keep it from having any issues and you shouldn't have any cracks. In the natural environment and indoor storage versus outdoor use the extremes will open up cracks. Consider doing what others have done on sail boats and power boats for years. Rout a groove between each pair of boards and use TDS Teak Decking Systems products to allow the boards to swell and shrink but the groove will have a stripe that with compress or stretch to compensate. Take a look on WoodenBoatFoum.com and search for teak decks. It is a common issue on boats with such decks.

Good luck,

Rick N

Permalink Reply by Georgia Drifter on October 12, 2015 at 2:57pm
Thanks Rick.

I'll research the TDS product.
Permalink Reply by CWarmouth on October 12, 2015 at 6:27pm

Post up some pics of that sweet little boat Drifter!

Permalink Reply by CWarmouth on October 12, 2015 at 8:25pm

Steve, how about thickening some epoxy with teak wood flour, working that between the boards, (using a syringe if necessary), then glassing it over with a very light cloth.

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