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Permalink Reply by jeremy on August 8, 2010 at 8:35pm

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on August 9, 2010 at 7:16am

Fortunately this topic has been well examined so there are many posts to look at and review. You can do a search, see the search bar at top right of page or you can read through the discussions which can be accessed by clicking on the view all button below the main discussion area.

The bottom line is you need to determine the soundness of the wood in your boat. The main areas of concern are going to be the interior and exterior perimeter of the bottom of your boat. Yes there are technical terms I could use for this but in layman's terms this will be the first area of concern. It usually involves removing the outer chine or strip of wood that covers this seam.

Prior use of rusting fasteners, excess time spent in standing water may show up as rotten, soft wood. If all the wood along these seams is dry, solid and not easily penetrated by a semi-sharp object you will be blessed. When you inspect the interior of this seam and find good, solid wood you will be doubly blessed. On to the bottom of the boat and sides, what is the condition there.

If you have decided to continue at this point removal of old paint and coatings is in order. As more wood is revealed again continue the examination. The next step will be the stem or wood at the bow of the boat and the transom, which consists of several pieces of wood. As is often the case older drift boat have sat exposed to the elements and often water has puddled along the bottom and has caused rot to the bottom of the frame members. The major point of frame damage will be found at the junction of the frame members on the inside corners of the frame where they meet the side and bottom. If you are still interested in rescuing your boat after all this the frame member that faces the floor can suffer from rot and damage also.

I have posted pictures on my page that show my experiences with a drift boat purchase. You can see where I explored all the areas I mentioned and what I found. If you decide that your boat is worth an investment of TME (Time, Money and Effort) you will be able to find discussions, photos and techniques for the repair of problem areas.

I wish you the best with your project, these pages are a wonderful source of the information required to help you with your endeavor. There are many experienced, helpful people that can assist you too. If you give us an idea of where you live you might even find that one of us lives close to you and could help you out!

Happy waves to You,

Rick Newman

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Permalink Reply by Winston Ewinger on August 9, 2010 at 1:55pm

Thank you so much Rick, for replying to our little boat project here in missoula. Jeremy and I got this old wood boat for free from one our friends, we are very excited about learning a thing or two. I will look forward to checking out your profile.

thanks again Rick for the reply

Winston Ewinger (missoula, montana)

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on August 9, 2010 at 5:27pm

Winston and Jeremy, you are more than welcome! I am happy that this resource exists so people can share their knowledge. I was just in Missoula a few weeks ago on my way to Billings for a meeting.

Post more pics and we can all see what is happening.

Rick Newman

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Permalink Reply by michael chnya on August 25, 2010 at 10:36pm

If you can restrain yourself and not sand too hard, maybe you can skip the new epoxy and go straight to varnishing. More cheaper, more quicker, more fishing.



boat hire

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Permalink Reply by michael chnya on September 12, 2010 at 11:55pm

Hello Jeremy

Weather and water take their toll on all parts of your boat hire

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