AuSable Long Boat Refinishing

Hello all,
I just picked up an AuSable River Longboat (20') that came out of storage/barn.
Built around 1980 (maybe lates 70's) Been sitting for a long time by the looks of it. Last registration sticker is from 86'.
All wood seems solid. Needs some TLC.

My question is, the exterior has glass on it, but the resin is pretty cloudy/funky looking. I am thinking it needs a good sanding, coat of epoxy and paint.
Am I safe to assume this is polyester resin? Can I sand clean, and seal over top with fresh epoxy?

The interior does not have glass, but looks to be encapsulated with a similar resin. (Seems cloudy off-color, not like epoxy)

This is cross posted on another site - but wanted to see what my drift boat friends thought as well.

Thank You for looking and any feedback.
Jason

Views: 330

Attachments:

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Guy Fredrickson on October 10, 2021 at 4:32pm

Hi Jason. Technically… epoxy may not bond well to polyester resin. But you are just restoring an old wooden rowboat. So I don’t think it matters that much. Epoxy is not UV stable, so you would want to coat epoxy with a varnish. Maybe you can forego the epoxy and just sand and varnish it. 

Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on October 11, 2021 at 3:50am

Guy,

I am going to start by sanding / cleaning everything an evaluate the integrity of the glass.

I may paint the exterior and reapply varnish to the interior.

Permalink Reply by Guy Fredrickson on October 10, 2021 at 4:33pm

I’ve never seen a boat like that. It’s interesting. Should clean up nicely. Does it need any structural repairs?

Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on October 11, 2021 at 4:03am

These boats date back to late 1800's here in Michigan. First used by lumber companies and later recreational fishermen. They are poled/paddled. Most are 24' long. The upper reaches of the AuSable are shallow with mild current, perfect for these boats to slowly slip downstream with anglers fly casting. (The guide sits at the very back and works the pole or slows the boat by dragging a piece of chain keeping the whole rig on track)

No structural repairs that I can see. I would like to replace the gunnels with white oak and do a layer of glass/graphite on the the bottom like my dirftboat.

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on October 11, 2021 at 8:51am

Jason, if you scratch the surface of the material what is the odor it releases? I have read that polyester resin will exude an if you scratch it where epoxy doesn't.

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on October 13, 2021 at 11:40am

Rick,

I gave it a light sanding - it has a noticeable odor.

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on October 13, 2021 at 1:52pm

You may have polyester resin. The comments you gathered on the other website woooden boat forum from Todd should help.

Rick

Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on October 13, 2021 at 1:57pm

Yes, I am thinking that is the case.

Once I get going with some sanding I am thinking it should be evident if there are issues.

It sounds like worst case scenario it could be heat gun and scraped off - but I would prefer to avoid that if possible - haha

RSS

© 2024   Created by Randy Dersham.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service