Boat Forum / Building / April 2007

Here's a varnish question.
I've built a stich n glue kayak, and I am just starting to varnish it.
How many coats are needed for UV protection, v.s. how many are needed
for general wear and tear?

I am getting ready to spray Imron with a tubrine operated HVLP gun, as
opposed to a conversion gun which operates with an air compressor.
I know that are some real painting experts in this group so I hope one
of them will take the time to give me a little help with the following

Anybody got a trick/technique for removing something that's glued
in place with silicone adhesive?  (like the stuff they use to
hold fish tanks together).
Stuff *really* holds up....

Thanks for help.   I am trying to find good resources for wiring (both
110v and 12/24 v) and plumbing regulations for Coast Guard approval
and or SAMS/NAMS guidance.
Thanks,

Hi group,
If one were to sheath an unstayed, solid (grown) wooden mast with
unidirectional fibreglass and epoxy (painted over for UV protection),
would the sheathing eventually embrittle and fail? I'm thinking that

Has anyone heard about pistons with cooling channels machined inside
them?? I recently came across such kinds of pistons that are used in
big marine engines. Can someone tell me the approximate stroke and
bore of these pistons?? what will be the typical size of a connecting

On my Gulfstar 36 there is a teak toe rail.  The port side rail is
rotting away and needs to be replaced.  I was quoted $100 a foot for
labor and materials.  That means a 20 foot section needing to be
replaced will cost me $2000.  I am thinking of replacing it with

I am hoping to build a canoe and was looking into input about what
kind of design would be good for me. Allow me to describe my
requirements in detail.
First, the canoe should be most at home with two fit 20-somethings,

do you know of sources for
fir plywood.  AW 100, 13 - 15 mm
boards sized  >= 5000 mm   x  1600 mm
i am aiming to do a light version of the austrian "Zille" here at "alte

Hello All....
I am seeking other "do it yourself" type people to join me in BUILDING
a NEW BOAT for the Central Texas Lakes.  1 or 2 should have buillt or
participated in building a small boat.  Several others may have no

I have a 1970 Gary Mull designed Ranger 26 that has a cracked
deckhead. Starting amidships and extending to port just inches aft of
the bulkhead, before entering the head and v-berth area, the crack is
six inches long and about an eighth inch at its widest. In addition,

Can anyone provide me with some ideas on different materials to
replace the plywood floor in my Lund Rebel Special(aluminum fishing
boat that came with a factory installed floor, 1990s)?  I'd like to
replace it with some polyethylene or other composite/plastic type

Does anyone know of any good how to books on boat repair?
Thanks

Has anyone used a 4-cycle weed trimmer adapted to a "mudmotor"?  I know
2-cycle trimmers have been used. Menards has a 27cc 4-cycle on sale and
the Adv. claims " ...more torque and power then 2-cycle ... runs
quieter...".  (If you're not familiar with mud-motor, they mount on the

I have a 16ft Jon Boat with a 40 HP Mercury with electric start and
controls.  Is there a way to convert it to one with out the controls.
I want to be able to use it as a hand turn.
Thanks for any feedback.