thompsondockside.com

Thanks again.
Now if Lake Erie would calm down I could take her out and open that engine up.
It does take the waves very nicely but I want a calm day so we can get to know each other a bit.
Ron

She floats and runs perfect! Not a drop of water from all of the work I did. Only a very small section that I (didn't work on) is sweating in a bead or two of water - nothing of concern, at all! Thank you all of you support. You gave me the courage to take on the project and see it through. http://i...

I am installing the bottom on my 63 seacoaster and need to know how tight to make the machine screws.
How do I know if the machine screws are tight enough.
I'm concerned about striping or snapping the new silicon bronze screws.
Is it snug plus a half turn or something similar?

The pictures shown in the link (if i did it right) should show the stages of bottom prep. First I ripped a 4x8 sheet and planed the ends with a power planer. To scarf the 3/8" marine ply I choose (a little more than the 1-12 ratio) a 5" scarf. Tip - to know if the scarf is even, make sure ...

I was successful at scarfing the 3/8 marine ply, beveling the edges and bending it into place. Pictures to follow. I wrapped Bath towels soaked in hot water around the bottom ply at the bow. Then used pipe clamps and ratchet tie down straps to slowly curve the plywood into place. It bent easily and ...

0ne more thing - how do i apply the sealant between the planks if I am prying and bending into place. i believe i would coat both mating edges first then wedge into place. correct?

thank you for the fast reply. It looks like there should be an easier way but starting from the front and working back makes sense. I will take your advice. this project is years in the works and it must get done now. Next year it must be in the water.

Cruiser Bob - I too used the oscillating Multi tool to cut the screws. That made all the difference in the world.
Barry - I'm also in the buffalo area. How does your thompson handle the lake?

How do I install the bottom marine Plywood. How do I form the curve of the bottom near the bow. Do I muscle the plywood into place from bow to stern?
I plan to CPES the edge to seal, but do I use 5200 in the seam to seal the bottom to the first strake?

It's time to install the bottom on my 63 seacoaster. The boys at Clarkcraft here in Buffalo advised me of an easy way to scarf the 3/8 ply together. He said to cut and peel off one or two layers of the plywood back 12" or so and do the same to the opposite board. then epoxy the two sections bac...

You were right. 5 people was the magic #.
I rolled the boat off the trailer and rolled her over onto tires.
The five of us lifted the boat and lowered it onto the trailer supports.
Thanks for the tips.
Ron

Does anyone have suggestions on how to roll over my 17' seacoaster. Since I do not have a ceiling high enough in my garage to hoist herup, I feel that my only course of action is to ask a few friends over to help me roll her over on the grass. I think I will need to install two cross members in the ...

Thanks for the reply. I checked out the web sites and received really good information. I'll keep you posted

I need to replace the keelson, scarf in some ribs and replace the bottom plywood. My thoughts are 1. remove the keel. 2. sand off paint to expose and remove all screws in the bottom ply including the machine scews attaching the plywood bottom pieces together. 3. remove rib screws. 4. remove the keel...

Thank you for the education.
I will take your advice and remove the keel.
I hope to receive peace of mind and less leaks after a propoer repair.

Ron