Another Restoration Project Begins

Don't forget to snap some photos while you work on that boat project, then share them here.

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Carl Thunberg
Posts: 1305
Joined: Nov 21st, '05, 08:20
Location: CD28 Cruiser "Loon" Poorhouse Cove, ME

Another Restoration Project Begins

Post by Carl Thunberg »

I thought you all might be interested in my latest restoration project. This is my Rhodes 18 "Rhodes Runner". Yes, I know it's not a Cape Dory. The gelcoat is severely crazed and needs to be ground off in its entirety and then built back up. I'm planning on using a grinder because it buys me a new tool :D. I'll build it back up using one layer of fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin, followed by epoxy barrier coating and lots of filling and fairing. I'll finish it off with an Awlgrip paint job. This will essentially be a re-manufactured boat when I'm finished. I'll keep you all updated on my progress.



1964 Rhodes 18, Hull No. 2 - "Rhodes Runner"
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u78/ ... 009006.jpg



Severe gelcoat crazing
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u78/ ... 009001.jpg
Last edited by Carl Thunberg on Oct 19th, '12, 14:41, edited 1 time in total.
CDSOA Commodore - Member No. 725

"The more I expand the island of my knowledge, the more I expand the shoreline of my wonder"
Sir Isaac Newton
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andrewaia
Posts: 22
Joined: May 29th, '09, 08:05
Location: Cape Dory 25

nice project!

Post by andrewaia »

I restored a 69 Rhodes 19, not as much of a project as you have on your hands but it is a fun boat to sail when you are done! She will love you for it!
Cape Dory 25
Lake Ontario
Irondequoit Bay
Newport Yacht Club
Carl Thunberg
Posts: 1305
Joined: Nov 21st, '05, 08:20
Location: CD28 Cruiser "Loon" Poorhouse Cove, ME

Topless

Post by Carl Thunberg »

I thought that subject line might get your attention :wink:. I am of course referring to the topsides.

Here's an update on my Rhodes 18 restoration. The gelcoat is now completely stripped from the port and starboard topsides. A grinder with sanding disc attachment is definitely the right tool for the job. It's still exhausting work and the tool gets heavy pretty quickly. Frequent breaks and lots of water are key to making this bearable. I'm not sure I'd do this on a much larger boat, but for an 18-foot sailboat it's manageable. I wore a full-face respirator equipped with a combination VOC/particulate cartridge. I've decided to forego the fiberglass cloth and go straight to the epoxy fairing coat. Here are some photos of the grinding process.

Grinding Gelcoat - Port Side

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u78/ ... loseup.jpg

Stripped Hull

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u78/ ... edHull.jpg
CDSOA Commodore - Member No. 725

"The more I expand the island of my knowledge, the more I expand the shoreline of my wonder"
Sir Isaac Newton
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