This bulletin board, hosted by the CDSOA, Inc., is the on-line meeting place for all Cape Dory owners and groups. We welcome everyone's questions, answers and comments about Cape Dory sailboat
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 . 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.
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
I thought that subject line might get your attention . 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.
. 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.
. I am of course referring to the topsides.
