Home › Forum › Ask A Member › Boat Restoration Question › Re: Boat Restoration Question
As I see it you have 2 different situations: Above and below the waterline. I know why one person asked for pictures,—it’s the only way to really observe what is needed in a particular situation.
Areas that are seams below the water line that will be painted over can be filled with either epoxy with added fillers, or 5200. Using either I would suggest carving out the seam a bit to get a good layer into the groove and also to get a better bond with cleaner wood. If you use epoxy you must wet the surface first with epoxy before applying epoxy that has filler added, otherwise you will not get a good bond. If the surface is one that you need to have a really smooth surface, I’d use epoxy because 5200 stays pliable and will not sand smooth.
On above water seams and gouges, again it depends on structure. To fill a seam, first decide if the seam is going to have any movement. If it is going to have movement, do not use epoxy because it cures hard. I’d use 5200. If it is a gouge you can use epoxy or Famowood. Famowood is used by boatbuilders when the surface is going to be varnished. Famowood accepts stain and is available in colors.
You can e-mail me if you’d like. Send me a PM and I’ll send you my address or you can find me in the directory under the officers.
George