1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

[pro-crastinator]

Here we go, 1961 WHitehouse - 15'



The "question" involves the plywood under the bow and behind the "dash board".



The plywood seems to be de laminated. I can stick my finger between the layers easily, there is no cracking or flaking of the wood. I am thinking about just re gluing the plywood with a polyeurathane based wood glue.

I'm asking for input - so please don't hold back.
Generally, the piece shown with my finger in it is the worst of the worst.
Note the other pics of surrounding area. (I wish I were better at this pic download stuff)

Thanks in advance.

 

[pro-crastinator]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

ALSO - anybody know where I can find replacement rubber pads - look at pic #2 above -
the "step pads" on the gunwale. Missing forward, dried out and cracked rearward.
thanks

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

You can buy "Glue Syringes" cheap.

I'd mix up some epoxy, fill up a syringe and inject it into the wood then use a bunch of clamps and wax paper to make it like new again. This is fairly typical with these old Beauties. My joints feel like that sometimes too!!!!

Those pads, In White, are hard to find. I had the same issue with my boat. I ended up Making my own. You can see how I did it here...

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...lly-started-w-pics-384982-22.html#post3542038

 

[redneck joe]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

ALSO - anybody know where I can find replacement rubber pads - look at pic #2 above -
the "step pads" on the gunwale. Missing forward, dried out and cracked rearward.
thanks

my current boat has wood ones. You could make them if you have a table saw.

 

[pro-crastinator]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

I would love to see your wood replacements.
Cant get my head around it. Pics would be terrific.
Yes I have some experience with working with wood.

 

[pro-crastinator]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

You can buy "Glue Syringes" cheap.

I'd mix up some epoxy, fill up a syringe and inject it into the wood then use a bunch of clamps and wax paper to make it like new again. This is fairly typical with these old Beauties. My joints feel like that sometimes too!!!!

Just thinking out loud - the wood glue is thinner and i was thinking easier to "pump" between the layers.
Can the epoxy get deep in the cracks ? - Upward?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

I use epoxy and these injectors a lot. Thin it with Acetone just a bit and it works quite well. Check my earlier post for a link on how to make your foot pads.

 

[pro-crastinator]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

tried the link but I got some message that says I dont have permission to go to the link.

 

[redneck joe]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

I would love to see your wood replacements.
Cant get my head around it. Pics would be terrific.
Yes I have some experience with working with wood.

not close to the boat but think of a solid piece of wood. Take your old originals out, use your saw set to the depth of any groves in the original. Dado or maybe double up regular blades (never done that) and just eat away the wood you don't want.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

tried the link but I got some message that says I dont have permission to go to the link.

I fixed it, Try it again!!!

 

[greenbush future]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

I really don't see why you are trying to fix this area? I do see the separation but I don't see what if any reason to make a big project out of it, if it is original and not causing any issues. The wood looks just fine to me, no rot. Is it broken

 

[pro-crastinator]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

I really don't see why you are trying to fix this area? I do see the separation but I don't see what if any reason to make a big project out of it, if it is original and not causing any issues. The wood looks just fine to me, no rot. Is it broken

Nope, not broken - and in (what I think) is amazing condition - considering the age of the boat. Absolutely original.
I suppose I am being a bit picky here. I cant bear the thought when a splash of lake water hits the plyboard and soaks in...
It just gives me the shivers. Thought it would be the thing to do to seal it up - ahead of that splash.....

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

I agree and don't see any major problem in making this repair. I've done it many times on de-laminated plywood with great success. 30 minutes of work and it'll be like new.

 

[pro-crastinator]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

Wood & Joe - about the gunwale step pads,

I like a lot the white plastic material and see how it fashons to just the tight shape with a little table saw work.
Have some corian - and know that it cuts nicely on the saw, but its too hard and slippery for a step pad. Will keep a lookout for more suitable material. Pondering using a piece of maple - we'll see what turns up.

Yes, the link worked - and wow. Your 61 looks a whole lot like my 61. Gater, Evinrude - its a good target for me to shoot for.
Bought my boat in November and cant wait to get her in the water.
Thanks again for the link.

1961 WHitehouse, 15 ft runabout, 1956-30hp Evinrude big twin

 

[sphelps]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

Cool looking runabout !
How about some pics of the whole boat from the sides .
We love pics !!!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

Can't get much cheaper than a $1 cutting board!!!

 

[pro-crastinator]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

Can't get much cheaper than a $1 cutting board!!!

Perfect idea.

pics comin up - but I'm NOT cleaning up the garage.

 

[pro-crastinator]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.



When I found her, I was amazed by a few things. The windscreen was the clearest I've seen, and there was a piece of 3/8 inch painted plywood used as a pad between the motor and transom. The plywood was still viable - which I could not imagine.
Just fell in love with the lines. We wanted a smaller boat to just cruise around the lake on Saturday mornings. I think this will be just fine.

 

[mercurymang]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

Man, I love that boat. Really cool. I would probably have to stick a merc on it though.

 

[pro-crastinator]

Re: 1961 Fiberglass runabout question.

Merc -
Me thinks the boat was manufactured at- or near where you are right now, in 1961.
I think that the WHitehouse boat line came from the DFW area. I'd need to check before placing any bets..