Deck / Hull Separation question

[g1vetter]

I have a 14' Fiberglass boat. I need to separate the Deck from the Hull to make repairs and I haven't done this before. I have removed the RubRail and all of the rivets but I'm not sure how to separate the Deck from the Hull because the Flange under the RubRail appears to be bonded quite well. I expected to see two separate pieces with some type of caulking between them that I could separate with a knife of some sort but that is not what it looks like. I will try to post pics.

If you have done this before and would be willing to share your knowledge, I would really appreciate it. I'm just trying not to really mess it up.

 

[g1vetter]

Re: Deck / Hull Separation question

one more pic:

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Deck / Hull Separation question

What kind of 14ft boat?

Pix of the boat would help. I suspect it's a liner type interior based on this pix:

If so, it means it's not as straight forward a removal as other types of construction....

 

[g1vetter]

Re: Deck / Hull Separation question

It is a 1984 Wenzel 14'. Looked like this when I got it:

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Deck / Hull Separation question

I'm not sure, but I don't think there is anything to separate... The interior of the boat appears to just be the inside surface of the hull:

Flotation foam, if present, is likely inside the bench seats, the bow & stern enclosed spaces.


Measure from the exterior hull to the outside of this lip:

And then from the interior side of the hull, to that lip. I'd bet they are less then 1/2" different.

 

[g1vetter]

Re: Deck / Hull Separation question

The liner is definitely a separate piece from the hull. Under the bow and 1st seat there are openings for anchor storage and I can reach my hand in and feel the liner and the inside of the hull. There is no space between the liner and the hull aft of the 1st seat though.

 

[g1vetter]

Re: Deck / Hull Separation question

I appreciate your input and the more I look at it, I think you are more right than I am. I guess the floor and seats were bonded to the hull. Not sure what to do to strengthen the seats and transom.

 

[g1vetter]

Re: Deck / Hull Separation question

Here is what it looks like with the Rear Seat cut out. I hope I can make this boat good again.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Deck / Hull Separation question

Um. where is all the water coming from:

Is there a thin layer of foam sandwiched between the layers of fiberglass?

 

[g1vetter]

Re: Deck / Hull Separation question

Um. where is all the water coming from:

Is there a thin layer of foam sandwiched between the layers of fiberglass?

The water is from the waterlogged foam. I'm not sure about your other question. I had to stop after I cut the rear seat out. I'll look more closely tomorrow.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Deck / Hull Separation question

I'm not sure about your other question.