Vintage '57 Cadillac Catalina Model 714

[MI Boater 65]

I'm getting my vintage '57 Cadillac Catalina prepped for the water (14' aluminum 3 bench seat fishing boat). I am finishing up the transom as I have had to replace the plywood on the inside and outside. I will be getting a hairline crack welded up next week on the hull v-plate and have a few missing rivets to replace.

I just finished mechanically going through the '59 10hp Evinrude and is running good after sitting since 1992 (points, coils, plugs, float, carb. overhaul, replace gaskets in lower unit, replace rotted pull rope and fixed the gas tank connection to motor).

The question I have is the boat has a pea green coating on the majority of the inside of the boat. It covers the whole floor and goes up the sides above the water line. Would anyone have an idea what this is? I'm assuming it is some kind of sealer for the seams and rivets..

Also, I saw there is a Gluvit product that would act as a sealer, would this be a good product to use? Any tips on prepping prior to applying?

There are some larger seams that will need some type of sealing. Any recommendations?

 

[henleyhale]

No worries its unsinkable but your pea green sounds like a rhino liner to me. Ive had a 50s rivited boat, once you fix the rivets your good. The seams drip a little, but just dont pass out asleep, but if you do, make sure your back is on the bottom of the boat, its a good alarm, my boat wants unsinkable either.

 

[Jeep Man]

Your plan is sound. To answer your question, Gluvit is a good sealer, but only when used properly. Clean the seam and joint areas well and after applying Gluvit and letting it dry completely, it will need to be covered as it will break down with UV exposure. It is also has a low viscosity therefore will not act as a filler.