The Restoration of 'Lady J' - Week Five - Paying the Seams . . .

[CharlieCobra]

After I bought two more multitools (Rockwell) the job of clearing out the old seam compound went much faster with three guys working it. I was still using my tool for rib replacement. We used a semi-circular sanding blade to get all of the residue out and prep the seams. Yesterday, we started paying the seams with cotton, both eight strand and cotton. Some of the places where the seams close up, you'd have to separate strands out and do those only to rejoin strands when it opened up again.



This afternoon, I started applying seam compound. Nasty, NASTY stuff to work with. Very stiff and clay like. It doesn't like sticking to the inside of the planking and will sometimes fall out just when you think ya have it set. Very oderifous as well so ya know you've been at it too long when ya can't smell it anymore.



Yeah, that's pretty ugly but I'll clean it up tomorrow after it's cured a bit. Jay was on the same side still paying seams further up the hull.



He came in with a Samurai topknot today, interesting doo. Zach was forward finishing the seam along the stem post that runs all the way from the back of the keelson.



Charles was hanging out by himself to Starboard working seams.



Me? I was relaxing some kinks after laying in that section of compound. My hands were sore today.



Them there Boys get to join the compounding fun starting tomorrow....

Anyways, that's another week and at least it looks like we're making headway at last.

[sundown]

Ah Thanks for reminding me why I don't own a wooden boat anymore!!! I had a 43' wooden boat with edge grain fir planking. My insurance company made me re-caulk because of the boats age and it went from "no problem" to an annual "creek" flowing through the foc'sle for the first couple of days use each spring. It was so bad that at the start of each fishing season my running speed was dictated by the amount of water the pumps could handle. After two days the wood swelled and bildges were dry and only pumped once a day for a couple of minutes.
Now I own a 34' fiberglass blow-boat and I can go weeks without pumping!! Bliss :-)

[Mimsy]

Charlie, I'm so glad you are out there saving these beauties!

[Alan Welch]

That has to be a labor of love. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[CharlieCobra]

I'll post up weekly on the Lady J as before until she's done.

[Blue Stocking]

Charlie,

What product are you using on the seams ? Did you use a primer on the seams before paying. Looks good

[Tellie]

There's always a special place in my heart for guys that work on wooden boats.

[IdoraKeeper]

You Guys are great. And to think I am girding my loins over doing a few deck bungs before it gets too wet.

Todd

[CharlieCobra]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Charlie,

What product are you using on the seams ? Did you use a primer on the seams before paying. Looks good

Nothing, just the cotton. They were nice, fresh and clean. We're using Interlux Seam Compound behind the cotton. I didn't want any interference with the wood taking up.