Woodworking Emergency!!!
 

Went out Monday to clean up the boat and take her for a spin, and noticed some "soft spots" in the wood forming the base of the rear seat. I decided to pull it out and rebuild it. I am using marine plywood for the parts that do not show and I am using CEDAR for the part that does show (the front). (I couldn't get teak on such short notice, and several people recommended cedar -- if it is wrong don't tell me, 'cause it is too late now, and I don't want to know. :D :D :D )

I don't want to paint it, so here is the question: What type of finish should I use on the cedar (varnish, oil, etc.) to stand up to the boating environment? HELP!!! :crazy:

Re: Woodworking Emergency!!!
 

P.S. -- It gets worse...

I got an e-mail from my boat broker today, and he has someone interested in the boat, but the guy wants pictures of the INTERIOR!!! I need to get it finished quick, but I wanna do it RIGHT!!!

Re: Woodworking Emergency!!!
 

Cedar will not rot, that's why it's used for siding and roofs and exterior trim.

If you're looking for a gloss finish, I'd use a spar type of varnish. Oil is easiest and will give a nice finish only with successive coats. It won't peel on you also and it's easy to make it look nice again, just a quick coat to bring back the finish. Either choice will work.

Re: Woodworking Emergency!!!
 

cameron , go buy some sikkens cetol marine about 26 clams at west marine , gives a nice finish :drink:

Re: Woodworking Emergency!!!
 

Coat the wood with West system 105 resin and 207 special hardener... it's uv resistant.. then sand when hard.... wipe with water damp cloth.... let dry.. then coat with spar varnish...

Re: Woodworking Emergency!!!
 

Ummmm... would a consensus be too much to ask? :eureka:

(Hell, even two of you agreeing would be nice. :rolleyes: )

Re: Woodworking Emergency!!!
 

Use starboard if you can. (plastic replacement for wood) easy to work with. You can buy it at West marine. It never deteriorates, is lighter and you don't have to coat it.

Re: Woodworking Emergency!!!
 

Not too good with this "reading" thing, are we? :blaster: Sounds like it would have been perfect, but too late.

Re: Woodworking Emergency!!!
 

It is late. Your not finished, and it may be faster to start over. :D If you use a better material and don't sell the boat, you won't have to do the same job agian later.

Re: Woodworking Emergency!!!
 

Sand the piece smooth with 400 grit and then coat with thompsons water sealer. This is an okay fix. I wouldnt do it for my own boat if I were keeping it. You could our a real heavy coat of resin all over the part too