I need to be schooled on Planked Carolina boats!!!

[controlled chaos]

OK guys, I have about 1 million questions about the baddest ass boats I have ever seen. I am quite positive that I have an addiction to the looks of a carolina boat whether it be cold molded or a plank on frame, the shape and work ethic required to build these boats are simply stunning. So..... I have come to the conclusion after a long talk with the wife and considering a repower on my current rig, I HAVE TO HAVE A CAROLINA BOAT!!! Gotta have one, PERIOD!!! I will no-doubt be buying a used boat since the cost of having a new one built would put me in debt for all of eternity. A used rig in the 30-40 ft range is still gonna cost me a damn fortune but I can accept the cost b/c I know the quality and craftsmanship is worth the cost.

I will be looking at older boats and most likely, single diesel applications. I have found a few boats out there that are in my price range but not many. Most of the boats were built in the 60s and 70s and they are planked but have been glassed over at some point. I am NOT considering a wood boat that hasn't been glassed b/c I simply cannot keep up with the maintnance of such a rig. I feel that I can, however, handle the maintnance of a glassed over hull since it will require a little less. I have read every thread on here about wood boats and I am still not scared of the work it will take to own one. I just want to be sure that I know the areas to look hard at when I am on the hunt for the right boat. I understand that a survey is important and for the right boat I am willing to invest in a survey. I consider myself pretty boat savvy and I have always owned project boats that I rebuilt and put into service. All these boats were fiberglass though. There must be a pre-inspection that I can do before spending a fortune on a survey and this is what I am interested in learning.

>What are some areas that require special attention and maintnance on a regular basis?

>What areas are often neglected by in-experienced owners?

>Where do the builders check when their boats come back to them for a refit or?

>How do you really know if the wood is compromised if it has been glassed over?

>What questions would you ask if you were going to buy an older planked hull?


How do you really know that a planked boat has been re-nailed before it is glassed over if you did not witness it? Is there a way to tell besides taking the owners word for it?

I don't expect to be an overnight expert on Carolina boats, I just want to be sure I ask the right questions and get the right boat. I don't want a total project. I want a boat that I can fish off of and a boat that my family will feel safe on. If I have to do a little glasswork here and there, no problem. If paint needs to be done, I got it under control, replace some wiring here and there is fine too. I know I am in for a ride and the work will be hard but I can accept the challenge if you guys will guide me a little. I have always loved the broken-sheer and feel of the wood boats out there, now it is my turn to own a piece of history!


Cheers!!!

Dave

[clt_capt]

Dave,
There is an older thread showing a rebuild of a planked boat - I forget the title. One of the big issues can be the frames - That thread shows the process of sistering the frames, as well as glassing the hull

While it is a whole lot of work, it is something you could do and save a few $$$

[controlled chaos]

Yes I saw that one. I think it was a Bobby Sullivan that got a little more HP so it was being beefed up. I have spent the last few days just reading and staring at pics of the re-fit projects. They are simply amazing and it would be an honor to own one. I am mainly looking for:

THE GOOD
THE BAD
and THE UGLY

when it comes to purchasing one of these gems. Basically, how do I NOT get screwed with a boat that has been neglected to the point of no return with the obvious signs camoflaged and covered in paint and bondo.

Thanks for the input brother!

[craigwill201]

From me experience the only problem I have is where the stainless rub rail attaches at the transom (water intrusion into the ply on top) area needs attention. From speaking and seeing other Carolina boats this is a common problem. Mine has been glassed and epoxy sealed from day one.
Craig

[scattered_grass]

From me experience the only problem I have is where the stainless rub rail attaches at the transom (water intrusion into the ply on top) area needs attention. From speaking and seeing other Carolina boats this is a common problem. Mine has been glassed and epoxy sealed from day one.
Craig

pretty boat.

[Avenger]

Start by reading this:

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/Wood.htm

Don't get me wrong, Custom Carolinas are gorgeous, but unless your wallet can keep up with them I'd look more closely at a production fiberglass boat. There's plenty of them that have the Carolina look without the heartburn.

Either way, good luck on your venture.

[craigwill201]

Strip Planked Appears in a variety of forms including edge nailed and the West System. Usually the strip planks are glued on edges and nailed. Produces a very strong, long-lasting hull, not prone to leakage. West System uses large amounts of epoxy glue and is highly rot resistant. Both these types tend to be monolithic and will tolerate a great deal of fastener failure before structural failures will occur.

[craigwill201]

Start by reading this:

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/Wood.htm

Don't get me wrong, Custom Carolinas are gorgeous, but unless your wallet can keep up with them I'd look more closely at a production fiberglass boat. There's plenty of them that have the Carolina look without the heartburn.

Either way, good luck on your venture.

Hey Fritz. Show him your video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stom6z2HR-c

Still wana buy plastic??????
HELL NO!

Craig

[controlled chaos]

Avenger, I usually don't read the David Pascoe exerpts because in my opinion, his views are extremely radical in certain aspects. I did read the one you posted and it was actually really informative. Thanks alot bro!!!

[controlled chaos]

Hey Fritz. Show him your video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stom6z2HR-c

Still wana buy plastic??????
HELL NO!

Craig

Hey brother I saw that video a little earlier. All I can say is WOW!!!! I mean... WOW!!!! They are doing an excellent job, that is for damn certain!