WOODEN BOAT
PARTIAL RESTORATION
When classic or vintage wooden boats fall into disrepair, most owners want to restore them while preserving as much of the original character as possible. In some cases, the boat might only need partial restoration. This might call for replacing the boat deck, repairing the transom, replacing damaged hardware, or simply refinishing with minor repairs.
With some boats the damage is limited to specific areas, and damaged planks might need to be replaced before the boat is refreshed with new stain and varnish. In times like this, vintage wooden boat owners can turn to Tahoe Runabout Company to assess what needs to be replaced and repaired in a partial restoration.
Partial restoration is usually called for when the boat's overall structure remains sound, but individual sections are damaged or specific components need to be replaced. This can include things like localized dry rot, cracked planks, loose fasteners, leaking seams, weathered finish or accidental damage from improper storage.
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OUR SERVICES
We can take on projects of any scale, and our restorations help boats which have been damaged or neglected get a second chance to shine.
Whether your entire boat is painted or just has accent colors, we can make it look its best and apply protective coatings to protect the paint and the boat.
Varnish is key for a wooden boat to stand the test of time, and when it’s applied by an expert it can greatly enhance the aesthetics of the vessel as well.
You want to turn heads every time you take the water, and our detailing services can ensure your boat always looks best and is comfortable to ride in.
No boat owner wants to replace part of their vessel, but our team has the expertise and equipment to replace bottom effectively and efficiently.
Annual Inspection
Having experts look over the condition of your boat regularly, correct any issues and apply the right varnish can keep it performing well for years to come.
FAQs
Assessing the Extent of the Problem
We start the process with a thorough assessment of your wooden boat. Our restoration experts look for things like soft patches of wood near fittings, signs of dry rot, deterioration, degraded finish, and compromised hardware components.
Our inspection also focuses on the hull, framing, planking, fasteners and other potentially compromised components. We take into account the boat's construction, any previous repairs and signs of moisture to create a comprehensive restoration plan.
Repairing and Removing Rotten Wood
We assess the severity of each compromised area to determine if wood needs to be replaced, or if an area can be repaired. In some cases, exterior deteriorated wood generally needs to be removed until sound material remains. New wood can then be fitted into the affected area by sistering or using period-specific joinery methods.
For a small, localized area of dry rot, a specialized type of penetrating repair epoxy might be suitable. Before adopting this approach, we make sure to evaluate the remaining wood and the relationship with the underlying structure.
Repairing Planks and Seams
Cracked planks and leaking seams don’t always need to be fully replaced along the complete length of decking or hull planking. In some cases, localized repairs and partial plank replacement might be sufficient.
In the case of a failed seam, we typically need to remove the existing material. Then the joint is professionally cleaned before replacement bedding, or seam material is installed. The correct method depends on the plank design, the movement expected at the joint and the products used in the original construction.
In the case of a wooden plank with a small area of localized damage, a carefully fitted replacement section or scarf joint might be used to replace it. We can even use a similar technique to address a cracked frame or replace a fitting.
Refasten and Seal the Repaired Areas
Many partial wooden boat restorations also call for replacing loose or corroded fasteners. Left unchecked, even a minor problem with a fastener can allow planks to move, creating gaps which let water in.
Our assessment process makes sure to check all fasteners and hardware and then replace them with marine-grade options appropriate for the style of wooden boat. In many of these cases bronze and silicon bronze fasteners provide superior corrosion resistance and mimic the appearance of original hardware.
Staining and Refinishing
Most partial wooden boat restorations require an extensive amount of refinishing. It’s usually not enough to sand, stain and varnish the repaired or replaced wood. While it’s not always the case, we typically recommend refinishing the entire area, such as the boat deck, to ensure it matches the rest of the vessel.
Our process starts with carefully removing any traces of existing varnish from the restored area. We carefully sand with the grain of the wood to avoid any cross marks and scuffing. This process limits the visible transitions between the repair and original material.
From there we carefully stain the wood to match the existing wood. The goal is to replicate the vintage look, while still using modern marine-grade stain and varnish.
We then apply multiple layers of varnish to the restored wood surfaces. Each layer is allowed to cure for a precise amount of time before it’s lightly sanded with ultra-fine abrasives. This helps each layer of varnish to bond with the next to create a unified coat with maximum protection.
Partial Boat Restoration Services You Can Trust
If you have a classic or vintage wood boat in the Lake Tahoe area with damage, rot, or deteriorated finish, call Tahoe Runabout Company today to request an estimate. With decades of experience, we can help you understand the extent of restoration your boat needs to bring back its original character.