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Bottom plank caulking

Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2019 6:49 pm
by trebot
Have '56 Continental 18'. It is plank bottom with plywood inner liner. Boat is new to me and haven't had her in water yet. Thought I'd tighten all bottom screws, caulk seams and recaulk over screw heads.
What should I use for caulk material? Is it necessary to caulk seams?
This is my 1st plank hull, and I'd appreciate any advice.

Re: Bottom plank caulking

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 7:09 am
by Captain Nemo
It shouldn’t be necessary to caulk the seams in fact, it can cause damage to fasteners and framing when the boat swells up if you do. Chris Craft designed them to not need it. I would check the fasteners in a few places for loose or broken ones first before deciding to do them all, it may not need it. Things do tend to tighten up once the boat is soaked up.
Some use thickened epoxy for screw holes. I use a good fairing compound appropriate for underwater use.

Re: Bottom plank caulking

Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2019 4:55 am
by tkhersom
This size boat should not need caulk. On our 21' Continental I use a hose to spray the hull inside and out a few times a day for about one week before launch (she is double planked without the plywood). This will help the planks swell before launch. It is also a good idea to let them set in the water for a few days before running them hard.

If for some reason you decide to use a caulking compound make sure you use a product that does not harden. On our 38' Connie I use Davis Slick Seam.