Click for Burger Click for Cross Click for Delta Click for Perko Click for Northern Lights

Hole In hull repair

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Connies, Commanders & Catalinas' started by rev71, May 19, 2025 at 1:29 PM.

  1. rev71, May 19, 2025 at 1:29 PM
    #1
    rev71

    rev71 New Member

    Joined:
    Today
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    South Idaho
    Previous owner struck a bouy shortly before I purchased the boat… it laughed about a palm sized hole on the port side bow. I’m thinking that , thankfully, the damage is just in the planking.
    I’m curious what thoughts are for repairing this hole.

    I don’t wanna remove more than I have to, but I also have questions about joining the repair patch for the planking to the existing planking on either side of the hole.

    I don’t know if it’s better to remove material to the support just above the hole and below it and replace that section of planking and then add some butt blocks on the backside to secure it… Or if there’s a better method.

    For adhesion, I was thinking about epoxy the repair in with the butt blocks and then using a flexible, seam sealer for the joints on the outside of the hole around the patch.

    I want to retain the existing lines on the exterior as much as possible.

    Thanks

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: May 19, 2025 at 3:34 PM
  2. Capt Ralph, May 19, 2025 at 2:48 PM
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,695
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Welcome to Yacht Forums.

    Was there a contract on the boat during the damage? If so, the seller fixes it.

    Ensure none of the internal frames or ribs were not damaged.
    It is hard to realize that little taps like this can do lots of damage to internal frames and ribs. Including just lifting them apart from the planks.

    If this was my boat; If the insides are hidden & not to be seen again, A back block is used to cover the whole area. Whittle out the splinters to a chamfer. Whittle out a filler plug also with a chamfer, screw & epoxy all together. Use thickened epoxy filler then epoxy with sanding/finish to complete.

    Now, the correct way is to replace the whole plank or at least a length of plank to cover 4 to 5 ribs. Sister in some rib-lets to secure the plank ends.

    When in doubt, an surveyor familiar with classic wooden boats and/or an ole shipwright should be involved.

    Keep us up with pictures during your repairs. We don't see much woodie repairs here.
    Last edited: May 19, 2025 at 2:56 PM
  3. Norseman, May 19, 2025 at 4:12 PM
    #3
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2005
    Messages:
    3,232
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    I agree with Capt. Ralph, this is a serious and you need a qualified shipwright to evaluate and repair this “hole”.
    I would also get a wooden boat Surveyor to take a look and write a report.