47' USCG Lifeboat - Rebuild

By DWBrinkman 4 entries 31 Mar 2022 — 5 Apr 2022
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DWBrinkman Opening post 1

47' USCG Lifeboat - Rebuild

I was "gifted" this USCG Lifeboat at our club's annual swap meet. As I was walking out with my new "prize" I was informed by one of the members, with more history in the club than I, That I should be aware that the hull "leaks". Upon inspection, there was indeed signs of water intrusion (aka mold!).
I decided that before I use it, or invest any time on cosmetic upgrades I should find and fix the leak. Here are some before pictures, and I will post progress pictures as I go.
As you can see, the hull was filled with spray foam insulation, which had to be removed before I could see any signs of leakage. Once I was down to the actual hull, I could identify seveal areas where I believe water could be coming in. I am trying my best to get back down to bare wood using picks scrapers and my Dremel.
At first I wasn't sure if it was a wood or plastic hull. However, as I dig in I have discovered that it is indeed a wood hull. That makes me believe that it is a Midwest Products 986 kit. My current plan is to expose problem areas, and coat the entire interior with 2 part epoxy.
This is my first "build log", so please be patient with me. Being a newby, If anybody has suggestions or comments as to how I should proceed I appreciate any advice ... but please be kind.
Liked by Colin H and Graham93

I did a little more work on the hull.

I think I am ready to expoxy now!
Liked by GavJ and dave976 and

Exterior of the Hull

Dave976,
I was at my shed today and took some pictures of the outside of the hull. As you suspected, there is evidence of places where water incursion could be occurring.
I've posted pictures in a Blog update.
Dave B

Checking Hull Exterior for cracks/leaks

Dave976,
I was at my shed today and took some pictures of the outside of the hull. As you suspected, there is evidence of places where water incursion could be occurring. All of it seems to be at the point where the sides of the hull and the bottom meet.
It looks like somebody along the line tried sealing the cracks with glue or some kind of clear epoxy or paint or??
I will be sanding these areas down to inspect and seal those points as well.
Thanks for the suggestion.
This brings me to another challenge. Once I start sanding and repairing the exterior, I will need to find a color match for the white and black. I considered repainting the entire exterior, but then I need to deal with the black anti-slip areas. I wonder if those are available precut anywhere?
Dave B
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