56 Century Resorter 18

by John Schutz
(Boston, Mass)

Really a rough, rotted old boat..... but, oh, the potential.

I have replaced all 20 oak frames, rebuilt new transom, now need to install keel and chines..... can I do it, or is this beyond most "adequate" woodworkers???

The next question is my main one and please, I know the question will truly offend some of you, you will consider the concept sacraligious.... but here goes.

The old mahogany planks are shoot, good only for patterns and IF I were to go the planking route would first install a thin plywood inner liner.

Now here is the big question, why not use a number of plywood layers (believe it called "cold cure" method) to spare myself the hassel of bending mahogany planks?

Is it less expensive and I would think easier to do.

I am not going to show and not worried about a nicely painted black hull.

The transom and top sides will be the original mahogany look.

What do you think?

Comments for 56 Century Resorter 18

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Jan 11, 2011
 floor covering fo18' resorter
by: Anonymous

Resorting a 56 18' resorter.

It has a red and white interior.

What floor color and material was used in the original?

Thanks, Gene
Jun 22, 2010
 boat bottom
by: Bill

Aint noth'n wrong with a plywood bottom.

If it gets your boat working and used, go for it.

To re-plank a boat is a lot of time and money then of course you still need to swell it each season before you're good to go.

I have the original bottom on my boat, but it's in good condition, if it wasn't I'd go to a 5200 bottom or cold form plywood in an instant.

Remember you want to use the boat.

If it's perfect museum condition it's best in a museum.

You do you best to stay true to the original boat, but anything can be too far.

You want it too look good, but you also want to feel comfortable taking it out on the water.
Jun 15, 2010
 Plywood Bottom
by: Mike

Hi John,

Judging by what you say you have already done I would say that you will have no problem finishing her off.

As for replacing the bottom planks with plywood, if it gets her back in the water and being enjoyed then I’m all for it.

One of the beauties of old wooden boats is that parts can be replaced to prolong their useful life.

I have nothing against seeing museum exhibits in their original condition but I’d rather see a modified rebuild in the water.

Besides how many of those boats that are ‘shown’ are totally original?

How much can you replace before a restoration becomes a replica?

And it will certainly be less expensive to use marine plywood than replace all that mahogany planking.

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