1984 20SF No Slack, Here we go, Lots of Questions!

[askipper3]

Ok, I have officially started my restoration of my 1984 20 SF. Don't worry pictures to come! So, I have fished her like no other for over a year, and she has produced to say the least. BUT, the signs of age are getting to much for me. It is time.

Before I start filling everyone in on my plans, etc. I have a question. I would like to remove the deck/cap from the boat to reveal the stringers, etc. Can I just pull out the whole cap/deck/gunnels togther in one pull? OR do I have to cut the deck from the gunnels because there is some sort of bonding agent that bonds the deck to the stringers? I would like to try to avoid doing cutting, but if I have to I have to I guess. Lemme' know how to go about this, thanks!

[askipper3]

Anyone?

[Seacraft84]

If your floor has come loose you may be able to get the whole thing out, especially if you had two winches hanging from the shops ceiling. One to lift the front and one to lift the back. I would not chance it though. You may mess the cap up. Chances are if you are re doing the boat anyway, cutting the floor out first would be better. The floor is one of the easier things to cut out and replace.

[wtenglish]

I think that cutting the deck will be unavoidable especially if you have a once piece inner liner like the models in the 70's did. Not sure about 1984 but my '78 had the deck glued down with a polyester resin mixed with milled fibers. You will see people on this site refer to it as "Potters Putty". If you cut the deck in the corners the cap should come off fairly easy. You should be able to review some of the restoration on this site for guidance.

[askipper3]

I have looked at alot of the restorations on this site and all seem to cut the deck out before removing the cap. I just was wondering because my floor is very solid, can't seem to find a soft spot anywhere. So removing the deck and cap at the same time does not seem like a plausible/good idea?

[wtenglish]

It would be preferable if you have the equipment to do it. The problem is that even if you are able to break the deck free from the stringers you will have a very heavy pick that will require some sort of aerial lifting equipment to remove from and clear the hull.

Another thing to think about is having access to lift everything out. I found out that I needed to have access for my hands or tools under the deck to pry it out. My deck popped free fairly easily, it was the forward fish box and cooler that were the real problem. I would up having to use a bottle jack to break them loose. You have to be careful with a jack as you could punch through the fiberlgass. The best thing I found was to use a 1x4 both under and above the jack to distribute the force. I still wound up with spider cracks to repair in the places where the boxes were attached to the hull with Potters Putty.

[Seacraft84]

It would be worth a try, if you have the right equipment. Chances are it will be more trouble.

[askipper3]

My biggest concern was lifting the cap just in the front about a foot or two upwards in order to fix some damage to the edge of the cap up that way from the inside and out. Then just setting the cap/deck back in place from being lifted after repair of edge. I wasn't planning on working with the stringers and foam but if I have to take the whole thing off I guess it would be worth my time. SO I take it I cannot just lift the front up because that would put to much stress on the inner liner from the potter putty holding it down around the area of the fishbox mostly. Correct me if I am wrong. Thanks!

[eggsuckindog]

Since the floor is fine this doesn't seem a good option of course not sure what your trying to fix either