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My new bowsprit

  • July 30, 2016 9:40 PM
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    Message # 4164494
    Anonymous member

    I removed the old, rotted bowsprit from my Westsail 32 (Zoe) and have the new one ready to install .... one solid piece of Doug Fir, It has 3 coats of West System epoxy and 4 coats of varnish. I'm ready to drill the holes and re-bolt it to the bow. My question is, what is the best way to water / rot proof the holes before I put in the bolts? Polyurethane, silicon,epoxy ....? Thanks

    Ray Velez (Zoe)
  • July 31, 2016 4:42 AM
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    Reply # 4164680 on 4164494
    Anonymous member

    i would drill the holes over size by about 1/8" to big all around.  fill the holes with epoxy.  redrill through the epoxy with the correct sized drill.   it might leak, but it cant get to the wood.
  • July 31, 2016 10:46 AM
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    Reply # 4165011 on 4164494
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Sealing of the wood around the holes in your bowsprit will be very important - as well as being able to see the wood over time to be sure it is not turning dark from moisture. 

    Over sizing the holes and epoxy filling the holes is a good way but I would worry about the redrilling thru the hard epoxy and if drilling by hand and keeping the hole on center.  

    HTH

    Jay

    Last modified: July 31, 2016 10:48 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • August 07, 2016 8:33 AM
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    Reply # 4177175 on 4164494
    Anonymous member

    I recommend drilling the holes 1/64" oversize, then put a piece of tape on the bottom of the bowsprit over the hole, pour in saturating epoxy resin, let it sit for a few minutes to soak into the wood, then pull the tape and drain the left over resin into a small can.  If it is still liquid, the do the same thing again with the left over resin.  That way you know the area is sealed, and even if you run a correct size drill through the hole, you will know that the area around the hole is still sealed.  Then install the bolt with a little caulking under the washers on both ends.
  • August 08, 2016 8:13 PM
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    Reply # 4179578 on 4164494
    Deleted user

    I made a few drilling jigs out of scrap hardwood on a drill press.


    Ran the wood through a planer both sides to make sure they were very square.  Then used a drill press and made all the reqular size hols through the board.

    1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 7/8, and 1 "

    Boards were:

    2 x 4

    4 x4

    4 x 6


    Basically free if you have the tools and will keep you drill aligned and won't wander.

    Start the hole with the deepest the drill will fit.  Then switch to the thinner boards as the hole progresses.  Your holes will be true.


    Another super cool trick (not as cool as Bud's trick but nonetheless)  Get some high quality polished non-threaded hardened pins of various sizes.  Grease em up, tape the underside, and then you can whack- em out after the poured epoxy cures for a perfect fit. This if you need very waterproof precise holes. 


    Lots of variable methods using the same principles.