I just picked up a very used 1996 Bell Starfire in the black gold with wood layup, set up as a tandem, but I want to convert it into a solo…I took this boat out today with my dog, and I absolutely love it!
First, I want to clean up the gunwales which are mostly strong and intact, except for a small rotted area in the stern where it meets the deck.
Today I sanded out the soft wood, and am thinking I could maybe fill in these gaps with something like a “wood/epoxy blend” or something similar, and fare it out, sand it, and apply watco or something else at the end…I’ve never done this kind of wood repair work before…and I think it’s premature at this point to take it somewhere to replace the gunwales…
Does anyone have any experience with that or have some good advice? There are also a couple splintered areas in the gunwales where the wood is raised…Would love some insight…
Please see photos…
Much appreciated and thanks in advance,
Gregor (Brightraven)
First, I want to clean up the gunwales which are mostly strong and intact, except for a small rotted area in the stern where it meets the deck.
Today I sanded out the soft wood, and am thinking I could maybe fill in these gaps with something like a “wood/epoxy blend” or something similar, and fare it out, sand it, and apply watco or something else at the end…I’ve never done this kind of wood repair work before…and I think it’s premature at this point to take it somewhere to replace the gunwales…
Does anyone have any experience with that or have some good advice? There are also a couple splintered areas in the gunwales where the wood is raised…Would love some insight…
Please see photos…
Much appreciated and thanks in advance,
Gregor (Brightraven)
