Visit our Popular Forums

jmueller · 28-10-2014, 19:41

Hi all: first time poster long time reader.
I've got a 1964 vanguard. Looks like a teak sole but I'm really not sure.
Anyone know the original sole specs on this one?
I plan to refinish and just want to make sure I do it right.
Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

jmueller · 29-10-2014, 05:38

Cabin sole I meant to add.

Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

**skipmac** · 29-10-2014, 05:42

All the newer Pearsons, mid seventies to late eighties, I have seen have teak and holly veneer on plywood. Not sure about the older ones.

If you look carefully you can tell if it's veneer. Real wood planks will have obvious joints where the ends of two pieces meet.

If it is veneer of course be very careful sanding as it is pretty thin.

**HappyMdRSailor** · 29-10-2014, 05:49

Welcome to CF! Glad you are now a "poster"....

Seriously doubt you are going to find "specs" for a cabin sole... Maaaaaybe run across some with same/similar here...

Skipster beat me to it, but "thin" is the word... If it turns out NOT to be a veneer (doubtful), it's a major bonus... You might want to do a little grinding in a cabinet or locker space to know what ya got... There is way too much already written, so do a little digging... It's not a hard job... just a lot of work though...

Sailmonkey · 29-10-2014, 06:08

When I stripped down my old vanguard the sole turned out to be thin (less than 1/4") mahogany veneer plywood over a base of fiberglass and 3/4" plywood.
It is sand able, but just lightly. Too much will see you through the veneer in short order.
Mine was also not equipped with holly strips, it more closely resembled beadboard.

Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

bsurvey · 29-10-2014, 08:18

teak veneer plywood is pretty thin you will have to live with any black spots or small dents and chips

do not use teak bleach or oxcylic acid as it will separate the glue.

if you have to bleach, mix comet into a paste and rub it in with a scotch brite pad. let it sit till it dries then wash it off that the best you can do short of replacement

jmueller · 29-10-2014, 11:45

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

lifeofreilly57 · 29-10-2014, 12:22

If all else fails a new 4x8x 1/2" panel of teak/ holly ply is about $340.00 - &370.00 here in the New England area, shipping depends on where you live.
I had to replace the cabin sole in a boat I'm selling after my little guys woke up before us one morning and found my nice sharp chisel in the tool bag.
They figured out how to peel veneer pretty quickly.
Now if I could just teach them how to peel varnish......

ssanzone · 29-10-2014, 14:02

If done correctly, you can get good life out of teak veneer.

1. template out the existing sole.
2. buy 1/4" teak laminate in 4*8' sheets.
3. cut to size and shape with a fine tooth NEW blade (circular / jig saw)
4. rough sand the underside with 80 grit
5. apply your sealer of choice (i prefer to shoot compression varnish) based on desired finish (mat / semi / high) and durability (bar top epoxy is BULLET PROOF but will yellow a bit over time)
6. sand the existing sole with 80 grit
7. evenly and generously pour epoxy and lay down the new veneer to the existing veneer and apply even and consistent weight (tack or screw down wherever you can without leaving visible nail / screw heads)
8. wait 24 hours to fully cure.

Very fast and affordable.

The alternative is to install new teak and holly which is what I just finished. With resawing, 1/2" teak and white maple (holly isnt available in longer than 4' lengths) materials in 12' lengths will cost you about 5/4 $1100. If you dont have the equipment / skills to re-saw, plan on another $1000 to have it resawn, planned and drum sanded for you (i stop at 120 grit as i want a bit of natural non-skid.

Because I needed access to my bilge to install fuel and a 2nd water tank, I choose to remove the original sole but I would not consider this necessary.

I cut to length and shape, pen-epoxied 5 sides and installed. I will be finish sanding most the the existing mahogany and shooting all of the wood with 2 coats of compression varnish and 4 coats on the sole.

I would rate this effort a 6.5 out of 10 and requiring a patience level of 9 out of 10 because you dont cut corners or rush when your materials are $30 per board foot.

-steve

jmueller · 29-10-2014, 18:04

Sounds like a Great idea.
I was hoping I could just sand and re-stain and gloss it but that sounds unlikely based on what I'm reading.

Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

**HappyMdRSailor** · 30-10-2014, 06:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by lifeofreilly57

If all else fails a new 4x8x 1/2" panel of teak/ holly ply is about $340.00 - &370.00 here in the New England area, shipping depends on where you live.
I had to replace the cabin sole in a boat I'm selling after my little guys woke up before us one morning and found my nice sharp chisel in the tool bag.
They figured out how to peel veneer pretty quickly.
Now if I could just teach them how to peel varnish......

Holy smoke.... I would photo document the whole escapade, and keep it as a LABOR CREDIT for when they need some "anti-hooligan activities" diversion!!!

**HappyMdRSailor** · 30-10-2014, 06:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmueller

Sounds like a Great idea.
I was hoping I could just sand and re-stain and gloss it but that sounds unlikely based on what I'm reading.
Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE....

We were just warning you not to attack it with a belt sander...

Go light, go easy, take off less than you want in areas... Test to see what you have in a settee compartment or something, so you know how far NOT TO GO...

lifeofreilly57 · 30-10-2014, 06:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

Holy smoke.... I would photo document the whole escapade, and keep it as a LABOR CREDIT for when they need some "anti-hooligan activities" diversion!!!

I know who's diving on the boat to clean the hull and scrape the prop in the future......