Bulwarks

[Cockle]

Hi
I have recently removed the Bulwarks from 'Cockle' and would like to know if anyone can advise if coating with epoxy would be a better way of protecting them from the elements! They are not in bad shape but do have some deep cracks in places that would benefit from from filling, I'm thinking a coat of West epoxy to seal them and then varnish over the top... Also the bilge boards are similarly in need of repair to the edges and are not currently epoxy coated, I'm thinking it would it be a good idea to fill and coat these with epoxy also... any thoughts most welcome?
Best Graham

[Ken]

Shame you got no reply here Graham but maybe everybody here has , like me, no experience of epoxy and varnish on woods. Hope you found some info somewhere. I know cladding wooden dinghies in epoxy has been a common activity.
Is Cockle sailing this year ?
Ken

[RollyDrifter]

Hi . Would oiling be a mistake ? Osmo oil or Danish ? I like the idea of something that soaks in rather than sits on the timber .

[Rick]

Must admit I'm not a fan of any form of "hard" coating, particularly to any area that might get damaged - it makes it very difficult to repair. So personally I'd always use an oil type protection so that it just needs a quick lick rather than a scrape back and revarnish/epoxy.
Olio is always good!
However, having said that, if it's an area that's not seen - eg drop keels, epoxy sounds sensible!

[Derek Ambridge]

Hi
I have recently removed the Bulwarks from 'Cockle' and would like to know if anyone can advise if coating with epoxy would be a better way of protecting them from the elements! They are not in bad shape but do have some deep cracks in places that would benefit from from filling, I'm thinking a coat of West epoxy to seal them and then varnish over the top... Also the bilge boards are similarly in need of repair to the edges and are not currently epoxy coated, I'm thinking it would it be a good idea to fill and coat these with epoxy also... any thoughts most welcome?
Best Graham

[Rick]

Hi Derek,
For what it's worth, I've never been in favour of using anything other than something easily removed for treating wood above the waterline - if it gets damaged could be fun and games to get it looking good again! How about good old Deks Olje?

[venturerdave]

Hello

Take a look at 'Burgess Marine Woodsealer'. Once the normal preparation is done it's  easy to apply with a brush and looks good.

I have used it on several boats in the past and always been pleased with the results.

[JOD]

Silkkens Cetol Filter 7 plus came out top in a Classic Coat long term trial some years ago. I use it because it is easy to apply and durable.
The problem with changing from an existing varnished surface to an oil based one is having to rub right down to bare wood. My advice is to stick with whatever finish is in already.
Below the waterline, especially in areas likely to meet hard objectseg drop keels, is to use epoxy and / or glass.

[JOD]

I should add that the easy of application extends to the fact that spot touch-up is possible without the need for a complete rub down meaning maintenance can be undertaken throughout the season without wasting sailing time or waiting for ideal weather.

[MarkD]

A low build epoxy on a timber such as mahogany would be excellent but would be more problematic on teak, as it has a high oil content, but is still possible after 'washing down' with acetone. If you use a SP or WEST resin neat (without filler), around five coats, it would seal the wood completely and look beautiful. Downsides are some care would need to be taken to roughly maintain shape if removing them and they would need to be over coated with a two pack varnish as base epoxy is UV sensitive. Such epoxy is extremely easy to apply and is simple to touch up if damaged after abrading but don't forget to reapply varnish on top!