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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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suggested wood for fuel locker cover

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michael.j.wenger
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/11/2013 : 15:46:54

I've recently acquired a 1980 C-25 tall rig. It's a well maintained boat, but does need some repairs. The first is the lid/cover to the fuel locker, located in the cockpit at the stern. The lid appears to have rotted out at the screws connecting it to the piano hinge. I'm looking for some recommendations for the type of wood to use in building a new cover.

Here's a view of the cover, with the damage at the far end:

Here's a close-up of the damage:

And here's a view of the bottom:

Each of the planks are 5" wide, 3/4" thick. I'm not sure what type of wood was used (perhaps redwood??), and was wondering what type of wood would be recommended. Teak planks?

Many thanks to all in advance for the advice.

C-250 Tech Editor edit: I took the liberty of making your images visible in the forum so folks don't need to click on them to view them.

Michael Wenger
Norman OK (Lake Thunderbird)
"Sea of Tea" (SK/TR)

Edited by - C250 Editor on 06/12/2013 10:12:12

Admin
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460 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2013 : 16:04:49

Hi Michael, welcome to the forum.

I took the liberty of editing your username to remove your email domain.

So when you login, use the same credentials exclusive of @youremaildomain

I'll let the C25 team respond to your post.

Paul

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5431 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2013 : 19:10:57

Michael
Welcome to the forum. Glad to see you've found this great resource.

Because you'll be sitting on and (from time to time) standing on the cover, you need it to be a strong material. And since it will sit in the sun, rain and elements, the material has to be water-resistant. A dense tropical hardwood like teak, ipe or mahogany will probably fit the bill.

The jointery has to be solid between the horizontal and vertical sections. Dovetails and/or a cleat underneath will keep it stiff. You could also glass it together underneath. Add to that, you could glass the outside too and add a gelcoat, of course color match is always a challenge.

One challenge is to bond boards together side by side to get the desired width.
I remember watching "the New Yankee Workshop" with Norm Abrams when he made a tabletop. He used wood glue with biscuits. Of course wood glue is inappropriate - not waterproof - so epoxy should be used.

Edited by - Voyager on 06/11/2013 19:17:30

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2013 : 19:18:32

Mine's starboard

Edited by - on

mrapkins
Navigator

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USA
124 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2013 : 05:00:41

Try this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/AZEK-Trim-5-4-in-x-4-in-x-12-ft-AZEK-Cellular-PVC-Trim-ART12504144/202970143

Works with ordinary woodworking tools, won't rot, split, get eaten by anything and is UV resistant. Can be glued up to make a panel, or you can also but it in sheets.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2013 : 06:25:27

I would pick King Starboard (HDPE) over cellular PVC, which is a bendy moulding and trim material. Starboard also works with woodworking tools (sort of like hard soap) and would make a permanent, maintenance-free cover. You can find it in any West Marine store, and if necessary, order the most appropriate size. (It's not cheap, but cheaper than teak.)

I would suggest through-bolting it to the hinge (with machine screws and finish washers) rather than hoping a wood screw will hold in the plastic. You might also want to apply (or etch) a non-skid surface on the top.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 06/12/2013 06:31:30

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2013 : 09:30:06

Starboard's a good choice, and I agree with Dave on the PVC. The suggestions for wood are sound as well. I'd probably make one out of Ipe, but that's just because I have a ton of it. Another option no one has mentioned is BS1088 plywood (waterproof). Easy to work, no joinery, and you can get it in different veneers.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2013 : 10:05:19

Being an every-problem's-a-nail-if-your-only-tool-is-a-hammer kind of guy, I fall back on my canoeing days. Bead and cove will allow you to make a seemingly seamless cover. For wood I would agree that eh heavy tropicals are a good choice, however; White Ash may also be an alternative. I would cover it all with epoxy resin and FG matt a-la-canoe.

Or I would just call the catalina factory in Florida where they still have most of the original molds and ask for a price to have one cast.

Edited by - on

michael.j.wenger
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Response Posted - 06/19/2013 : 08:36:06

Many thanks, all. I decided to go with Dave's suggestion of the King Starboard, and am really impressed with the material (and the cost!). As a footnote to this discussion, has anyone considered using the HDPE for countertops (galley and head)? My thanks again, -Michael

Edited by - on

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