Building a New Cabin Sole (floor) in a Contessa 32 (Project Lottie Ep11)

[@ukpitts]

Brilliant work. Lottie is a lucky girl to have landed in your care. This is a masterclass in ‘better than new’ & ‘doing it right’.

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@pauld9530]

Thats a good idea fixing all the bearers to aluminium angle the gluing them all at the same time.

[@claverton]

I need to replace some bearers and sections of cabin sole in my boat and had no idea on how to go about it or where to start and there's a dearth of youtube vids covering the topic. Even Don Casey's 'This Old Boat' doesn't go into it which surprised me. So this vid is more than a little bit useful for me.

[@sailawayteam]

That glass rug really ties the cabin together.

[@johnhewett2525]

George before the Dremel was even thought of we would call that type of tool a Die Grinder, be it air or electrically driven. So from now on yours can be a "Bosche Die Grinder".

[@CrewsFarm]

Fabulous job, George. 'Thorough' doesn't even begin to cover it.

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks John

[@clarrie5273]

GOOD TO SEE A MAN WHO PUTS HIS HANDS WHERE HIS MOUTH IS GREAT WORK ON THE HULL ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC YOUR THE THEMAN FOR THE JOB I LOVE YOUR WORK OK YOU MIGHT TALK ABIT BUT YOU PUT YIUR HANDS TO WORK TO CREATE AN ABSOLUTE WORK OF ART I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOUR OTHER JOBS GRAHAM FROM AUSTRALIA

[@stephenconway4976]

Attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship is first class. A joy to watch.

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks for the positive comment!

[@johnthomson1579]

I enjoy watching your tasks and your commentary. Thank you. I;m sure sailors will find these useful.

[@roxyknight4909]

Loving your videos

[@simonpritchard6074]

Brilliant film and so informative...guess it's my round!...Thanks.

[@simonpritchard6074]

Trying to buy you that beer..Can you tell me how please?

[@malcolmprice3268]

Just loving these videos and for someone who claims not to be a skilled video maker, you make a great impression. 😂

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks, that’s very kind. I’m pleased you like the vids.

[@drdecco1]

Such attention to detail - this is the man I want to fix up my old boat IF i could afford him?…. If I could afford an old boat? 😅

[@arlisscott3455]

This ship is going to be better than when it was built! Amazing job so far! Love watching the amount of thought and intuition in making the floor!

[@RefitandSail]

Pleased you enjoyed it.

[@Sp3ktral22]

Frikin' amazing. Loved the video. So interesting

[@jonunya3128]

it's very satisfying to see that flo-coat go on. top tier result!

[@RefitandSail]

It was, thanks

[@petrospapapanagiotou]

Great job George! I think, when done, this Contessa will be true pride and joy for its owner to have and use... 👍👍👍

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks, I hope so

[@farmerjimbob67]

Top job was taking notes all the way to the end 👍👍👍

[@RefitandSail]

Remember all boats are slightly different, even early/late co32’s have slightly different internal furniture so you can’t copy exactly what I have done but hopefully the procedure is similar.

[@normanboyes4983]

Nice work George.😀👍⛵️

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

Excellent job of sharing your thought process. Makes it so informative. Thumbs up up

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks

[@facepalm1329]

Great video, really interesting and informative content.

[@RefitandSail]

Pleased you liked it.

[@jdbpescador]

Another very good video. A clean job with excellent quality!!!!! Congratulation's!!!

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks

[@bendaves77]

Have you ever checked out how the Japanese burn their wood slightly which keeps it from moisture rotting and bugs eating it?? Called shou sugi ban?? I have used it for piers on porches and I built a nice wooden work bench in my garage and am getting ready to build my friend a bar in his basement.. I soaked it in transmission fluid and then burnt with a propane weed burner and its got this really cool reddish tinted black/brown look.. saves from having to buy treated lumber and no chemicals. They have wooden buildings sitting on rocks that are atleast a thousand years old and zero rot.. since you're a craftsman I thought you might want to check it out..

[@ArminSchon]

Now I really know what is underneath my floor…! Great video and amazing job!!

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks.

[@12345ythan]

Amazing as always

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks

[@marcelop9377]

Excellent video George, actually all of them. Its nice to see how precise and careful you are with the work you do. I would not worry about calling a tool by its name, because after you use the dremel, you remove the dust with your hoover :)

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks, it’s so easy to use a common brand name. At home I have a Dyson, miles better that a Hoover but you can guess what it’s called!

[@Ajojets]

Yet another fantastic video, a craftsman at work. Giving me the inspiration I need to get a few jobs on Live Wire done(Carter 30).

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks very much, best of luck with your boat works.

[@atlsrf2]

Really enjoy the content. Well done!

[@bronsonwhite4670]

Brilliant work sir!

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks

[@andrewhebden2793]

Great episode, thanks George! More interesting than World Cup football 😂

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks, although being more interesting that the football is a fairly low bar in my option. Football players only need one ball, us sailors need two! Haha

[@cullypettigrew]

Absolutely brilliant work and well explained. I have one query regarding the soleboards. Do you need to leave an expansion joint between the soleboard and the cabin sides same way you would leave when laying a wooden floor at home? These boards look close fitted.

[@shanepalmer6899]

Fantastic work as usual. Can you tell me who supplies all your epoxy materials and the plywood please. Much appreciated

[@RefitandSail]

I use various suppliers (both trade only and trade/consumer). For plywood. I have used Robbins timber in Bristol for some time and are worth a call.

Fascinating video!! I really liked how the flo-coat smoothed out on the bottom. Can it be used on vertical surfaces or even on cabin tops (from the inside), or will it drip and/or sag? I'm thinking about removing the old ??leatherette covers?? from my Maxi 77's cabin and just painting it white. Is flo-coat adequate for the job? Thanks for your advice!

[@RefitandSail]

Hi, yes you can use flowcoat on vertical and overhead surfaces although overhead can be tricky/messy if you are not careful. the Gel is generally quite thick, on an overhead surface I think Id be tempted to thin the gel with styrene and then apply multiple coats with a roller, just make sure the final coat has wax added to it. the addition of Wax is what turns gelcoat into flowcoat (aka topcoat). I have not tried overhead but can't see what you would not be able to do it. Perhaps try painting on overhead first and see how you go.

[@bendaves77]

The final layer of floor would look beautiful if done in cherry with white oak strips between the cherry planks or cedar planks with oak strips

[@gregmorgan8900]

Hay George, can you explain to a goose like me, where does the water go that drains through the glass holes you have drilled on the top of the water tank? Down the sides of the water tank, flows aft across the top of the keel ballast and then to where? Thanks.

[@RefitandSail]

Any water will drain down the sides of the tank to the bilge, there is a gap under the tank so the water will drain aft to where the bilge pump pickup is located.

[@Rubinho1977]

Really great work and very intéresting vidéos. Will you modernise the interior?

[@RefitandSail]

There will be some modernisation while keeping the traditional co32 layout. Full details to be finalised with the client.

[@kbbarton1]

Entertaining and informational - brilliant! Is your next episode going to cover putting in the teak/holly finished floor?

[@RefitandSail]

Thanks, prob not the next episode but hopefully in a couple of weeks. I have some other work I want to do before fitting the sold wood onto the floor surface.

[@petermilburn1214]

Hi George have you ever replaced the headliner in a yacht ? If so do you have any advice with regards to removing glue, reinsulating and relinning? Our boat is 35 year old 31 foot gibsea 312.

[@RefitandSail]

I have, not done a video on it though, maybe one for a future episode

[@rexstiger6090]

Enjoyed the video and lesson. What type of screws (material) did you use when screwing to the floor bearers? Thanks.

[@RefitandSail]

Good, thanks. From memory I used stainless steel (316) csk 10x1.5” self tapping

[@rexstiger6090]

@@RefitandSail Thanks!

[@Wolf-xi4if]

Could you use the same barrier coat that you used on the outside instead of the flowcoat that you used? Any pros or cons to the barrier coat?

[@RefitandSail]

I could but it’s a bit expensive compared to flow coat and there is no benefit to doing so, and you get more film thickness with flowcoat + it’s quicker to cure.

[@arnehayn4354]

Interesting take at 49:30 on through hull and Coppercoat. I am using a bronze through hull with a strainer for the engine intake. Is the standard trough hull suitable as well for the engine? Reason for asking is that I consider Coppercoat. Regards and Happy New Year

[@RefitandSail]

Not sure I fully understand the question but a standard through hull is fine for an engine inlet as long as it is the appropriate size for the engine (the engine manufacturer will pescribe a minimum size. Bronze is good if you can get it, they are available but very expensive which is why I think composite is the way to go if it’s a choice between dzr or composite for similar cost. Better to have a raw water strainer in the engine bay than a strainer over the seacock in my experience, easier to check and clear when necessary. External grills tend to fill up with marine life then block.

[@arnehayn4354]

@@RefitandSail Thanks for your immediate feedback. I installed Truedesign for all throughhulls and seacocks except engine. For the engine I installed a bronze through hull from Maestrini(?) ) with an integrated strainer and a Truedesign seacock.

[@RefitandSail]

@@arnehayn4354 ahh, understand now. While it’s not what I would have done many boats have those strainer inlets and mostly they are absolutely fine. I have only once seen the issue of galvanic corrosion on an engine inlet seacock so it’s possible it was a one-off. However I have seen galvanic chalking around the metal engine seacocks on a few boats that have coppercoat. Maybe just keep an eye on it, probably be absolutely fine. As it’s bronze it’s much less likely to suffer from galvanic corrosion.

[@fibber2u]

"... it looks a bit grotty but it is actually sound. It's just old ..." 🤔 Is he talking about me.

[@RefitandSail]

😂

[@robertgrahamwork]

Neat - some months ago I used the same “enlarge the hole with the dremel” trick for a through hull - which was also trudesign- and with the same bosch tool - now I almost feel like a real professional 👍 Good info about the flocoat. I have been wondering about the compatibility with epoxy. Only one question, what about putting new flocoat over a surface that is a mixture of fg, epoxy, and old flocoat - suitably cleaned and sanded - any issues? Would rather not grind away old flocoat if I don’t have to.. Ps don’t worry about the length - there is real value in seeing how things are done properly and it never gets boring - at least for me, cheers

[@RefitandSail]

Unfortunately most “professionals” would use the larger size hole saw and not worry it was a loose fit but that’s not my way. New gel/flow coat over old is no problem, new gel/flowcoat over cured epoxy or epoxy is no problem. In all cases the surface needs to be well abraded and cleaned of any contamination. Using gel/flowcoat over old paint is no good, all old paint needs to be removed. If a locker has previously been painted it’s often easier to repaint than flowcoat unless you really enjoy sanding.

[@robertgrahamwork]

@@RefitandSail Thanks for the advice! Your channel along with atomvoyager (James Baldwin) is one where I am going "aha!" and making notes every episode. Much appreciated, most other similar channels are pretty much "in the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king" if you know what I mean...

[@SM40]

I could do with your advice if you're anywhere near Driver's Wharf next few weeks, about a P-Bracket.

[@RefitandSail]

While I’m not far away I wasn’t planning on heading that way this week. If you are after some consultancy your best bet is to email me direct. Thanks

[@MS-ji6oj]

How high is the ceiling in this boat, btw? 185 cm?

[@bendaves77]

As a American I can't help but to laugh every time I hear a European say Alieminium when we say aluminum.. 🤣

[@bendaves77]

I do enjoy the longer videos where you show more and explain more

[@RefitandSail]

Haha, I won’t suggest that you Americans need to learn how to speak properly. I lived in Glasgow in Scotland for a while and my ears had to learn a completely new English language.

[@mikewebb4730]

No limber-holes necessary?

[@RefitandSail]

There are limber holes in the area under the floor where water could get trapped but in the floor itself there is not, this is quite normal. I suppose any water that is on the floor could drain down into the bilge via the floor hatches but in reality any water could be mopped up. On my own boats this has never been an issue.

[@drdecco1]

Is Lottie for sale?

[@RefitandSail]

Lottie’s owner (as far as I know) plans to sail her for many years to come once the refit is compete. I do have another co32 available that awaits refit if you are looking.