Replacing our Trawler’s LEAKY DECKS | Our BIGGEST BOAT PROJECT Yet!

[@SchoandJo]

Want to keep up with us in real time? Sign up for our weekly email to be filled in our current cruising plans and adventures. schoandjo.com/sunday-summary Do you have recommendations for future stops along America’s Great Loop? Please share them with us here! forms.gle/WsnG16jUfMRYtCyp9

[@shannonodonnell5915]

As a general contractor that learned my skills on the job mainly, I have to say congratulations! Ripping into things that you’ve never attempted before can be daunting and nerve wracking. You both did amazing!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much Shannon! My skills were all computer programming related but I've always wanted to learn practical and skills to build reality instead of just digitally... this has been the perfect project to dive in and tackle. I can't say it went perfectly but I know a heck of a lot more now then when i started - and it'll help for the next (and so on and so forth). Cheers!

[@MrPeediff]

We are so impressed by you guys. Taking on this project even when experienced is the stuff of nightmares but you have tackled this very logically with great determination. We truly love your “can do” attitude. Really well done. Hope things are continuing to go well for you both. Safe travels. Kind regards, Pete & Caroline.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much Pete and Caroline! Y’all are so kind, there are definitely ups and downs but the only thing to do is keep trekking along. Thanks!

[@stevenhirtzinger9929]

How do you guy's not have more Subscribers???!!! Awesome Videos. Love the Deck repair. Thanks for taking me away from my boring life for a few minutes!

[@SchoandJo]

Aww Steven thanks so much for the kind comment! We really appreciate you coming along for the ride!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

My God, my hat’s off to you for undertaking this! Great job.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks! It was a lot of work but we’ll worth it in the end!

[@LoriLivers]

This is a bold DIY project - so impressed you took this on yourselves! Great job!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much Lori!

[@robertshansky6715]

You guys are amazing, I am a retired boater, never at that size or ambition, but watching me makes me wish I was younger. I will look back to see if earlier videos explain your planning and budgeting, but thanks for doing the vidoeos.

[@danpeters3268]

A few thoughts as we look for a loop boat to refurbish - oh my: (1) how long are you planning to keep the boat- spend accordingly; (2) find and seal the leaks first - those causing the rotten wood; (3) based on answer to #1 - seal the deck with with an epoxy paint (perhaps several coats) to firm up the soft spots and add additional sealing to prevent remaining water leaks. These paints also can provide a non-slip surface. We learned so much from your videos. Stay safe!!!!! Betsy and Dan

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Betsy and Dan - best of luck finding a good old boat to refurbish!

[@MrEveready299]

Wow is all I can say. Just stumbled across your channel looking for repair possibilities on a 1981 Mainship 34II trawler . I am retired and my wife has 5 more yrs to go and we came across the Great Loop and wanted to see if we can do it. Being on a small fixed income we can't afford the vessel we need so a "fixer upper" is our only hope to succeed. This boat has the same issues with the port bow section and rear aft section of the boat. Watching this video gives me some inspiration that maybe it's possible. I am looking forward to your post with the wealth of knowledge you learned and willing to pass it on to help someone else. Thank you and keep smiling.

[@SchoandJo]

Sweet! We love fixer uppers too, it just seems like a ton of "bang for our buck" and you get the added benefits of a) learning more about your boat and b) customizing it to your needs! The amazing aspects of the Loop is you can do it with any income and budget. Some people love to hop from marina to marina going 15kts and some love cruising at 6 and anchoring! Its all fantastic. Best of luck with your repairs and let us know if you have any questions - we're happy to help!

[@JustFlyIt09]

Yay! You did it the way I do it...try to fix it. If I screw it up then I pay someone but not until I have tried. Congrats on a great effort!

[@SchoandJo]

No other way to do it!

[@ThePassportCouple]

You guys are unbelievable! So brave, so up to the task, always an inspiration 👏 We can't wait to see the new decks in person 👍

[@SchoandJo]

Y’all are awesome 👏

[@debakey7111]

I know this was a difficult job for you guys but you will know your boat so well when you are done and will have developed so many useful skills. Great job!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much for the support Deb!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Although we know nothing about how to do this project, we think y’all are doing a great job and are super impressed you took on such a big project. It looks extremely daunting! Shoutout to Elliot for tackling it so Jenn can sleep without brown water dripping on her lol!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks y’all! It was definitely daunting at the beginning but got better over time. Yay to no more brown water 😁😁😁

[@nena4215]

Well, it’s how we all started, we were all there and I think you did a great job, way better than my first deck repair! I do really like boat projects because it improves your boat, saves your boat and it’s stuff you have to do....unless you have a ton of money! For us though, we want to do it ourselves if we are able because we know our boat that much more. I hope you show more and thanks so much for your wonderful episode.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much for your support Nena!

[@Sunnyreesestewart]

Great video. I’m needing to do my trawler.

[@SchoandJo]

Good luck Douglass!

[@zooba1974]

Great job guys! It takes A LOT of courage to tackle a project like that.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much! It's made cruising Pivot so much better!

[@ClassXIRoads]

Well you are certainly not afraid to jump in with both feet and all four paws, good job will be looking forward to seeing the completed project.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks James! We appreciate the support!

[@pap91rt50]

Super job right out of the box. Good visualization.. kudos

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks a lot Larry!

[@finnishmeof]

I’m so bloody impressed, I love that you guys have the courage and follow-through to do this! Keep up the good work!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much!!

[@Montanaflash]

Great job! I admire your willingness to take on something new. It won't be perfect, but it looks like you're learning fast and saving some cash while improving your boat!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much! These are exactly our thoughts!

[@jeffreyyoung702]

As I said a while back you two make a great team. Eliot your patience, attention to detail and willingness to learn during this glassing project is great. BTW an old Naval remedy for that blister is a good "Internal Alcohol Rubdown". This self proclaimed doctor recommends the cheap stuff at this early stage of the project. Save the good stuff for completion. Ollie is the ultimate "Sidewalk Supervisor" in this project. You two be safe and I know this video happened earlier but have a great Thanksgiving.

[@SchoandJo]

"Internal Alcohol Rubdown" might be the top 3 words I've heard all day 😁 Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!

[@timroberts3139]

"You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over." ~ Richard Branson ~ Good job 👏‼️

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much Tim!

[@frankrice5364]

Awesome job

[@ericr.3759]

Good job at tackling this tough project. Big pieces of plywood are difficult to work with since decks are not usually flat. Builders use small squares of ply, balsa or foam to allow for a radius. Foam is especially easy to work with. Look at resins too vs epoxy as a way to save some money.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much Eric!

[@pauls8456]

Ear protection and a face mask for cutting fibreglass (a vibration cutting tool works well and gets into hard to get places so good choice there)

[@oldelmo8788]

You know this comment will be a little late after the fact , but I had a similar problem with my boat and also had difficulty sourcing Marine plywood . I decided to make my own Marine plywood by using regular plywood and and just coat it with 2 coats of fiberglass resin . This seemed to work for me , and it's been 4 years and the deck is in great shape. It was very impressive for you guys to take on on this project with so little experience good job .

[@SchoandJo]

Nice, glad that worked for you!!

[@peterinsyracuse7056]

Wow, you guys are ambitious! Looks like great progress. A few questions: What are you doing to fix the original source of the leaks into the decks? Likely the cabin windows or rail fittings or other fittings. Maybe the cabins sides were wet/rotten also? Leak source could be a long distance away. I was surprised that the wood you removed was so dry, was expecting mush. Did you consider just constructing a new deck sandwich on top of the existing deck?

[@SchoandJo]

We've found quite a few of the leaks from the original fittings and when we removed a lot of the top layer of fiberglass there were many patched up screw holes, in the magnitude of 100's in a section. I'd assume that most of the leaks came from there in the past, were painted over but the leftover water was left to rot out the wood. This was definitely some of the driest sections of the boat. At our bow and stern it was literally soil haha. Constructing a new deck would have made our final step of fairing a bit easier but it would have taken a lot of fiberglass, epoxy, aaaand time so we decided not to do it! We do need to reseal most of the windows but they were done somewhat recently by the PO so its not priority numero uno. Cheers 🍻

[@peterinsyracuse7056]

@@SchoandJo Did Pivot originally have teak decks? Perhaps removed by prior owner (due to leaks!)? Might explain all the holes.

[@portfoliofotoz]

Yep! Always take the battery out (or unplug a corded tool) when messing about where you might amputate digits. Especially as a novice power tool user.

[@randyputnam1056]

I know your started in September and it’s now late November, so not sure what core you used, but I suggest marine grade plywood is good but it’s very thirsty so be sure it soaks up epoxy before you reseal it with the top fiberglass decking. Glad you got the multi tool. It’s a perfect tool for all sorts of boat work.You can use the scraper blade to “buzz” off the old core.

[@SchoandJo]

+1 on the multi-tool - it was clutch for the project as a whole! We ended up using Marine ply but did seal it with epoxy before affixing it to the decks! Cheers 🍻

[@Godofthemoon1]

Great job!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks!

[@Godofthemoon1]

@@SchoandJo just remember not only are you learning new skills but your extending Pivots life and adding value to her as well. So keep up the good work I can’t wait to see what you accomplish next

[@johnschieffelin3226]

Once you remove the old rotten wood from a section, I suggest you use a hook to pry out rotten wood from under the side edges. The stuff a fiberglass filler into the edges. Do that before you put in new wood and that way the whole area will be solid.

[@SchoandJo]

Good idea John!

[@CapnZman]

Yes this allows you to keep the radiuses up to the bulwarks which makes finishing easier.

[@larrydicenzo3826]

I'm very impressed that you took this on and you did a good job 👏 👍 👌

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much Larry!

[@carolwestermann5309]

Great job explaining the process you went through. Can’t wait to see the final decks.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Carol!

[@randyputnam1056]

This is probably water over the dam, but did you try Jamestown Distributors? They have a lot of different coring material. I used balsa core, but they also have a different synthetic core that’s supposed to be very good stuff and not as “thirsty” as marine grade plywood, as well as easier to cut and tool.

[@SchoandJo]

Jamestown Distributors was fantastic for a lot of our materials but most coring alternatives I found were way more expensive than the marine ply I found! Balsa would have been good too - probably better for overall weight!

[@lukebyrne4405]

Amazing project…this boat will be pretty nice when you finally get finished! When challenged you two just plow ahead using some common sense and it seems to just get done. Good way to live by!

[@SchoandJo]

As always thanks Luke!

[@Seawizz203]

If you haven’t figured red it out by now, get an oscillating multi-tool to make the short cuts. Also, exterior grade plywood is fine for recording.

[@SchoandJo]

We did get a multi-tool shortly after beginning the project, it seriously is fantastic and was clutch for the project as a whole!

[@Seawizz203]

@@SchoandJo happy new deck!

[@icannevergetthistowork]

You are doing great! I am learning a lot....hopefully I will never have to do that. Did the previous owner give you any idea that the decks were in that shape? That has been happening for a long time. You should be proud of what you have accomplished! Jim

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks a lot Jim! We did know they were soft but from conversations with the PO and Surveyor it was the idea that just because they were soft that wouldn't necessarily impact our cruising - just possibly don't jump on the decks. Shortly there after we found a bunch of leaks and then it did impact us but we were considering just dealing with the leaks on the underside and finishing up the Loop. Since I broke my wrist in May and we had a few months to kill, we decided to just bite the bullet and take care of the job!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks a lot Jim! We did know they were soft but from conversations with the PO and Surveyor it was the idea that just because they were soft that wouldn't necessarily impact our cruising - just possibly don't jump on the decks. Shortly there after we found a bunch of leaks and then it did impact us but we were considering just dealing with the leaks on the underside and finishing up the Loop. Since I broke my wrist in May and we had a few months to kill, we decided to just bite the bullet and take care of the job!

[@icannevergetthistowork]

I am really proud of both of you! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@scotth364]

I’ve always had the mind set that I could do almost anything. I’m 71 and still doing just that and have accomplished thousands of projects with that attitude, congratulations your on that tract also. Great job!

[@bradirby2355]

I’m very impressed. Just wow. Are the areas you’ve done dry and firm when you walk?

[@SchoandJo]

They are so solid when we walk on board! It's like night and day!

[@n4837z]

We, who do this sort of thing regularly, were cringing. But you seemed to have figured it out, mostly. Someone has already mentioned Jamestown Dist. AMEN on them. They will sell you all you need and tell you how to do it. like what y'all are doing. Glenn H.

[@SchoandJo]

+1 on Jamestown Distributors!

[@fireusaf77]

I was trying to read back on comments and I'm sorry if I repeated but did you all test the moisture after all was done? Looks like y'all did a great job. Just was wondering what the after numbers were. Happy New Year!

[@SchoandJo]

No worries, actually you're the first to ask 😁 We didn't do a full test of the whole boat afterwards but did test section to section... What we found is that some areas there was a huge difference and practically 0% water and others there wasn't much of a difference. Further research showed that the fiberglass topside sometimes registered as moist.... so our conclusion is maybe don't use the cheapest moisture meter you can find on Amazon 🤣 Regardless of the output of the moisture meter we ripped out all our guts and some of the other wood core we pulled was so wet, it was literally soil haha. If you needed to seriously determine wet coring, I'd suggest a hammer to check delamination along with a moisture meter for a second opinion - but don't solely accept the moisture meter.

[@karlstreed3698]

To get a smoother finish you should use peal ply after you lay it up.

[@SchoandJo]

We've never heard of peel ply, but I looked it up and it looks interesting - I guess you save it for the last layer and then it helps with needing less fairing? When would you lay it up in the process?

[@karlstreed3698]

@@SchoandJo It is the very last layer you put on. It doesn't stick to the epoxy or resin you are using so when you pull it off you get a smooth finish that would take little or no fairing. Before peal ply (1980's) we used cut up trash bags but don't use them until you try them with the resin/epoxy you are using as the formulations have changed since then. We were building kayaks then so our layups where thin so we did not have the heat you may have with thick layups.

[@jimvandyke1979]

I passed over purchasing a boat because of a lot of soft decks, now I wish i had not. You made it look pretty easy if you got it done so quickly

[@SchoandJo]

Well the project as a whole took about 2 months including breaks, bad weather days, and waiting for materials. If I started again with what I know now - I think it could be done in 4 - 6 weeks!

[@adambarton8448]

Hi Jenn and Elliot, and Ollie :) I have a questions about the moisture meter you used in this video. Was it a normal contactor's meter that costs < #30? or was it a marine moisture meter that can cost hundreds of dollars? we are still looking for our perfect boat and we are wondering if we should invest in a moisture meter. Thank you!

[@SchoandJo]

It was a normal one! It was more for our own enjoyment, I did notice that it wasn't that accurate towards the end of the re-coring. While it seemed to never miss moisture, it would sometimes register sections as having moisture that were just fiberglass. So depending on how accurate you need it then it may be worth it to invest!

[@70soperator16]

Well......considering you've never used the tools before.....I'd have to call that a resounding success....way to persevere....nice job....you'll ALWAYS have the skills you're learning

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much! That's exactly what we have in mind too - these skills will help make the next project and so on and so forth!

[@tomreid5184]

What marina are you at? I live about !0 miles from Solomons Md.

[@SchoandJo]

This was in Somer's Cove Marina but we just left last week to head southbound!

[@70soperator16]

By the way....MAD PROPS for having the stones to dive in and make that first cut.....

[@SchoandJo]

Haha thanks so much... that first cut was very nerve-wracking

[@johnschieffelin3226]

How will you reinforce under the edges where you don't cut out the top?

[@SchoandJo]

Those edges are packed with thickened epoxy until it spills over the edge. That combined with the new fiberglass for joining seemed solid enough! Any really rotten wood in those small sections we pulled out when we were cleaning out the wood from the center so those sections would be pure epoxy 👍

[@edistopirate9550]

I'm wondering exactly where the water was getting through the fiberglass into the wood core ?

[@SchoandJo]

Most likely through the windows, they were all rebedded by the PO, he did an extensive rebuild but didn't do the decks.

[@petercaras3696]

I bet the boat had teak decks in a former life and that is what all those little holes were from (the fasteners). The idea to remove the teak was sound but the follow through was not. Use some closed cell foam instead of plywood for a long lasting finish product. Kudos for having the stones to dive in!

[@SchoandJo]

I think that was the case too Peter.. some of the sections had hundreds of holes all in lines. Teak decks seem like a good idea but probably screwing them into the deck and not sealing properly is not the best plan 😁

[@brettbrock4626]

With a circular saw or any saw before you cut always remember to make sure the blade is right on the line where you want to cut. You would be surprised on how many people dont do that and completely go off the line

[@todddoster6487]

Trick when cutting plywood. Set your saw blade to the thickness of the wood. Then you can lay down a steady piece between the saw horse or even on the ground and not let it drop to the ground or risk kickback.

[@SchoandJo]

What a great tip - thanks Todd!

[@megbartlett5063]

It was years of working with epoxy befor I found out White viniger was the best cleanup method bar none.

[@SchoandJo]

Darn wish I had this tip in the moment - I'm sure more epoxy will be in my future and I'll give it a shot. Thanks Meg!

[@johnschieffelin3226]

Maybe hire one experienced person to advise/do and you two do the grunt work alongside him/her. Would make the process more efficient without the cost of a full repair crew. But you are doing well anyway.

[@SchoandJo]

That’s a good idea! Would’ve saved some headache for sure!

[@ritvenerus2195]

Shouldn’t this be done on land so the fiberglass dust isn’t getting into the water?

[@SchoandJo]

Ideally we would have done this in a yard but we were pretty careful and intentional about using our shop vac to get as much dust as possible!

[@johnwaters3771]

Regardless of what people think, you are to be admired for doing it versus talk from others. Did not the surveyor pick up the soft decks. These Marine traders were notorious for this problem. That's why they sell for nothing, nobody wants them , thats experienced. Also known for large blister problems, on the bottom, of the boat. The good news is the Ford Lehman engine, excellent engine.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks John, it was quite the learning experience and I'm happy to have learned a lot of the basic skills that will help in a lot of different applications in the future! Fortunately the PO fixed the blisters, added a Bow Thruster, and lots of other fixes so those are nicely done! No more leaky decks are our long term addition to Pivot (amongst a lot of other small things) and at least we will sleep well at night with no wet beds! Our surveyor did pick it up but mentioned it was the sort of thing that didn't actually cause issues as long as there were no leaks into the cabin and at the time we didn't know of any. Unfortunately later we found quite a few leaks into the cabin... 🤷 You win some and you lose some

[@haroldconnell2973]

She is a great partner, do your best and it will be great

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Harold - really appreciate your support!

[@WorldWideMoose]

I have the same boat as you and have done this job can save you a lot of time and effort how can we connect?

[@SchoandJo]

Your the man Alan! Un(fortunately) I’m done with the project now, just finished a few weeks ago. I’d still love to hear your thoughts though, drop me an email at [e-mail] or DM us on our Facebook page @schoandjo.

[@royyoung3456]

The more you do - The more comfortable you will be doing it.

[@SchoandJo]

100% agree - and everyone starts somewhere 😁

[@TERMIN8TOR99]

Have you found Andy on KZbin, channel is called boatworks

[@SchoandJo]

Yes, his method for recoring a trawler’s fly bridge is where I took a lot of inspiration! I wish I could be as skilled as him one day!

[@storyboardman9459]

Guys , are you on patreon,,

[@SchoandJo]

We are! patreon.com/schoandjo - thanks for asking!

[@wiliammerselis8618]

Whenever I fix something I over build I always make it stronger than it was originally built

[@SchoandJo]

A great philosophy!

[@kmflynn329]

Good job. Other people have complained about not getting work done at the marinas. I could have never done it. I would have cheated the value of the boat and tried putting a layer on top. Faux teak material.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much! Believe me I wanted to cheat it or deal with the leaks but alas here we are and now we have no more leaky decks - will make the us very happy for the Loop and the next owner very happy 😁

[@paulgilliland2992]

You’d be just as well using exterior grade bcx instead of marine grade . I mean it’s getting covered with fiberglass

[@SchoandJo]

Makes sense! We were just extra cautious!

[@russgaulke1364]

Now the trick is whatever hardware, etc. you install on your decks, to seal them so that you do not allow all of your hard work to be in vain.

[@SchoandJo]

Amen! The first hardware piece that I needed to re-attach gave me a bit of a heartache... I briefly considered just not adding the steps back 😂 Unfortunately that would have been quite the safety hazard....

[@tmarlatte]

I know this happened months ago but... Dude - MASK / RESPIRATOR!!!!

[@tmarlatte]

Sorry - reacted to the first circular saw through the top layer with no mask. Glad to see you suited up!

[@SchoandJo]

That was definitely one of the things that I learned for the rest of the deck, anytime grinding or cutting the glass It was full PPE - otherwise that dust gets literally everywhere!

[@joeldelamirande5792]

Look up mj sailing there in your area They can u give you advice Me that did that on my boat it a big project Cover the boat change the balsa core And enjoy the work At 10k for professional

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Joel!

[@OferNRaz]

Thanks for asking him to take the battery off. You are doing a great job but stay safe these tools will take your finger in a second and one mistake is enough.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Ofer! Wise words 👍

[@BobEstler]

You will want to get some good respirators to keep the fiberglass dust out of your lungs.

[@SchoandJo]

For sure! We started with just regular masks but after this first section it was full PPE - basically what we wore for the grinding we wore for all the cutting as well 👍

[@DCherbonnier]

Your Surveyor should lose his credentials for telling you, 'the soft decks wouldn't interfere with your cruising'. Dry-rot is like rust or cancer; once it takes hold it keeps going until all effected mateial, and then some, is removed. It would have a negative impact on Pivot regardless the use.

[@SchoandJo]

Definitely impacted us - won't buy another boat with the same decks but the next owner will be very happy haha

[@johnbaggus9966]

Re calking is tedious

[@tmarlatte]

Gain experience quickly - hire a professional to do a small section and work with them.

[@SchoandJo]

There's definitely nothing wrong with this approach! It was a big crash course going from scratch, but luckily there's a lot of knowledge out there to start and the fundamentals aren't too crazy, just wood and fiberglass. Overall I'm happy with the results!

[@tunatic44]

Stop wasting money on marine plywood for below deck repairs. Marine plywood basically just doesn’t have any knots in it and it’s usually used for finish work. It’s also nice to have a planer when replacing coring. But good job for your first time the more you do it the easier it will get.

[@SchoandJo]

Having a planer would definitely have been nice but we made it work! I think it’s ok not to use Marine Plywood too but we don’t want to ever worry about it again 😁 plus it’s what Andy from Boatworks Today used and we trust his opinion!

[@br5498]

Stop it stop it….I’m laughing some much it hurts….. You needed to watch some KZbin videos….hahaha

[@SchoandJo]

Glad we weren't the only ones laughing when we were editing it! No substitute for the real thing though - can only learn so much on KZbin!

[@frankrice5364]

You need to be wearing a mask