New ALbin 36 owners

[Boatmon]

Hello again,

sorry we didn't make an intorduction with our earlier post. We were unable to purchase factory table legs, so we had them fabricated. (thanks Dave & Randy)

In September my wife and I purchased a 1982 Albin 36 from the original owner, she is in need of a great deal of TLC but survey'd out very well. The hull, structure and mechanical systems are all very good, but cometics are a different story, she has been neglected and improperly maintained for several years. Each week we are making progress and improvements and bringing her one step closer to the condition that she deserves to be in. This trawler was purchased with a long term committment in mind, so she is truly a lobor of love and all projects and improvements are being made properly and with durability in mind.

We'll keep you posted on our progress,

Michael

[jcollins]

Welcome to AOG. You trying to suffocate that boat?

[Boatmon]

We have soooo much sanding of trim and decks to do, as well as buffing and waxing, that we wanted to at least make an attempt to keep our mess from getting on surrounding boats. and the plastic was cheap insurance. the good neighbor thing you know?

I have no wish to "stir the pot" but, we've been looking into different treatments for the teak, what is the current school of thought with you folks? For the most part, our decks are in good condition, and we are strip sanding all the cap and hand rails, and much of the exterior window trim will be replaced when we put the new windows in. The grab rails and drip ledge will all be stripped to bare wood. The prep work is extensive, and we would like to use the most durable finish that we can, to avoid the need for this any more than necessary in the future.

On another note; has anyone found a source for replacement faucets for the pull out lavatories on the 36 classic?? ours are a little mismatched and the finish was spent sometime ago. We would like something similar, but not necessarily an exact replacement.


Take care,

Michael

[jcollins]

I have had good luck with the Z-Spar Captains varnish. Check out Jamestown distributors. I usually sand/varnish 3x on first application and then once a year after that. I should also add that I have about 10% of the wood that you do.
Perhaps others will jump in here with suggestions.

[Vic T]

The '87 albin 36 we purchased two years ago had cetol (clear) on the teak. It was in good shape so we have continued to use it. It is expensive but does hold up to the Maine weather. It will be interesting to see what other finishes others have used and had good results.

Good luck.

Vic

[Boatmon]

A wooden boat restorer fellow that I know, has recommended this system; strip sand teak to bare wood and down to 100 grit, apply three coats of West System or similar type slow cure epoxy, scuff sanding between coats. Then apply three to five coats of a preimum polyurethane or varnish. He has has great luck with this approach on the Hacker Craft and Gar Woods that he restores for a living, My only concern is what happens if/when the epoxy base is comprimised?

As you all know, we have alot of teak! If the decks ever start to leak, they will be removed. But my wife loves her teak, to the extent that the new windows will be retrimmed in new teak moldings. She doesn't want to loose any, so I would rather put in the best possible system now while the wood is clean. Rather than be redoing everything next year because we cut corners this year.

-Mike

To good times, great friends, and colorful miles......

[jleonard]

If the decks ever start to leak, they will be removed.

Don't be so hasty. I recently re-caulked several areas of my teak decks. Not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.
I've done some extensive fiberglass repairs on this and previous boats...It will be much more work to replace the teak with fiberglass. Esp if you understand that the teak decking is oart of the structure. Meaning you have to add some strength if you remove the teak. Not an impossible task but formidable.

[Boatmon]

By all means, our preference would be the keep the teak decks. We much prefer their traditional look and feel, but if they begin leaking I have a few ideas to keep the look but get them sealed up. Removal would be our very last choice, but I'm not ruling that out as a possibility .

The main salon floor like much of the teak, was horribly abused and neglected. we rented a 7" commercial floor edger and exposed the beautiful teak parquet that was hiding below. The New upholstery for the settee and the v-berth is "suppose"to be in the final stages of completion and delivered by Friday evening. We had the glass company out on Saturday and are a waiting a quote to replace the aft cabin and salon windows. The marine vinyl to redo the v-berth hull-sides and lower v-berth headliner was delivered the end of last week. While we have that area apart, we plan to replace and improve the forward bulkhead that forms the anchor locker. This will prevent any future mold or rot from the perpetually wet chain and rode.