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[madwelshman]

Evening folks, a little while ago, I added a slightly worse for wear/unloved Sea Commander to my fleet.


Yes, yet another model boat that needs plenty of TLC.


Delaminated bulkheads and front section of the keel are the first things that I need to sort.

[madwelshman]

The delamination of the keel goes right the way through from inside the hull to the underside, so after bonding the laminations back together, I will have to epoxy all alongside and over the keel, plus the bulkheads to the hull skins too, as they've partly come away as well.

[zooma]

That should keep you entertained for a few evenings Will 

[madwelshman]

Thanks Bob.
To many It would probably be a few evenings work, at the speed i work, plus the number of different projects that I have on the go, it will probably take me a fair while.
I'll get there though 


Will

[zooma]

Thanks Bob.
To many It would probably be a few evenings work, at the speed i work, plus the number of different projects that I have on the go, it will probably take me a fair while.
I'll get there though 


Will

Hi Will,

I think restoring your Sea Commander will be a lot of work - for anyone to take on.  I can't see a few evenings work transforming your model into a show stopper, but if you take your time you can restore it back to being model that you can enjoy sailing in the future.

There is no "fast fix" when restoring a model like your Sea Commander (ask me how I know  ) but it can be done, and as far as I am concerned, there is nothing so pleasing as saving an old model and bringing it back to life again.

All you can do is to pick your way through it and do what you can........... as and when you feel like it.

Re-laminating your bulkheads is not a big problem (you have some experience of this with your Sea Rover) and you can easily chop out anything that has gone too far with your razor saw and replace it.

I would also be keen to sand back the bulbous filler around the bows to see what is underneath. I had a similar problem with the Corvette - but once I could see what was lurking underneath the filler I was able to plan the most suitable repair.

If you need a hand with anything - just send me an email (with pictures to show the problem if possible).

Stay safe - Bob.

[madwelshman]

Hi Bob, thamk you very ,uch for the offer of advice when i need it
The Sea Commander is my 1st go at sorting delamination. The Sea Rover wasn't suffering with that.
Time is my enemy, or lack of to be precise, but I'll get there.
The same as the sea rover, knowing that I'm saving these boats from an uncertain future, especially the Rover, is what spurs me on to get them done to the best standard i canm whilst learning along the way too.


Thanks again.
Will

[madwelshman]

Heading the right direction slowly.
The 1st bulkhead is as good as done, the 2nd isn't far off now and the same with the keel too.
The 3rd and 4th bulkheads need a good bit more work yet, but They seem to be improving each time I have a go at them and am slowly working my way higher, each time getting nearer to the top of them.


Still lots to do though.


Will

[madwelshman]

Just realised I haven't got a picture showing the progress on number 2 bulkhead.

[zooma]

Hi Bob, thamk you very ,uch for the offer of advice when i need it
The Sea Commander is my 1st go at sorting delamination. The Sea Rover wasn't suffering with that.
Time is my enemy, or lack of to be precise, but I'll get there.
The same as the sea rover, knowing that I'm saving these boats from an uncertain future, especially the Rover, is what spurs me on to get them done to the best standard i canm whilst learning along the way too.


Thanks again.
Will

Ah - so it was the "Sea Commander's delaminating bulkheads we spoke about a few weeks ago (sorry I thought it was your Sea Rover) but I am pleased that the method for fixing your de-laminated bulkheads is working for you and the end result is looking good!


Nice job!


Bob.

[madwelshman]

Bob, yes it's the Commander that has the delaminated bulkheads. The Rover is the one that had a damaged cabin side.


Things are moving ahead, albeit slowly, but in the right direction all the same.


I did some more glue injection into bulkhead no3 on Friday and it seems to have improved things. I did the same again this evening, so we will see what tomorrow brings.


You can see that the bulkhead is much flatter now. Still a couple of areas to address, but I'm hoping that the injection I did this evening will have sorted that.

Will

[madwelshman]

Yet again, not much more done 


I found some clamps with suitable depth jaws, so some more gluing done and the re-bonding of the delaminated bulkheads is making a little more progress with each attempt. One more area that's still slightly bulging on bulkhead #3 to have another go at and then that bulkhead is finished.


Then, I have then same to attack on bulkhead #4 which is bulging near the bottom where it meets the hull.


After that, I have a load of epoxy-ing to do, all along the keel length (along it's sides between keel and hull plus all along, to seal the keel laminations), the bulkheads to hull bottom and sides join.


Then it's move onto the under sides and removing the filler on the keel to see what it's hiding.

No pictures to go with any of this I'm afraid.


Will

[zooma]

There is no short cut to restoring old wooden boats Will, and doing a little bit at a time is by far the best way.

It gives you time to think about each stage, and to sometimes come up with clever innovative solutions that may not be conventional but gets the job done and gives a real sense of achievement........and this can be more satisfying than building a new model boat from nice new materials.

Stay with it Will, and keep us up to date with your progress!

Bob.

[Seacommander]

Thanks for the up-date
A seacommander was my first ever boat in the 70's, very fond memories, they're good simple and honest
I know you will enjoy this, it's a stick it in the car and take it anywhere boat
Crack on & good luck, I'm sure that you will be re-paid more than enough over time
Cheers
Mark 

[madwelshman]

There is no short cut to restoring old wooden boats Will, and doing a little bit at a time is by far the best way.

It gives you time to think about each stage, and to sometimes come up with clever innovative solutions that may not be conventional but gets the job done and gives a real sense of achievement........and this can be more satisfying than building a new model boat from nice new materials.

Stay with it Will, and keep us up to date with your progress!

Bob.

At the speed I work Bob, I have plenty of time to think about each stage 


On the plus side, I can see the improvement each attempt so far has made, so that's keeping me motivated towards the end result of having it on the water and enjoying it.


Will

[madwelshman]

Thanks for the up-date
A seacommander was my first ever boat in the 70's, very fond memories, they're good simple and honest
I know you will enjoy this, it's a stick it in the car and take it anywhere boat
Crack on & good luck, I'm sure that you will be re-paid more than enough over time
Cheers
Mark

Thanks Mark.
I agree, it's the right size for sticking in the boot when a few free hours show themselves.
The thoughts of seeing it on the water and knowing that I saved it from an uncertain future due to the condition that it was in will be the reward.


Will