Preview: Refastening a Wooden Boat Hull with Eric Dow – Part 1
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March 4, 2022
Email this Video to a FriendRefastening a wooden boat hull involves taking out the old screws that secure the planks to the frames, and then replacing them with new ones. It’s a multi-step job that calls for patience and dogged concentration, but when done right (and at the right time) can extend the life of a boat enormously.
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18 Responses So Far to “Refastening a Wooden Boat Hull with Eric Dow – Part 1”
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Jerry Stavola says:
Nice video. You can feel the passion when working on a project like this.
There is so much satisfaction as the job progresses and pride in the finish product.
thanks for sharing.
Michael Seibert says:
I am restoring a 1955 Lightning. Most of the screws are a kind of very narrow Phillips type head. So far, I have not managed to get even one screw to back out of its hole. While I hate doing it, I have resorted to taking a very small drill bit and drilling holes all the way around the head of the screws. I have a couple of different sets of the tools that are supposed to back out old screws, but haven’t had any luck with them either. I would welcome any tips . . .
Bill Theurkauf says:
If the heads are stripping, the screws may be Frearson, not Phillips. They look almost the same, but a Phillips driver does not fit a Frearson head and will strip it very easily (reverse is also true). For stripped and broken heads, I’ve used a Rotabroach sheet metal hole cutter to get at the screw. These are basically small hole cutters with a retractable pilot pin in the middle. They cut a very clear hole around the screw. You can then remove what’s left of the bung with an awl and twist out the screw with a needle nose vise grip. They come in standard SAE sizes, so getting matching bung cutters isn’t a problem. Here’s a link from WoodenBoat: https://www.woodenboat.com/bung-removal-rotabroach-sheet-metal-hole-cutter.
Michael Seibert says:
Bill – thanks so much for the information. I suspect the heads are Frearson because, try as I might, I haven’t found a phillips head screwdriver that fits them. I am looking forward to checking out the Rotabroach cutter. Thanks again, Mike
Bill Theurkauf says:
I’d also use a bit brace instead of a cordless drill to ease out the screws, particularly if they’re bronze. Good luck with the project!
Michael Walker says:
Eric mentions he places bung grain parallel to plank grain. I agree it looks better that way, but….. I recall another author (maybe John Gardner?) saying to go perpendicular to minimize swelling/splitting forces on plank. Any thoughts on finally putting the conundrum to rest?
Maynard Bray says:
My vote is to go with the grain just as Eric does.
Michael Walker says:
Great to know. Thanks
Bill Theurkauf says:
You have a “spare” Hodgdon-21?! Now that’s being prepared! I have a spare toothbrush…
Maynard Bray says:
I have a “spare” Hodgdon-21 named GHOST available for purchase but it needs a total rebuild including frames and deck. Planking is good and has had only the original fastenings with no extra holes. Has complete rig. Price is negotiable but I’d want it restored by Eric Dow under my oversight.
Don Scheu says:
What a delight to see Eric provide his talents now included in the OCH video library. As a proud owner of one of Eric’s Haven 12 1/2s, his creations in wood from his years of experience are on display for many viewers to enjoy and learn from. Thank you Eric!
Michael Mittleman says:
It is great to see a pro at work. Eric generously shares his experience and reasons for using various techniques. As has been asked by another viewer, how are broken screws removed? Simply drilling them out almost always results in larger holes. Another question, why use thickened epoxy for the bungs? Isn’t there a risk of filling the screwhead slot with epoxy making subsequent removal quite a bit more challenging?
David Hegdahl says:
Very nicely done video. Techniques explained very well and thoroughly!
edgar gatewood says:
I have’ve had for many years Eric’s excellent book of making the Shellback Dinghy, and it is nice to see Eric again and see him still at it. Take care, Eric!
Paul Gallant says:
Unbelievably interesting, thanks
Pat Maundrell says:
I would love to find a boat like this to restore, they are beautiful!
David Tew says:
You might contact David Nutt to ask whether he knows of any wood Hodgdon 21s like the one being refastened or Boothbay Harbor One Designs for sale. He’s restored several BHDs and may have a line on ones of the various types. (https://smallboatsmonthly.com/article/the-boothbay-harbor-one-design/) Message me for his contact details.
Ed Altonji says:
I really appreciate these videos of the “little things need doing” that provide straight forward tips and tricks. What’s the answer when a screw breaks or won’t come out? Drilling it out could create a bigger problem and sometimes there’s little room to the plank edge for a second screw.