Conference unifix::sailing

1148.0. "laying a floor" by AITG::IVANO () Mon Mar 13 1989 13:03

	I have a Pearson Ensign ( 22' 6", 7', 3' ) built in 1963. The hull is
sound and both rigging and sails in good shape. I started doing some cosmetic
work on the extensive teak trim. One thing led to another ( many discoveries )
and the teak floorboards are ripped out (crowbar and sledge since screws were
badly rusted and mahogany cross members rotted ). The cross members "lay" on
the curved hull with the ends lightly glassed over. The members do not extend
fully out to the hull sides.

	I will sand and plug the teak flooring. I must replace the 5 cross
members but since some of the ends were rotted I may not have an exact
template. ( Pearson does not have detailed plans ). How do I go about laying
out a level floor? 

	I have no experience with this but I am eager to figure it out! The
angle of the cross member to the hull seems to be an important parameter but
how do you choose and reference it? I was also thinking of changing their
position.

	I thought I could "improve" things so long as I have it apart.
 If I make the cross members extend the full width of the beam I thought this
might add stiffness to the hull. ( I am not trying to fix a problem here, just
assume more stiffness, more strength is always desireable. ) There is a
fiberglass ledge on the inside of the hull running the full length of the
cockpit. It is used to support the seats.The cross members could extend to the
hull sides and/or extend to the ledge with a triangular brace.

	I would glass the cross members to the hull bottom and drive wooden
wedges at the hull sides for a tight fit. Some not too smelly chemical to seal
the wood to limit expansion rather than West system epoxy ( maybe beyond me )?

     If Pearson say's they don't have the plans, then that's pure bullsh*t.
     They make alot of money installing new teak cockpits in old Ensigns.
     I bet they are holding back, hoping you'll give the job to them. If
     you are determined to do it yourself, try to get the accurate
     dimensions from your old beams, your hull, or from another Ensign.
     If this is not possible, demand the info from Pearson. I feel they
     are obligated to support owners of older boats.
    
     About trying to stiffen the hull, I wouldn't recommend it. You
     will decrease the value of the boat with such a modification. 
     Also, the Ensign hull is already very stiff and heavily built.
     I crewed on an Ensign for many years and was amazed at the punishment
     that boat can take. At a regional regatta, we set our chute in
     winds over 40 knts (along with most of the fleet). It was a wild
     ride, but no gear failure. 
    
     
    

    There are many books on boatbuilding and repairing which address issues
    like this. For repairs of the kind you need to carry our, books on both
    fiberglass and wood boats have good stuff.
    
    I'm no good at remembering titles off the top of my head, but good
    authors to check out are Alan Vaitses, Howard Garrett Smith, and Bud
    MacIntosh.
    
    The Armchair Sailor in Newport RI or International Marine in Camden ME
    have plenty of titles, and will send you a catalog.
    
    Ross Faneuf