PNW shops you trust for custom work?

DuckDogTitus

New member
recent threads have got me to wondering what it would cost to have some renovation done on our '88. Can anyone refer me to local shops you'd trust with projects like the forward facing seat mod, maybe updated counter tops, etc? It may be price prohibitive to go this route, but I'd like to at least look at it. The more I look at Beagles album the more I really appreciate the craftsmanship and work he did there.
 
If I were going to update like that, I would consider painting the Decragard with white polyurethane instead of the new Formica, and not just to save $$$, but also to make the job possible at home. (DIY)

The formica undoubtably looks better, but the polyurethane can be either sprayed or rolled (and tipped) to look very good.

It flows out nicely, and when you take the panels out and lay them flat in the shop to paint them, it becomes a much easier job than when they're hanging vertically. (Linear polyurethane paints flow out very flat and even, making surfaces look like-new much more than other paints.)

Many older power and sailboats are painted with LPU, and turn out looking like new!

Originally, the 2-part paints were best, but more recently, single part LPUs have become better performing, and they are much are easier to work with.

What is more,, spraying 2-part LPUs has traditionally been difficult because of the breathing devices required for the worker, but brushing can be done without such equipment, and now brushing single part LPUs gets the job done without all the fuss.

The Formica application, while looking best, requires precise cutting, application (gluing), and then trimming with a router. Not exactly a typical weekend handyman's job. Plus you need the right tools. (Cutting and trimming the plastic requires very precise and sharp tools.)

Just some thoughts! No 2 cent deposit required!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Now as far as the forward-facing seat:

This can be done by a good handyman with some experience in detailed boat projects taking their time and working carefully, but it is not a job for a a beginner.

I'm thinking a professional shop would charge at least $500-$750 for such a renovation., figuring 5 or more hours of time, plus some materials.

Best deal would be to have a C-Brat in your neighborhood who had already done the conversion once already for themself, and for whom a second time, working with a friend (you), would be a fun two-person weekend project.

Or simply go to a shop and pay for either one of them or both, it's only money, and you only live once! :lol:

Have fun!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Sea Wolf":2vgv1uhp said:
Many older power and sailboats are painted with LPU, and turn out looking like new!

...and now brushing single part LPUs gets the job done without all the fuss.

Can you point me toward the single part LPU's? I've been out of the thick of things for a couple years now, so not totally up on what's going on.

Previously, there were only the "fake" one-part "poly" paints such as EasyPoxy and Brightsides. They are actually good alkyd paints in their own right, but they try to make you think they are "one-part polyurethane" like it's a variation on a true, two-part coating. In my experience, that is just not true (though, as I say, they are good paints, but not even in the same league as a real LPU to my mind).
 
Sunbeam-

I'm basically repeating what I've heard around from my reading and discussions at yacht clubs, chandleries, and the like. As far as specifics, I'll have to let others on the site either fill in the details or show me to be wrong. Hope it turns out to be the former!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Getting back -- a little -- to the PNW shops. I'd call Les at EQ Marine and start there. The Factory might help, also. There ussed to be a fellow, I think his name was Buck, who worked for the old factory in Auburn, who might still be around. If you care to get out to Port Angeles, there is a place out there that does pretty good work -- Platypus, and they are working on small craft now.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon
 
hardee":m2nwoavi said:
Getting back -- a little -- to the PNW shops. I'd call Les at EQ Marine and start there. The Factory might help, also. There ussed to be a fellow, I think his name was Buck, who worked for the old factory in Auburn, who might still be around. If you care to get out to Port Angeles, there is a place out there that does pretty good work -- Platypus, and they are working on small craft now.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

lots of good ideas, thanks! Les is probably the best starting point since he's going to know what i'm talking about better than anyone. :beer
 
Well, I have used Brown's Interiors in Burien for over 20 years for all kinds of work including PL( plastic laminate-formica) work while I was an apartment builder. My guess that for under $500 you can have a lot of laminate done.

I had a C-Dory 22 for about 9 years and probably my biggest gripe was uncomfortable seats as I tend to cruise perhaps faster than some of you. I bought a Hewescraft Ocean Pro 22 ft aluminum boat with Bentley deluxe spring seats. Holy Cow!!!! What a difference!! I hit the chop and the seats take almost all the shock out of the ride. I tend to cruise at 24-29 MPH or somewhere around 20-22 knots They are very pricey, but boy, it changes your whole attitude and makes the boat feel rather luxurious.

So, when doing your modifications you might want to check out some spring loaded seats- it will save your butt!

I have been keeping up with the C-Dory site as you guys are really good with topics, information, help. You have really good boats and really good help. Thanks a lot!
 
G Gallagher":2bygn4a0 said:
Well, I have used Brown's Interiors in Burien for over 20 years for all kinds of work including PL( plastic laminate-formica) work while I was an apartment builder. My guess that for under $500 you can have a lot of laminate done.

I had a C-Dory 22 for about 9 years and probably my biggest gripe was uncomfortable seats as I tend to cruise perhaps faster than some of you. I bought a Hewescraft Ocean Pro 22 ft aluminum boat with Bentley deluxe spring seats. Holy Cow!!!! What a difference!! I hit the chop and the seats take almost all the shock out of the ride. I tend to cruise at 24-29 MPH or somewhere around 20-22 knots They are very pricey, but boy, it changes your whole attitude and makes the boat feel rather luxurious.

So, when doing your modifications you might want to check out some spring loaded seats- it will save your butt!

I have been keeping up with the C-Dory site as you guys are really good with topics, information, help. You have really good boats and really good help. Thanks a lot!

I tend to go as fast as I can without rattling the boat, so far I haven't been personally uncomfortable (can't speak for my guests, haha) but if we are hitting hard in the chop I just dont like the boat hitting hard, although I'm sure it can actually take more than me! lol

Thank you for the suggestion, I haven't heard of Browns before but they are much closer to me.
 
DuckDogTitus":1mtceeck said:
...but if we are hitting hard in the chop I just dont like the boat hitting hard, although I'm sure it can actually take more than me! lol

I'm the same way: Cruising along, hit chop, pound... "Oh rats, I just broke the boat!" Even though I know it's not true, of course, -- it's a way to laugh off my cringing :D

It's not the pounding that gets me about the helm seat, but just the overall "foam stapled to a board" dynamics, so I'll check out the Bentley seat (helm seat mod is on top of my list, so I'm keen to check out the various options).
 
So far comfort hasn't been an issue yet (knock on wood). in fact... believe it or not... we spent a lot of money in October on a new foam mattress for our bed at home because I felt so much better sleeping on the foam on the boat than I do in a normal coil spring bed. But I'm big on aesthetics and clearing out clutter wherever possible. I'm that guy who is constantly cleaning while fishing (usually cleaning behind other people) and keeps a garbage bag very busy on each trip.

If I could figure out a way to better haul a large cooler, dinghy, and crab traps I'd really be happy.
 
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