Looking on Amazon, rivets come in so many choices! I know I want aluminum (so no dissimilar metals, right?) Dont know best length or grip for riveting a 3” horn cleat to the mast (and another on the deck)
I have the #10 stainless screws and could go that route, too- especially if it means buying a pack of 100 rivets when I need 4.
Not even close. Those sound good only for attaching something very flat to a very thin base.LaLi, I do have aluminum rivets used for the Sunfish trim. They are 1/8” diameter and 3/16” grip. Not sure if they are long enough?
While rummaging through my "inventory" for an "S-hook", I found several #10 sheet metal screws--made of aluminum!Yes, rivets have become complicated, like everything else in this world, lol. However, they come in handy for certain applications... I like my rivets to fit snugly and offer enough length to get the job done, if I'm dealing with that sort of scenario. You'll know it if they're too short, they won't work.
Very hot this week, and this boat does NOT have a vent hole, though it does have 3 inspection ports. I don’t know if the heatwave has had anything to do with the warping of the hull.I don't think the soft areas can be repaired without significant effort, and $200 of Great Stuff.
Damaged overnight? Was there a correlation of damage with the high temperatures this week--and does the hull have one of those small vent holes?
1) Advertise the hull as a "float". Lakefront renters with children will not be as critical as we are. They'd happily own it for their two weeks vacation--then park it, sell it, fix it, or junk it.
2) Advertise it as a "complete sailboat". Some lakes are so small, a sail attached to anything that floats would still be fun. Again, they'd park it, sell it, fix it, or junk it.
3) Part it out.You'd probably get your investment back--plus some.
Does the dolly fit a Sunfish?
How tall is the mast?
Sail size? Fits?
BTW: My annoying sailboat guru-buddy-engineer says in the above mast-cleat application, to use sheet metal screws that have a very coarse thread. Not intuitive, I know.
You’re right, I’ve got to get creative before giving up on the hull.How about trying a heat gun and compressed air into the hull before giving up?Just "live" with the crease(s).
You were right, Cowboy, what a blast!When do ya hold sea trials with the Scowfish? I like that boat, but then I'm partial to scows... I'm thinking that Scowfish will be a blast to sail!!!
Thanks for the encouragement along the way, all. I’ve had this boat on craigslist for the last month for $500 with NO interest. Usually my boats sell quickly.I missed this post earlier, had to log in again, lol... it's great that you found a solution to the problem, BB, and I'm so glad to hear that the Scowfish does indeed FLY!!! I reckoned she'd be fast, just looking at her lines & plan... but I'm partial to scows, lol.
She looks nice too!!! Good job, and good on ya for NOT giving up, as so many others would have. Now that you've brought the boat back to life, you can enjoy many voyages in the future, and the Scowfish will undoubtedly be grateful!!! CHEERS!!!
Having owned a Surfwind in my teens, I was disappointed to hear that yours might be trashed. I am so glad that you were able to rescue it. Well done, BreezeBender!To anyone who still cares about my “Scowfish” (a Sears Surfwind, circa 1968), here’s the update:
I successfully used pool noodles and 2-part expanding foam to push out and reinforce the two soft spots (described above) in the hull. The ports were already right where I needed them so it was easy to tip the boat on the dolly and pour through the port.
Finally ready for sailing! AND IT FLEW!!
The conditions were perfect and I was in love.
Dubbed a “Scowfish” earlier, I have re-named this ride a WOWFish!
You were right, Cowboy, what a blast!
Water pics next time- I was alone and admit to not carrying my phone when I sail. Just more boring repair pics and land shots for now!
Thanks, WestonHaving owned a Surfwind in my teens, I was disappointed to hear that yours might be trashed. I am so glad that you were able to rescue it. Well done, BreezeBender!