| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| danny |
Posted - 24 Sep 2014 : 17:01:25
Hi guys,
I've just become the proud owner of a Norman 23 after many years of saving and contemplating the purchase of my first boat. I'm hoping to spend many a happy weekend renovating her. I'm new to this game, and have a few questions. I'm hoping the professionals amongst you could help me out, and not laugh too much at my obvious lack of knowledge...(the previous owner knows about as much as I do, so not much help there unfortunately).
It appears to have been antifouled, but the antifoul is in poor condition. Probably last done 3+ years ago. I've enquired with a local Marina about getting it done, but they advised me that GRP boats don't need 'blacking' unless entering salt water? If this is wrong, what product should I be using on GRP? I'm guessing not bitumen? May be they're right and I can get away with it?
The fibreglass appears VERY bumpy topside (gunwale, roof etc.) and i'm guessing it's had many a lick of B&Q value gloss :-/ Am I OK to sand the fibreglass smooth before repainting with a marine grade paint, or is this a big NO (does the top half have a gel coat under these layers of paint, and am I likely to damage it by sanding?)
My understanding is these boats have a double skin? When I push against the interior fibreglass I can feel it hit another layer. Is this normal? Should there be an airgap?
The internal cabin roof appears to be lined in either thin plyboard or a sheet of fibreglass? Any particular reason for this i.e. structural strength? It has warped somewhat, and i'm tempted to rip it out and possibly replace it.
and finally, (please don't laugh!), how structurally sound are the cabin roofs? Is it recommended not to walk/sunbathe on them or put any amount of weight up there?
Many thanks!
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| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| danny |
Posted - 25 Sep 2014 : 10:37:47
Hi Dave 1 and Dave 2. Thanks for your replies.
It's currently moored on Huddersfield Narrow looking like an abandoned dog. I'm trying to find some land closer to home (Ashton-under-Lyne) where I can work on it over the Winter as I don't think the Marina will be too happy if I turn up with half of B&Q, and the hours drive to get there will soon become a ball ache. From what I can see so far, the wheelhouse floor needs gutting, plywood is rotting (rain been pissing in for some time), and the windscreen and canopy need replacing. Wheelhouse looks like Stevie Wonder built it with a hangover. Internally is in good nick but needs a portapotti. Electrics/gas/outboard etc. all good, previous owner done a good job there. Prev. owner intended to keep it moored as a liveaboard, but I'm intending to be an occasional cruiser, so quite a bit to do to get it ship shape. I'm looking forward to the challenge. Some of my in-laws think the novelty will wear off, and i'll end up selling it, so now its personal! |
| Dwall |
Posted - 25 Sep 2014 : 08:13:23
Welcome Danny we are new to boating got our 1st boat this year
This is the place to ask any questions but u do get some weird answers ..........
But they have helped me a few times
What river are u on ?
Dave |
| df |
Posted - 24 Sep 2014 : 18:37:10
Welcome to the nuthouse of the norman world.
Cabin roofs are pretty strong, normally made up of a fairly rigid outer skin(will still dip under a fat bas**rd) with stiffening ribs and a thinner inner grp skin riveted to the ribs and joined to the outer just under the gunwhales making leaks a git to find, the rivets quite often let go making it sag in places.
Antifoul is good to have a coat of cheapie stuff to keep weed growth down but nothing posh needed on inland boats, blacking is for narrowboats not grp cruisers, just clean off the loose flaky bits and chuck a coat over the old.
Topside will have a gelcoat layer under the paint, how good it is will dictate wether you repaint or polish but you'll have to use a grp safe paint stripper rather than sanding to be able to polish it.
Windows will leak, it's always the case on a new boat, and lots of fun to fix properly but keep away from the silicon tube as it'll only be a short lived bodge.
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
Visit leomagill.co.uk |
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