1965 16ft Century Resorter,

by Tim
(US)

1965 16ft <em>Century Resorter,</em>

1965 16ft Century Resorter,

I recently inherited a 1965 16ft Century Resorter, it was put in storage in 1975 due to the bottom leaking, and I want to get started on the restore.






The main question I have is what is the best way to remove the paint from the bottom of the boat without causing any hi and low spots from sanding?

I am pretty sure a belt sander is not a good idea.




I was thinking of using a large 7/9 inch pad/disc sander.




Any advice you can offer on the proper method of getting the old paint off to get to bare wood is appreciated.

Regards
Tim,

Comments for 1965 16ft Century Resorter,

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dont be a dumbass
by: Anonymous

If your century has a mahogony plank bottom she just needs to be "swelled".

Every year my family would dry dock our 64 century resorter.and every year about 3 weeks before we put her back in the water we would stick a garden hose in the bildge slitly running.

The first week or so water would be pooring out from between the planks.less on second week,until on the 3rd week or so she swelled together not leaking a drop.

I dont think you should do anything to the bottom of your boat except soak it. truly somone who knows
Resorter 15
by: Anonymous

The boat in the picture is a Century Resorter 15.

The hull number is stamped on the starboard stringer near the shaft log.

Bottom paint is usually toxic; some is made to fall off over time with usage.

I'd use a paint remover not a sander I think you will see it's pretty easy.

There might be a barrier coat before you hit wood.

Why are you taking the paint off? I'd leave it on; as you are going to paint it any way.
Century Resorter, For Tim
by: Anonymous

Hi Tim, I suggest checking with the Century Club to confirm vintage and model.

I think by looking at the picture that your boat is a 15.7 Resorter and maybe a 1966 vs. 1965.

My reason for questioning your information is color of interior and air scoops.

If you lift the seats or pull off some of the upholstery on the side walls you might find some chalk markings that start with "RF".

That stands for "Resorter Fifteen".

The number that follows might be your hull number out of the total build.

Another tell tail sign will be the engine.

If you have a 289CI Interceptor marked 175Hp I'm pretty sure I'm right.

Let me know. racinmi@verizon.net

Rick
Century Resorter
by: Anonymous

Hi Tim,

You lucky guy, it sounds as though you have inherited a real gem.

Yea I agree with you about the belt sander and I would avoid using a ?rotary? disc.

The Random Orbital or D/A (Dual Action) type are the best for your job.

Make sure to wear a face mask when you are sanding as some of those old paints especially the anti-foul ones were pretty toxic.

Now, from what you have said about her being in storage since 1975, I?m assuming that she has her original planked bottom and hasn?t been epoxied or had a plywood bottom fitted.

If that is the case you might find a heat gun more effective than sanding or if you are feeling brave a propane or paraffin blow lamp. I have gotten away with using heat on plywood but it?s not recommended.

I would avoid those nasty, chemical, strippers, they are messy, toxic, and not that effective when dealing with several layers of paint.

The trouble with old paint is that in some places it may have blistered and just peel to bare wood while next to that you might find an area of really hard paint.

The problem is that when trying to sand away that hard patch of paint it is difficult not to wear away the softer surrounding wood.

You might also find that some of the old paint has a low melting point, and the heat generated by the sander will be enough to turn it to a sticky goo.

If it were me I would start off with a 120 grit on the orbital sander see how it goes but have the heat gun standing by for any lumps.

If the paint seems to be coming off OK you could always go down to an 80 grit to speed things up.

But be careful when you get to the bottom of the paint you don?t want to wear away wood from around the fastenings leaving them proud.

I hope this helps though I'm afraid it is just general advice. With old boats it is difficult to give specific advice as it all depends on what has been done to her in the past.

As you have a ?classic boat? on your hands and one that may be a family heirloom can I suggest that you gather all the information you can find about her, family photos etc.

And, if you haven?t already done so join a Century Boat Owners Association such as http://centuryboatclub.com/cbcindex02.htm . They will be able to give you more specific advice on restoring her to her original (and quite valuable) condition.

All the best with your project,

Mike

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