I really messed up

[Freesail99]

I am going to be living on my boat later this year, sailing in the Caribbean. So I am trying to update systems and get everything working right and looking good also. I even put in a brand new galley.

Here is where I messed up. The 2 large bulkhead walls that lead to the v berth, I wanted to refinish them and make them look newer again. There were some holes and starches so I thought I LIGHTLY sand them. WRONG !!!! It isn't wood, sure looked like wood. It's a laminate. Sandpaper and laminate don't go well together. So now it looks like I am going to need to replace the panels. But with what ? There is also a lot of compound angles I will need to cut ....... Help !!!

[Guesser]

Could you just prime and paint? Or maybe some type of wall covering (marine grade wallpaper?)

[tigerregis]

Truly a plastic classic.

[Freesail99]

I like the "look" of wood. And the upkeep would give something to pass the time with in the caribbean. I was never a wallpaper fan. I thought about a cabinet grade of luan 1/4 inch to place over it. Most luan is mahagony. Even 1/4 B board comes to mind. I am looking for some ideas.

[PBzeer]

How big an area are you dealing with? 1/4" over top, is something I've done on my boat, but that was all flat surfaces. There are also glue on veneers that might work.

[donrr1]

The easy fix would be paint. Of course, if you insist on wood, you could carefully remove any mouldings on the bulkhead and use another piece of laminate to cover the old. To cut curved edges you can use either a vertical line drawn on the bulkhead, or the squared edge of the doorway, and measure to the hull in increments of about 3" on the verticle. Write down all measurements and then mark them on your new piece of laminate from a common line. Connect the dots with a batten (thin, flexible piece of wood or fiberglass) and then cut with a jigsaw. Personally, I would use paint.

Don

[goose327]

Cutting the compound angles can be made easier by using the old bulkheads as a pattern, IF you can get them out in one piece.
I had grand illusions of building a galley and adding a couple bulkheads to the Platano Grande after seeing some pictures of what can be done. I've since found that though they look really cool, it's still only a 23' boat and room goes away quik when you add stuff. OMG am I ALREADY looking for a bigger vessel???????????

[Valiente]

What about a glued on veneer? Or (don't laugh) some sort of tongue and groove flooring?

[Freesail99]

When I built my galley ( using 3/4 cherry ply ) I used the old bulkhead cabinets as a pattern. I did make some changes and did pick up some needed space. I also thought about using Kraft paper to make a pattern. They also sell light weight thin boards which can be stained, and varnished. That may be the easier way to go. What I am referring to can be found Here

[Freesail99]

Isn't flooring material thicker then 1/4 or 5/16 ?