removing swollen floorboard

[Pamlicotraveler]

There's got to be a good home remedy for this.

I have a floorboard access panel that is right outside the shower compartment that is swollen. I am sure it has gooten wet (from showers while healing etc) but even though it is dry I can't remove it. I'm afraid I am going to pull off the handle if I pull any harder. I am thinking some sort of cold press might help me remove it...any other ideas?

Not a big problem, but it's the one at hand today. (life is good)

[hellosailor]

Pamlico-
If you check on ebay, you will find large suction cups with handles for about $10. They are used to pull up computer floor slabs, and by glaziers to grip large slabs of glass. Could be that it you get one (or two) and get a good suction grip on the face of the floorboard, you'll be able to lift it right up. In the worst case...you might pull the veneer face up if the glue under it has been damaged, but if it hasn't buckled, I think you'll be all right.
Know any local glaziers who could lend you one? < g >

The same suction cups are used to hold onto the side of your hull if you are in the water trying to clean it or work on something, so they're not just a one-shot for this lifting.

[Cruisingdad]

Pam,

Wood swells when it absorbs moisture (I know you know this). Sometimes on my boat when we have anchored out for a while, one of my doors sticks just a tad (b/c there is no air conditioner to pull out the moisture).

Here is a thought I messed around with not long ago: Go buy a dehumidifier and put it in that cabin/head (where ever the sticking board is) and let it run for a while. It takes a while to pull out that moisture. But I have done this and it actually makes the boat feel comfortable, especially if used with an air conditioner.

It is not practical for a cruiser to carry a dehumid, but if you are at the docks, give it a shot. You can buy them from home depot or Loews. Use it and take it back if you are not pleased with it... or have no further use for it (like the board lossens up). It might just work, but you may have to let it run many hours - a day or two.

- CD

[TrueBlue]

Remove the finger pull from the sole access panel - typically has 4 small screws at each corner. Drill a 1/8" - 1/4" hole through the wood, beneath the finger pull's mortice. Insert an old screwdriver or metal rod (bent 90 degrees) into the hole and pull.

[christyleigh]

Originally Posted by TrueBlue

Remove the finger pull from the sole access panel - typically has 4 small screws at each corner. Drill a 1/8" - 1/4" hole through the wood, beneath the finger pull's mortice. Insert an old screwdriver or metal rod (bent 90 degrees) into the hole and pull.

TB.... Don't be foolish.... that's much too simple and inexpensive to work

[Pamlicotraveler]

All good suggestions and things I will try...the suction cups may work.

CD - I bet the guys at Home Depot love your strategy...when the floorboards come up I'll take back the dehumidifier...

Originally Posted by Cruisingdad

You can buy them from home depot or Loews. Use it and take it back if you are not pleased with it... or have no further use for it (like the board lossens up).

[TrueBlue]

Originally Posted by christyleigh

TB.... Don't be foolish.... that's much too simple and inexpensive to work

You're right Stan - that trick always worked when opening painted-in cabinet doors. But, I forgot that we're dealing with boats, not houses.

[Cruisingdad]

Pamlico,

FYI (smile) I ended up keeping it! I carry that stupid thing to the boat and keep it at the house the rest of the time. Have you ever laid down in your sheets on the berth and they just feel damp??? Drop that bad boy down below for a little while and ut pulls the moisture out of that kind of stuff quickly. Make the boat very comfortable!!!!

Of course, now Giu will really make fun of me!! Oh well, I can take the abuse! I am still trying to figure out where to put the fireplace on the 400, though. (smile!!!)

See ya,

- CD