Glassing a old wood hull.

[FSMike]

C-flex is a viable alternative.

[Sea Dawg]

I had a 1929 Malabar Jr which previous owner cold molded and glassed. Yes there are shortcomings, but don't rule it out. For a boat that old there are also wonderful enhancements. First it will probably not weigh much more because it will not absorb water. Second, it will be more rigid. I took mine out in much stiffer breezes than many modern fiberglass boats at my marina. I put her on anchor during one of the few hurricanes we ever got. Next morning there she was looking for another day on the bay. Never did pass a crowd without someone running along shore to try to get a picture. I believe the old gal you're looking at still has a lot of life in her with the epoxy encapsulation. Yes, though it is less desired than a complete refastening. If you can afford that on a large wooden boat by all means go for it. Just my opinion.

[Capt Len]

Some years ago a tired old 50 ft power boat got a new skin of battleship linoleum with roofing nails and roofing gum. As you can guess, the chattering class dockside had much to say but the old captain fooled us all and got as many years as he needed to complete his voyage. The Gardner now powers a local yacht but you do what what you need to do.

[CharlieCobra]

Oh Joy was done up with C-Flex. No issues with her hull, rock solid, no delamination, quiet, fast, light. The issue is with keeping fresh water out once the boat is glassed.

[CapnBilll]

My only experience with glass over wood, was the boat's keel spline rotted. It was a smaller power boat, and no way to keep ALL the water out. Unless you have a dripless packing you will get water in the bilge, and it will wick between the wood, and glass and eventually require some expensive repair.