Save-A-Boat - The Forum for Plastic Classic Rebuilds!

Think there were only a handful of these built. I had all but forgot about this one. It is the hull that really got me thinking about sailboats instead of kit built planes. Probably saved my life!

Ohlsons are beautiful boats, especially when they have the varnished mahogany cabin trunk that seems to be common. This photo shows a yawl version that I haven't seen before.


I used to pine over a green 38 named Apogee that used to sail in our local racing circuit back in the late 70s. She was a beautiful boat.

Ohlson also built a 35 footer that looked similar, but featured a traditional transom. I've seen both in person, and the 38 is a touch sleeker.

Granted:

1. Any hull painted blue earns an automatic 10 points.
2. I'm a sucker for a yawl.

but that's a sweet boat.

This is Jud Henderson's boat Kelpie that he writes so lovingly about in his books. I believe the hulls were laid in the UK and then shipped to various builders in Europe. I think about 100 boats were built (of the Tyler hulls from England).

I had the pleasure of sailing in company with one of these beauties recently, so I had to dredge up this old thread. It really is a fantastic boat.

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Tynaje wrote:I painted the boat in 01, shortly after learned of a new method of spraying Gelcoat

Welcome to the forum. Can you tell us a bit more about spraying gelcoat? I've been thinking along these lines myself, but have no information as yet.
Thanks!

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Ah, such a small world!
Yes, Tynaje is the Ohlson 38 I was referring to in my post above, which by the date I would guess to be just after the Fall Off-Soundings regatta. I still recall trading a few tacks at the south end of Gardiner's that Saturday.
I didn't mind seeing the tail of that boat one bit.

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It looks like Tynaje doesn't have a reverse transom like the other 38s, is that a trick of the photographs, or is she different?

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Hi Peter-

You mention that all paint should be sanded with 80 grit prior to gelcoat. Does the paint need to be removed completely from the hull, or is it sufficient to scuff the paint with the 80 grit for adhesion?

Thanks

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Thanks for the Gel Coat info and links, Peter. Now I have something else to ponder :-)

Tynaje wrote:Gelcoat will not cure over epoxy.

Polyester products actually will cure/adhere to epoxy as long as the substrate is prepared carefully and correctly.

Epoxyworks: Polyester Over Epoxy (PDF File)

I followed the basic processes described here in a small repair earlier this winter, and the result seemed to be a complete success. Like most people, I previously also thought that gelcoat would not work properly over epoxy repairs, but another post on this forum opened my eyes to the possibility.

Epoxy hull patch:


After gelcoating:

We are considering changing the color of the Rhodes 19; From light blue to __________?

Is it feasible to change the color by spraying a new gelcoat layer, rather than painting?

What are the considerations?

Thanks

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Peter,

It sounds like an interesting process. I agree that one should be wary in attempting to apply polyester over epoxy, unless you can be sure of the underlying substrate. Personally, I wouldn't make a habit of gelcoating over epoxy, but in certain instances it might be good to know it's possible.

As part of all our educations, would you be willing to detail, step-by-step, the process for sanding and buffing the gelcoat product once you've applied it as you've described above--tools used, grits, machines, pads, and compound specifics?

Machine buffing can work wonders, but without the proper materials and techniques, a satisfactory result can be quite elusive. So it'd be good to know what you have found works in your process.

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