1968 bryant wood hull fiberglass top.

[flypaper2323]

I have a 19 foot bryant that has a mahogany plywood hull manufactured by Morris INC in Everett WA. Bryant bought a bunch of these hulls and put their fiberglass tops on them.

I am doing a mild restore. I will be repainting, putting in new decking, rewireing, and new deck hardware.

The owner before me fiberglassed the very bottom of the boat because he beached it alot.

Right now I have the decking pulled and am cutting new decking. Now that i have the decking up should I seal the plywood hull? I am sealing the decking with Interlux wood sealer. So if I seal the plywood hull will it effect its ability to breath? I am trying to figuer out if this is over kill, or if it will help or hurt the hull it self.

Thanks for your help.

[Tim McCrain]

Trapper,

I'll let someone more experienced with wood boats answer your question, just wanted to welcome you to the forum. We'd love to see some photos of your project when you have a chance to post some.

Tim

[flypaper2323]

I intend to. As soon as I take the big blue tarp off I will post some good pics so everyone gets a good idea of what it looks like. I have it so I can open one side of the tarp so I can get inside to work on the interior of the boat. I dont have access to covered parking for the boat yet so it may stay wrapped in the tarp for a few months.

[flypaper2323]

Um.... Has any of you ever even heard of a 1968 Bryant with a wood hull and fiberglass top? I am having a hard time finding any information about this boat so any help is good help.

[Marty Loken (Norseboater)]

I'm going to guess, without seeing photos, that your Bryant was built earlier than 1968. (As you may know, it's common to find mistakes on the titles of old boats...especially the year.)

The Morris Brothers built a line of their own Morris boats at one time, and produced a lot of runabouts and small cruisers that bore the Bryant name. Most of the Morris-built Bryants we see were produced in the late 1950's, not the late '60's, which is why you may have an earlier model than the title suggests.

Interlux wood sealer wouldn't be a bad idea for any bare-wood surfaces, new or old, but it's probably more important to seal the new decking since it's otherwise a sponge for moisture. The old bottom planks are okay to seal as long as they're dry, but the biggest concern there is the fiberglass skin applied by the previous owner, in terms of its potential to trap water that eventually triggers rot in bottom framing or the bottom itself. (If the boat is going to spend 99% of its life sitting dry and protected on a trailer, you're fine with glass under the ply bottom, but if it's left out in the rain at some point, and freshwater is allowed to stand trapped in bilge areas, you could develop pockets of rot over a period of time. With old plywood boats, the first thing to go--usually--would be transom framing, followed by chines and bottom frames and/or stringers. If your frame members are okay throughout the boat, consider yourself lucky and carry on!)

Look forward to seeing photos, and welcome to the forum...

- Marty

[flypaper2323]

Wow thanks Marty! So far I havn't been able to find any information about this boat. I would like to see how they had things set up inside so I can keep it as close to original as possible.

Yeah this boat is going to be trailered and under cover most of the time. I am not sure yet if i want to set it up for fishing but I will be cruising with the family as soon as I finish my restore.

I put three coats of the interlux sealer on the new decking and I plan on putting three coats of interprime followed by two or three coats of interlux's non-skid deck paint. I plan on doing the same to all the interior surfaces as the paint it falling off everywhere. There are two areas that are a little soft, so I plan on using a git rot type of epoxy resin and then a bilge coat to protect those soft spaces as well as traditional problem areas in the transom.

[flypaper2323]

Here are some more.

[Marty Loken (Norseboater)]

Can you please describe in more detail the few places that are soft...? (Are we talking about sections of plywood floor, or frames, or...?)

I'm asking because the Git-Rot approach may not solve any problems--just camoflage them for awhile. Generally, it's better to eliminate rot than temporarily disguise it with wonder products...but it all depends on what we're talking about (structural vs. cosmetic).

Photos of the rotted areas might help, too...

Great old Bryant--I've always loved them!

- Marty

[flypaper2323]

Sure thing Marty. I will take some more pics on tomorrow. Its not plywood but outer supports on either side of the boat midships. Sorry I dont know what you call them. Sounds like its not good though. I want to do this right so I am glad I have you guys as a sounding board.

Trapper

[Dave C]

Sure thing Marty. I will take some more pics on tomorrow. Its not plywood but outer supports on either side of the boat midships. Sorry I dont know what you call them. Sounds like its not good though. I want to do this right so I am glad I have you guys as a sounding board.

Trapper
Frames ?

[flypaper2323]

Well yeah they are part of the frame. I just dont know the name for that specific part.

The first two pictures are on the port side. 53 is the close up of the rot. It seems to be three inches long a quarter of an inch deep and wide.

The last three pictures (54, 55, 56) are of the starbaord side. It looks worse than it is. I took an ice pick to either side to see where exactly the rot is and the pick barely went in on this side.

I am on the fence about replacing these because they are what hold the sides of the hull to the bottom. Im not sure I am equiped to do this job. On the other hand if its worse than I think it could all fall apart in the middle of the sound. :banghead:

[Marty Loken (Norseboater)]

Sounds like the rot is only near the surface of what appear to be inner chine logs. I'd let the wood thoroughly dry out (if it isn't already), then maybe chisel away any of the softest patches of rot and apply 2-3 coats of Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer (CPES), made by Smiths. If you can't find CPES, you can use System Three Clear Coat or even Git-Rot...although I have no direct experience with the latter product and am suspicious of all products that claim miracle cures.

CPES is watery-thin and gets deep into the cellular structure of the wood...but only if the wood is dry. It'll do a good job of sealing the wood, which will help prevent (or at least slow) the spread of rot.

From what you're describing, the rot hasn't become a structural issue--at least not yet. After sealing the wood I'd put everything back together, finish your paint work and enjoy the boat this coming season. After that, take another close look at the areas that are soft today and see if anything's changed. (Chances are you're making a good, early catch and the boat will be fine for at least a few or several years.)

- Marty

[flypaper2323]

Thanks again Marty. I did get some CPES from JamesTown Distributers a while back when I first noticed the rot. I will take your advice a chisel the soft wood away and soak the rest in smiths.

The "inner chine logs" look like they would be a pain to replace.

-Trapper

[Marty Loken (Norseboater)]

Sounds like a plan...and, yes, the chine logs would be a bear to replace without tearing the whole boat apart. (There are things you could do from the inside to buttress their strength, should rot creep farther into the chines, but let's not go there until--or unless--it's necessary.)

Hope to see your boat on the water this summer, perhaps at some of our club events? (You should become a member, too!)

- Marty

[mthuirer]

Here is picture of my Bryant Runabout that I have been working on. I also found a tag "Morris LLC" but really have not seen many Bryants around and or know anything about them. If you are interested you can see mine on following attachment

Anyone Know on this one? - iboats Boating Forums

[slo-mo]

Nice find Mike, your Bryant runabout will bring back fond memories for everyone that catches a glimpse as you speed by in style.:boater1:

Ironically, just yesterday Tim McCrain and I went to look at a nice 1959 Bryant 20' like Trapper's- to purchase with the intent of getting on the Sound in time for the End to End Sound Run at the end of the month. Discretion kept my hitch empty, but it was very tempting.:)

[mthuirer]

thanks SLO - MO

its been a great project! hoping to get in the water soon!

:D

[Tim McCrain]

Nice find Mike, your Bryant runabout will bring back fond memories for everyone that catches a glimpse as you speed by in style.:boater1:

Ironically, just yesterday Tim McCrain and I went to look at a nice 1959 Bryant 20' like Trapper's- to purchase with the intent of getting on the Sound in time for the End to End Sound Run at the end of the month. Discretion kept my hitch empty, but it was very tempting.:)

Yeah, are we going to park that at your place or mine? I think I have more working room here, and my shop is more available ... :BigHappy1:

[slo-mo]

I'm not sure about that Tim, my wife would be really disappointed that it wasn't parked on our property with the others...:rolleyes:

Alright Fine, you talked me into it!:cheers2:

[Tim McCrain]

Sorry, Cindy wants it parked here. Tell ya what, I'll pick ya up at 8:00 am tomorrow, assuming you can get up that early, and we'll go down and get it. If you're nice :smilielol5: I'll stop and buy you some coffee.

Hey, did we hijack this thread? You should apologize.

[slo-mo]

You my friend are a power hungry ****** bag! I'll have you know that I only drink mint tea, in a Northwest Classic Boat Club mug-available here for one easy installment of $15.95.www.zazzle.com/nw_classic_boat_club

Can't wait to see more about Mike's Bryant runabout and Trapper's progress on his '62

Greg "DB Cooper" Lamb

P.S. If we both own the boat, who gets to put it on their Signature?? I'm almost out of room...:Shocked:

[Tim McCrain]

You my friend are a power hungry doosh(sic) bag! I'll have you know that I only drink mint tea, in a Northwest Classic Boat Club mug-available here for one easy installment of $15.95.

Can't wait to see more about Mike's Bryant runabout and Trapper's progress on his '62

Greg "DB Cooper" Lamb

P.S. If we both own the boat, who gets to put it on their Signature?? I'm almost out of room...:Shocked:

First, it's power mad,

Second, I know you only drink tea, between that and the "nice" requirement, I figured I wouldn't be spending any money, and

Third, who said we'd both own it? I just said you could pay half!

[mthuirer]

Sounds like I need to watch this posting to see how the project BRYANT boat you "BOTH" have is going! I hope you show some pics as soon as possible..

[Tim McCrain]

Sounds like I need to watch this posting to see how the project BRYANT boat you "BOTH" have is going! I hope you show some pics as soon as possible..

Mike,
As penance for hijacking your thread, later this evening I'll post some photos so you can gloat over how much nicer yours is! We're taking the "rat rod" approach with this one. You know, "it's not ugly, it's a surviver!" "Refinish? and lose the patina?" "The flaws are what gives it character!"

:BigHappy1:

[Tim McCrain]

Mike,
Here are some photos of Greg and I's new project (like we really needed another one Screwy1)

I didn't realize how much like yours it is until I looked at your photos again just now. The interior layout is different, but the exterior is almost identical. Kinda funny that two of them come out of the woodwork at the same time.

Ours has had the entire bottom glassed with System 3, and prior to painting the interior framing and hull surface the prior owner applied two coats of epoxy to encapsulate the wood. Actually looks really good, solid and no apparent rot. The gel coat looks as if it will buff out pretty good and the brightwork isn't too bright, but serviceable. Included with the purchase was a 9.9 hp Merc kicker on a nice bracket, and complete walk-around canvas that covers from the upper windshield to the splashwell.

I was going to include photos of the interior and framing, but it's too darn hot and I'm not going out there and climbing in. Besides, it's piled with cushions, canvas, boxes of extra "boat stuff", etc. Too hot to move all that. I'll post some more photos after introducing the Bryant to Mr. pressure washer.

We got a good laugh out of the deck hatch, after noticing that it bears a striking resemblance to an old pit toilet lid.

[slo-mo]

Hey Tim, I think the heat got to you- Mike has the cool runabout, Trapper aka: (Flypaper) is the nut that drug home nearly same boat (1962 Bryant) as ours, but hasn't posted for a long time. We hijacked a thread that is almost a year old, after Mike posted pics of his project.;)

Glad the toilet on the bow has a safety rail, where's the TP holder?

[Tim McCrain]

Hey Tim, I think the heat got to you- Mike has the cool runabout, Trapper aka: (Flypaper) is the nut that drug home nearly same boat (1962 Bryant) as ours, but hasn't posted for a long time. We hijacked a thread that is almost a year old, after Mike posted pics of his project.;)

Glad the toilet on the bow has a safety rail, where's the TP holder?

You mean we hijacked a year old thread? That's lame!

For the TP, you just unbolt one end of the rail, slide the rolls on there and you're all set. It oughtta hold an entire Costco package.

[flypaper2323]

No you guys are fine. I am just happy to see im not the only crazy afflicted person to drag home a Bryant.

I have been doing alot more demo and finishing of individual parts. Progress is slow and I have been lazy about posting pictures.

Its good to see im not alone with the Bryant!

[mthuirer]

I didn't mean to jump thread.. I was just glad to see more Bryants myself. I have been doing alot of web searching and there is not many of these around. Sorry if I did bad.. I cant wait to see how the boats clean up!

:cool1:

[Tim McCrain]

I didn't mean to jump thread.. I was just glad to see more Bryants myself. I have been doing alot of web searching and there is not many of these around. Sorry if I did bad.. I cant wait to see how the boats clean up!

:cool1:

No worries, no bad! :D

[slo-mo]

I'm the king of thread hijacking, all of you Bryant guys need to keep this thread going with pics and updates on your progress.:doublethumbsup:

[mthuirer]

Ok. Then here is a an update on my project. I attempted to run the motor and she started up fine. The problem is cooling system and leaking around the carb. She is not peeing out the indicator exhaust port. I may not be submerging her far enough. I thought I was. :beatsme:. I changed the impeller few weeks ago. Maybe something I did there. So I will take another look when I get time.. Last night I worked on the carb. Rebuilt kit.. Little nervous on that one also. I have not tried to fire her over yet. Im still working on replacing some fuel lines. Ran out of time last night. Wish me luck! I am not a mechanic.. thats for sure..

MT

[flypaper2323]

Well like I said, I have been slowly taking the rot and damaged pieces out of the boat. Consequently I have discovered some nicked and corroded wiring. So on top of it all I will be rewiring before I put it all back together again.

[flypaper2323]

I also took the old head liner down. It was pretty ratty. I think I am going to just clean up the base and paint it for now and then get it upholstered later on.

[slo-mo]

Keep chipping away at your to do list Trapper, wiring doesn't look too bad for a 50 year old boat. Did you ever figure out the year? Your ID plate #'s seem to point to 1962?

Mike, if you would like some help with your motor, post model/year and some pictures. Hope to see you and your ride at an event soon.

[Helmar]

Well like I said, I have been slowly taking the rot and damaged pieces out of the boat. Consequently I have discovered some nicked and corroded wiring. So on top of it all I will be rewiring before I put it all back together again.

Someone did a nice job but with the wrong wire, and that is what happens when you do.
Once it goes green, you start loosing connectivity.
I see way too much of jobs like that and its sad.

[McSkagit Tim Jones]

I remember seeing these Bryant boats at Cap Santa Marina (called it Bryant's Marina then) in Anacortes in my youth (1950's) Were they built there or just sold throught Bryants Marina? I had the idea they built the fiberglass tops there. Cool boats!

Tim

[Marty Loken (Norseboater)]

I think most of the Bryant-brand runabouts and small cruisers were built by the Morris Brothers of Marysville and/or Everett. The brothers earlier had built Morris-brand boats, but Jerry Bryant commissioned them to produce Bryant boats at about the time Bryants Marina was the largest Chris-Craft cruiser dealer in the world.

- Marty

[slo-mo]

Old unrestored Bryants still get the looks at the launch, felt like 1959 all over again. The girls and I had a nice 3 hour tour, and didn't shear the dock pilings upon return like the Kalakala was famous for doing!:)

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l43/frenchcreekproperties/bryant031.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l43/frenchcreekproperties/bryant033.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l43/frenchcreekproperties/bryant022.jpg

[chuckcarey]

Greg, Is that really your new boat? You should have had your daughter take a picture of you with it so we really knew for sure. Nice picture of your mutt.I really like those dogs ! Chuck

[slo-mo]

Greg, Is that really your new boat? You should have had your daughter take a picture of you with it so we really knew for sure. Nice picture of your mutt.I really like those dogs ! Chuck

Yes Chuck, believe it or not, it is our get on the water NOW boat. While it isn't too pretty or very fast, it does float and looks sweet from 100'.

In fact, the mystery woman/co-Captain in the photo; is my squeeze Holly-not my daughter that you met a few weeks ago. Our border collie "Coulee", had a great time playing deckhand and warning us of rogue waves and errant trout. She can't wait for the next adventure with the NWCBC.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l43/frenchcreekproperties/bryant030.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l43/frenchcreekproperties/bryant039.jpg


http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l43/frenchcreekproperties/bryant041.jpg

[Steve_Kiesel]

Nice Photo Shop work Greg.

[Helmar]

Yes Chuck, believe it or not, it is our get on the water NOW boat. While it isn't too pretty or very fast, it does float and looks sweet from 100'.

In fact, the mystery woman/co-Captain in the photo; is my squeeze Holly-not my daughter that you met a few weeks ago. Our border collie "Coulee", had a great time playing deckhand and warning us of rogue waves and errant trout. She can't wait for the next adventure with the NWCBC.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l43/frenchcreekproperties/bryant030.jpg






Greg.......Looks like we are going to have to show up at Mason.......:coolgleamA:

[slo-mo]

Damn right Joe! I promise to bring the Glastron to Mason if you show up.

Steve I wouldn't have wasted my time photoshopping such a lame picture of myself. It would've been more like this...

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l43/frenchcreekproperties/party_boat1.jpg

[Helmar]

Damn right Joe! I promise to bring the Glastron to Mason if you show up.

Steve I wouldn't have wasted my time photoshopping such a lame picture of myself. It would've been more like this...



Ok, I am there Dude...I will be dragging my Skimaster and bearcat.:hurray:
Got to make at least one event, geeze man....:angry2:

[Steve_Kiesel]

Greg, is that your idea of an End to End outing? :drool5:

[Tim McCrain]

Greg, is that your idea of an End to End outing? :drool5:

Steve, that was a pretty cheeky remark. :smilielol5:

[Mark_Denis]

Greg, make you a deal... If you bring the Glastron to Mason I'll bring the BellBoy. It may not be 100% complete but I think she'll be ready to float at least. :HandHorn1:

I too, would like to make it to at least one event this year. I encourage others to do the same!

[Helmar]

OK Mark and Greg. I will be there with the Skimaster, which will also be for sale this time.

[slo-mo]

You guys are hilariass! :Angel_anim:

100% complete, are these things ever done?:smash:

Be there or be completely lame...:computers1:

Boy, have we derailed this thread.