posted 10-21-2002 08:05 PM ET (US)            

I think it is a function of time. When I have more time, I remove the wood needing work. If I'm pressed for time, I tape it off & do it installed.

Obviously, taking it off will allow a better inspection of the wood and the fastenings. It might also turn up some problems that exist under the wood.

At the end of the season I usually try to remove all the teak and do it in the garage when I have time. Sometimes I don't have the time... and say "next year".

Removing it may also allow you the option of replacing it with maintenance-free King Starboard, if you really want to.

posted 10-22-2002 05:53 PM ET (US)            

work_to_remove+work_to_replace <? work_to_cleanup + (work_to_refinish_in_place - work_to_refishing_at_home)
+ work to repair where your sander scuffed the gelcoat

On a Montauk, you can pull all the wood in an hour. I just did it. Helps to have someone on the outside. In order of increasing difficulty:

Forward hatch
Sump cover
console base trim strips
console doors
port hatch trim
aft hatch trim
rps back
fire extinquisher cover

That last one is a real bear, my arms are not long enough to reach inside and outside at the same time.

Get some baggies to keep the fasteners separated and label each bag with the area its for. You will *not* remember over the winter if you are over 40.

posted 10-23-2002 11:46 AM ET (US)            

It is the frames on the console doors that are perhaps the most difficult to reach. As with any endeavor, the correct tools are a must if frustration is to be avoided.

For some reason Whaler seems to have used unnecessarily long #6 machine screws on the door frames. On my last two Whalers it was necessary to use a deep socket to reach over them. With the nylocks that Whaler used it was quite a few turns to get the nuts off. This can be uncomfortable if your arms are extended out as far as they reach and you are scrunched down on the floor of the boat.

As Taylor points out, the fasteners should be kept together. zip lock bags work great but paper cups work too. I have often put a set of a dozen fasteners in a cup and then stacked the cups up several high to conserve space and keep them fro falling out.

In addition to the appropriate set of socket wrenches and nut drivers, be sure you use a good screwdriver. If you have some old thing from the kitchen drawer go out and buy yourself a new one. It is amazing how much difference there is between a new screwdriver and an old cobbled up one.

posted 10-25-2002 05:40 PM ET (US)            

Well, lets just say that I'm expressing a preference for the one piece nutdriver over a deep socket since sockets (especially little ones) seem to fall apart when you are least able to retrieve the pieces.

posted 10-27-2002 03:05 PM ET (US)         

Taylor; your difficulty list was right on the money.

Only problems were that most of the bolts had a bend in them, and the previous owner had glued a wire holder to the top of the extinguisher box inside the console. All dowels for the trim have to be replaced.