Hello.

I'm looking at my cockpit area of my '69 31' Express, and have convinced myself to go ahead and refinish all of the wood that I can see. I've already tackled everything from the angled support beams and up as I prepare to finish my wood rot replacement / repair project. I've removed the two fold down seats, and probably will not replace them. I'll keep them in storage as original equipment, but I like the freedom of movement with those seats being gone.

What I'm trying to figure out, and am almost afraid to learn about, is how do I remove the side panels on my 31'? Do I have to remove the console in order to get access to the screws for that port side panel? I sure hope somebody has figured a way around that.

Also, I'm about as wishy-washy as Brett Favre is when it comes to making a decision and sticking with it. Every time I look at my cockpit hard top and start pondering the headliner replacement, I change my mind as to what I'm thinking I want to do. Are there any boat owners out there with good advice on headliner replacement, AND more importantly, with good documentation / how to pics?

Thanks!

Kevin Bray
'06 CC Launch 22
FXA-31-4049

I can give advice on the headliner, and that is "let a professional in the upholstery business do it". Sheesh, for all the labor you're going to pay for, look what you get? A finished job that looks professional, using professional tools and snaps and fasteners. Surely there is a marine upholstery guy in your neighborhood who does this for a business, that's who I would call. You can get the pinhole headliner that is exactly what CC usee, or so close as to not be an issue. I had mine done many years ago, still looks bran new.

Regarding the side panels, I don't know how a 31 is fixed, and it may well be someone fixed yours down with 3M-5200. If they're damaged coming off, you can still use them as a pattern for new panels, they make a nice mahogany ribbon sliced 3/8" marine plywood that works great.





Here's a couple views of my helm station, all the wood on the bulkhead side, around helm, door to cabin, etc., is original. The side panels are new ribbon sliced phillippine or african mahogany plywood stained to match. My original panels were painted white, not sure if that's the way the boat arrived at the dealership in 1966 or whether a previous owner painted them white. In any case the wood along the sides is a major upgrade. I finished them in the shop laid down flat, no runs that way, varnish goes down nice and flat, used a foam roller and tipped it with a brush when needed. Don't lay it down with too heavy a film, it will soften the underlayer and cause a wrinkle.

Regards,

Paul

My panels are secured with screws. The problem is the forward edge of the port side panel. There are 4 screws right at the leading edge, and there is very little gap between the console and the panel. I've attached a couple of pics that are not my boat but an example of what I'm up against. If the panels are glued on as well as screwed, then I may be even more 'screwed'. Looking at the problem, I'm pretty sure the console has to be removed to get to those 4 screws. Argh. Unless somebody out there knows another way!

As for the headliner, I was thinking about going with a marine grade plywood, and finish it to match the rest of the wood. It's just dealing with clearances, lights, etc. Ah what fun.






Thanks!

Kevin Bray
'06 CC Launch 22
FXA-31-4049