Overhead not quite over my head

[CapnK]

Overhead replacement. Been back and forth in my brainspace about how to tackle this. I ripped down the old, original foam(powder)-backed vinyl several years ago and painted the bare glass behind it white, in the meanwhile. Chose this solution below as it seems both affordable and not too much of a stretch to accomplish, given my (non)carpentry skills.

In short, capping over the 1/4" battens that were original, with some 1x2", onto which I am fastening 1x4" boards which will eventually get sanded smooth and painted.
The 1x2" caps allow for 1) clearance between overhead and thru-deck fasteners, and 2) space in which to insert panels of foam/radiant barrier insulation.
Another reason for this method is that individual boards will be removable for maintenance down the road as/when needed, and also wiring for lighting etc can be run easily, and out of sight.

So far WRT materials there's a couple dozen 1x4's, eight of the 1x2's, and 3 sheets of 3/4x48x96" insulation, all of which should do more than half the job. That's ~$135 spent, so in the end it should be near $250 I think, a pretty reasonable cost.

[CapnK]

2 mo' pix:

[Tim]

Looking nice

[Norman]

That is a very practical and attractive new overhead, and should last a long time.  The copious pictures make clear just what you are doing, and what the conditions are as found.

Suggestion, and you may already have this in mind, before final attachment, end seal those boards twice, and all other surfaces once.  That air space above the boards, in some weather conditions, is going to condense moisture, and drip onto the top of the boards.  Rot on top will be invisible, until it is serious.  A stitch in time.....

As you stated, access to that space is important, plus the insulation improves the year round usefulness of the Islander.

[CapnK]

Thx, Tim!

Norm - Right on, planning on sealing it up not sure just yet with what. WRT moisture, if you look closely in last pic, you can see the 3/4" thick, mylar film backed insulation between wood and overhead. It fills the space where there would be an air gap. Between what little air space will be left, and that the boards themselves are not sealed together lengthwise,  cross fingers condensation won't be much an issue. :) Thanks!!!

[Norman]

The sealing that I am referring to is the wood surface, not the cracks between boards.  Those cracks will allow limited ventilation and evaporation of any moisture that condenses up there.  Also, if the cracks are not sealed, removing a board will be easy for additions or repairs above them.

That insulation is similar to what I have used  with good success in the past.

[CapnK]

Great minds think alike.

Err - Rum minds? Sailor minds? Don't necessarily want people thinking that your mind is as weird as mine...  :o :P

Anyway, you get the point... :D

[wolverine]

I'm looking at the same situation in my boat.  Although the worst of it is in the quarter berth. Every time I enter it I come out with crumbling foam on me. I like the wood overhead, my only concern is the additional weight if a knockdown should occurred.  I was considering doing what you're doing, but with 3/8"x4" pine tongue and groove wainscoting.  I have time, so I'll let you experiment before I start.  ;D 

[CapnK]

A fella on the Islander FB group had the same concern re: weight. I''m using all white pine and it's very light - maybe 60#'s in total? Same, maybe even less than a light dinghy or a liferaft, so I don't think it would really be much of a factor. Especially on, in this case, a ~14,000# boat.

One thing which did occur to me is that it is like unobtrusively carrying around a small lumberyard of wood, something that might come in very handy in a jury rig situation. :)

[wolverine]

If you planned it out just right, 🤔 the peices could be removed and quickly assembled into a dinghy.  😣

[CapnK]

If you planned it out just right, 🤔 the peices could be removed and quickly assembled into a dinghy.  😣

:D :D :D

[Jim_ME]

With an upgrade like that...you're turnin the big boat into a keeper!  :)