Interior Brightwork Question

[daveinnj]

I just purchased a 1977 E25 Centerboard, #355, and want to work on sprucing up the interior. All the brightwork below seems to be varnished, (bulkheads, drawers, lockers, steps, etc.) They all seem to have original finishes on them, and are getting ugly looking.(not scratched or damaged, just a little dull)In addition, some of the pieces see to have some black blotches on them. (mold?)I wonder whether the original finish from 1977 would have been standard varnish, or polyurethane? I'm planning on removing all the parts that I can, and just doing a sanding and refinishing. I don't want to put poly over varnish, or vice versa.If anyone has done this job, I would like to know which type of finish should be put over the original one? I don't want to take the finish down to raw wood. Thank you. I'm looking forward to getting my Ericson on the water soon!

[Bob7291]

Don't know for sure, but someone on EricsonYachts.org would - that is the definitive source for all things Ericson. You have a neat boat - trailerable and able to access shoal waters. You will want to take a good look at your centerboard and pivot pin, as the years can take their toll on these components - pins can bend and corrode, and it is not unusual for boards to crack and split. There have been several fixes developed for these problems, if they occur. Good luck - you will love your Eboat.

[arthur stock]

At the age of this boat, it doesn't matter. Sand it down and revarnish with an Interlux, Petit or Eiphane varnish.I think bright would be very attractive.

[Tim R.]

and use either a good furniture scraper or carbide edge paint scraper. Varnish this old should flake off fairly easily. Once you get an area open, keep working from the edge.