I'm in the middle of removing the verm. from Bavaria II (1965). The stringers TPI recommends I put at 12.5, 25, and 40 inches seem to correspond exactly to the seperators in the sump and the trailing end of the well. Do the boards that divide the well into three seperate sections serve the purpose of lateral load distribution or do I need to add the stringers on top of them?

Just for interest the inventory of what I have found sealed in the sump includes: candy wrappers, wire, wire ties, pieces of toe rail, shimming strips, rubber grommets, and a used paint roller.

At a J-Boat show, Rod Johnstone told me that Everett Pearson had talked him into the idea of Vermiculite to save cost. I'm told TPI literally swept up shavings, sawdust, and dirt to complete the putty.

Thanks for the info, it was very helpfull.

Steve,

Vermiculite is most commonly used in gardening these days for its ability to retain water and filter the soil around plants. Who made the decision to use it in the hull to keel joint of the J24? Maybe he was the gunman on the grassy knoll, or perhaps the answer is locked away in the X-Files somewhere. I think that it's better for his or her sake that we keep the answer a secret.

It's bad stuff. Without proper replacement of it, a keel can begin to "wiggle" as the keelbolts settle further into the boat. Not to worry, though. Most of us have done this repair at some point, and it's not too bad. Some people even consider the oldest vintages ('77-'79) with more vemiculite in them a bit faster in some cases because once the vermiculite is removed and replaced with fiberglass that joint is not only extremely strong but centers the weight very low in the boat.

I believe all boats up to or just before 5000 have some vermiculite (I haven't played with any between 4400 and 5000) in their original production version, but most have it replaced as one of the first modifications.

Good Luck and Welcome to the Class!
Will

Steve,

Give me a call at he Class Office and I can give you some information as well as send you some articles written about the subject.
J24 Class Association
510-865-2770

What is vermiculite, and why should it be removed. I don't know if I spelled it right. Thinking of getting one and want to find out what this is. Thanks Steve