Re: Rough glass boat, need direction. where to start? and what materials to use?
Welcome to iBoats!
An overall picture of the boat would be a big help. First off I totally understand Sentimental value, but be AWARE, there is a cost to these Old Beauties, even trying to do it "On the Cheap" can add up pretty fast. From the looks of the pics you have posted you will be doing a total restoration of the boats substructure. That is the Hull Stringers, Transom and Deck/Sole. You also have a lot of Fiberglass repair to do if you want to make her Really look new. All of this can be done by a total amateur with the help of all the guys here on the fourm, but it does take time, effort and money. If you are willing to invest all of these then you can and will be successful.
Here's what I recommend to get started....
Strip everything out of her, remove the motor, remove the rubrail, remove the topcap,and let the destruction begin.
I have included some drawings on how I recommend fabricating Stringers, Transom and Deck using Ext. Grade FIR plywood or Marine Grade. I also recommend using Polyester Resin, 1.5oz Chopped Strand Mat and either 24oz Woven Roving or 1708 Biaxial Cloth. A good online source for your supplies is
www.uscomposites.com 10 gallons of resin 15 yards of CSM and 10 yards of WR or 1708 1 gallon of Cabosil, 1 qt of chopped fibers (for making thickened resin for filleting and gluing) is a good start. PL Premium Construction adhesive for Bedding your stringers.
Safety Equipment - Tyvek Suit, GOOD Respirator(full face preferred)(not dust masks), Goggles if NOT full faced, Latex and Leather Gloves, Talcum Powder(keeps the itching down)
Destruction Equipment - Circular Saw, 4 1/2" Grinder with Backup Pad and 36 grit sanding Discs, Pry Bars, chisels, hammers, Random Orbit Sander
I'm sure there's more.
Keep posting pics and questions and we'll be here to help you all along the way.
(Click the pics to enlarge)
Welcome Aboard!!!!