Where to begin?

I have been given an old (79) tri-ad fish and ski. It is a tri-hull, but it would be perfect for the fishing areas I would like to spend time. The hull is in great condition. There are no soft spots in the deck. The guy that gave it to me sold the motor that was on it, and oddly he also sold the center console. I would like have advice on where to begin. I will attach plenty of pics. This will be my first boat. I have been on boats most of my life, but I haven't ever taken on a project this big. This 18 ft boat will be a learning experience and a great opportunity to learn more about this hobby any advice will be appreciated. I know Tri-hulls aren't worth very much, but one can't beat free!

Re: Where to begin?

hi....welcome to iboats....

so what are you doing with the boat?

i take it you are adding a motor.

and possibly a new console?

can you post pics?

iboats restoration forum is nicknamed the dry dock......it is also called boat university......the second term is quite correct.
what ever you want to know about your boat has been discussed on this forum...
what ever you want to do to your boat....we can guide you to a sucessful out come.

cheers
oops

Re: Where to begin?

Re: Where to begin?

Just a FYI so you are aware. To get this boat "In the Water" you will be spending a minimum of $2K and 100-200 hrs of labor. Just so you know..."There's no such thing as a FREE Boat!!!"

Re: Where to begin?

Oh yes. I completely understand the concept of no such thing as a free lunch. I expect to put all those hours plus more. I'm prepared for the work. I'll have to put a few more hours in at work for the money too. Having a boat of my own has been a mini-dream of mine for a while. Don't worry I also am aware of the work and money needed to maintain the boat. I want to learn from this experience, and maybe one day be able to reap the benefits of that hard work.

I have been searching for info on this manufacturer for a few weeks now. I not that this boat was built in south Carolina by Tri-ad, but that is as far as I have reached. I know it is a tri-hull due to the shape of the underside and the need for three bilige plugs, but the three do converge into the shape of a deep v hull though. Is that any indication of anything?

Where is the best place to begin the planning stage? I realize that the more planning done the slightly easier the flow of work. So, Im looking for advice and tips.

Thanks!

Re: Where to begin?

i like your attitude !

the first thing is to survey the hull.

you cant plan what you dont know, right?

so with the survey.....you take core samples of the transom...deck. and the stringers...

weighing a boat is also a real good indication of potential water logging

Re: Where to begin?

There is a reason this hull was stripped and left for dead, try to find out that reason and make sure it's worth rebuilding before spending any money.

Re: Where to begin?

We were typing at the same time.

Re: Where to begin?

It looks like a cool boat.

Like the others have said. Take a good hard look at the hull. My guess is you will find a rotted transom and rotted deck.

But with some elbow grease, and time, it is nothing that cant be fixed.