So, on an impulse, I bought a 1995 Crownline 202 BR with a Merc 5.0 Ltr (270 hrs) that looks good in pictures but up close you notice the issues. The Engine/Outdrive seem to be in excellent condition, after running it on the lake last weekend (and pulling skiers). I absolutely loved driving it.
But....the floor has spongy spots and the vinyl is shot. There's some seat plywood rot and a few soft places where I'm sure the underlying structure is rotted. After talking with the last owner (2nd owner) it's pretty clear he knew he needed to look after the engine but was way out of his element with maintaining everything else with the boat.
I'm pretty good as an amateur DIY guy, but never tackled a boat. I like to read and learn as much as I can before tearing into a project to try and avoid (although I never do) "doh" moments. From what I've found, replacing the floor + stringers looks like something I can do. I saw a few good threads on other people doing this before and will give them a solid read, but it's annoying Photobucket is blocking their photos now.
I guess what I'm looking for is any resources/FAQs/stuff I could read before tearing into the project. Ideally I'd like to get the project finished over the winter (floor first, followed by seat repair and professional re-upholstery). If there's anything anyone thinks I should give a read or knows something that's worth looking at, I'd love to hear it.
Last, I guess while I'm here, I'll ask if taking the top cap off is really necessary or if it's possible to work around it. I'd rather not mess with the hull or hull integrity as much as possible, even if it means stringer and floor replacement itself is harder.
Thanks
But....the floor has spongy spots and the vinyl is shot. There's some seat plywood rot and a few soft places where I'm sure the underlying structure is rotted. After talking with the last owner (2nd owner) it's pretty clear he knew he needed to look after the engine but was way out of his element with maintaining everything else with the boat.
I'm pretty good as an amateur DIY guy, but never tackled a boat. I like to read and learn as much as I can before tearing into a project to try and avoid (although I never do) "doh" moments. From what I've found, replacing the floor + stringers looks like something I can do. I saw a few good threads on other people doing this before and will give them a solid read, but it's annoying Photobucket is blocking their photos now.
I guess what I'm looking for is any resources/FAQs/stuff I could read before tearing into the project. Ideally I'd like to get the project finished over the winter (floor first, followed by seat repair and professional re-upholstery). If there's anything anyone thinks I should give a read or knows something that's worth looking at, I'd love to hear it.
Last, I guess while I'm here, I'll ask if taking the top cap off is really necessary or if it's possible to work around it. I'd rather not mess with the hull or hull integrity as much as possible, even if it means stringer and floor replacement itself is harder.
Thanks
