Fiberglass Tri hull restoration

[nauticalgreenhorn]

Ok, first of all I have to say this is the coolest site on the internet. That being said I will talk about my boat, which is good because I think about it the better half of the day with nobody to really talk to about it. I got an incredible deal from my neighbor on a mid 70's model fiberglass Tri-hull. I think it is a bowrider too. ???? I got the hull, 85 hp Powershift II Johnson outboard, and trailer for just $250.00. I know.

Thing is I have always been fascinated by boats but have never had the money to pump into one. Here is my chance. Now I just need the knowledge. I guess it's a learning process, which I enjoy!!

I have ripped the guts out of this thing and am now in the process of doing the hull repairs. I am going to use epoxy filler for any damages. then use a wax removing solvent to remove the gelcoat.

My question may seem simple (I hope it is). Is my above procedure for painting the hull a good one. And should I do all the repairs to the inside of the hull first. OR do the primer/ paint first to the hull and then do the inside. And is epoxy filler a good idea? Im unsure on whether to replace the transom. Any tips will be useful. I have also posted a forum under the outboards threads for my engine. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=311103

 

[coastalcruiser]

Re: Fiberglass Tri hull restoration

Check out this thead its one of the best I have ever seen. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=277257
I will post another vid in a minute. Im concerned about the hole in your hull so brb with that vid
Rob

 

[coastalcruiser]

Re: Fiberglass Tri hull restoration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsoKAHU5xUw&feature=related

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Fiberglass Tri hull restoration

It's easier to paint the hull when's it all stripped down...less weight. If you're just going to repaint the topsides, then you can do so either way...before or after refitting the sole/deck, etc. Looks like that old girl has been repaired before on the bottom of the hull...check and recheck those spots for soundness and read lots of the restoration threads on this forum...that's how you learn and lay out your own plan of attack.

 

[glasjet1213]

Re: Fiberglass Tri hull restoration

Hi nauticalgreenhorn,I saw those photos and what looks to be fixable may not always be the case.I concur with the other members as a novice you are looking at some serious damage and really need to do some intensive research on this restoration.I'm not saying that it can't be done but you are looking at a major expense here.Don't let that guy in that video fool you.In my personal opinion it appears that just some cloth and resin then new carpet etc...isn't going to do the trick and you are looking at some serious delamination which cannot be overlooked because of the overall integrity of the hull is in jeopardy.It is what you don't see that has to be factored in also. There are so many factors involved that I would hate to see you get in over your head.I would consult a knowledgeable marine surveyor,or experienced boat builder to give you some insight to your project. Evaluate your time, tools, budget, skills,result expectations,where it is you'll be performing this.There are health hazards to deal with as well as disposal of contaminated waste from your project which some landfills won't even take anymore $$$$$. Remember the ''new definition'' of a boat is hole on the water surrounded by wood,aluminum,fiberglass,inflatable rubber,or steel into which one pours alot of money into as long as they own it! Best of Luck

 

[eavega]

Re: Fiberglass Tri hull restoration

Wow, that looks like a big bite for someone new to boats. My advice to you would be to forget about the hull for the time being and get the motor running. Once you are sure that the motor is running reliably, take it and every other usable part off of the hull and go find yourself another hull that your motor is a match to. re-power the new hull and you'll be on your way to enjoying a boat. If the motor is in workable shape, you made a killing at $250 just for that. Worst comes to worst, you can sell the motor for three times what you paid for the boat, and you have a bigger budget to find yourself a more easily managed project.

Just my $0.02. That and $1.48 will get you a cup of decent coffee.

-E

 

[Buzz Killington]

Re: Fiberglass Tri hull restoration

Is that a Thunderbird logo I spy on the side? If so, would you mind taking a big digital photo of it? I am trying to get a decal made up for my '68 T-bird

I am also very curious as to the construction/placement of the interior side panels, because my factory interior is long gone.

Anyway, good luck to you, looks like you have some work ahead of you!

Dave

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: Fiberglass Tri hull restoration

First of all, welcome to the forum. You will find a wealth of information, help and fellowship. Yes, it is a bowrider, I see you questioned that. I'm not sure that I see the damage that everyone is talking about. Unless there are big holes in the bottom of the hull, this can be a very nice project. You don't have to strip the old gelcoat off, I personally wouldn't advise it. Depending on how your boat is used should dictate how you paint it. If your going to trailer and not leave it in the water for long periods of time, you can use a topside paint like Interlux or Pettit. If you plan on leaving it in the water use a bottom paint on the bottom of the hull and a topside paint on the rest of it. I personally used the roller and brush method. Before you tackle the topside, do the interior first. Do your repairs and replacement. Obvously you need to replace the stringers and deck(floor). More than likely the transom will have to be replaced as well. You may have to separate the top from the hull. Epoxy filler can be use for some things, but use resin and fiberglass mat to wrap the stringers and for repairs of the the bottom of the hull. Good luck and have fun with your boat. Remember, it is YOUR boat...do it your way.