14 foot gamefisher rebuild

[Restoration2012]

Posting my progress so far

Recently purchased a 14 foot Gamefisher tri hull fiberglass boat for restoration over the winter here in Rhode Island. I have been looking at some of the work that was done on here, and have some ideas for what I want to do with it. I enjoyed seeing the progression of "Project Greenie" for example and thought I would give back and show you the restoration of this boat. Hope you enjoy. Here is how it started.

Many bad installations and work that never should have been done. The Transom was shot like on so many of these gamefisher boats. It was put in with lag bolts and a piece of plywood. So the whole transom will end up being replaced. Here is a picture of the transom. Totally rotted out. Going to cut out the section as soon as i secure a piece of coring.


Nasty repairs


Started off like this




Cleaned and everything removed

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

transom completely rotted. Was put together with lag bolts/roofing cement/and silicone...

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild



An overview of the transom removal, grinding of keel and a bit of fairing.

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild



Have been posting these on another website. So trying to get everyone up to date on here. This is the layup process here with a form and mold release. 4 layers of linear fiberglass mat on the back

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild



This is where we were at two weekends ago. Reinforced underneath the gunnels and new keel. Also an overview of the trailer restoration and the 15 HP johnson getting zinc chromate primer. Got all three as a package deal when purchased.

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

This was last weekend. More structural reinforcement. Lots of flimsy components on the boat that we were looking to stiffen up. These pictures include a mold that we were going to lay over which is just a PVC pipe cut in half. Two layers of biaxial carbon fiber was put on the walls of the boat. The seats provide the structure for the boat so did not need to be stiffened in those sections. First 14 foot gamefisher boat with carbon fiber???

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

Finally up to date. Expanding closed cell foam added to new hatches (should double as coolers and dry storage). Fitting the hatches in place to get an idea of the layout. And added an additional layer on the transom with carbon fiber tabbing to tie it into the boat more. Also a picture of the new johnson white paint job!

Hatches have since been cleaned up and tied in with more carbon and glass. Will keep updated. Would love to hear from the iboats community. I got alot of helpful information on here.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

Welcome to Iboats.

Looks like a fun project. Looking good. Where did you get the hatches? I been thinking I might add some to my project. I like the carbon fiber accents, btu then I guess they also add strength on the sides there.

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

Welcome to Iboats.

Looks like a fun project. Looking good. Where did you get the hatches? I been thinking I might add some to my project. I like the carbon fiber accents, btu then I guess they also add strength on the sides there.

I got the hatches from greatlakesskipper, they have awesome prices. These are made by tempress chosen because of their dimensions. If you have the $ though I would go for Innovative hatches, they are top quality. Unfortunately Awl Grip will eventually cover the carbon fiber, strictly structural.

 

[sphelps]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

You got one great looking work shop there and the boat looks pretty good to!

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

yeah, was fortunate enough to have a friend loan us the space until he moves in. Thanks, its been alot of fun so far.

 

[JamesM56alum]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

God i love the trihulls they look great running across the lake

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild



Capped off the hatches

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild




Finally got the transom board put in. Transom board is made by PolyUmac out of FL. Great people to deal with, and high quality product. Here is an overview of the installation, and after a few hours of grinding and a bit of fairing. Can't wait to see the final product. Getting closer!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

What exactly is PolyUmac? Is it solid/heavy could it be used on an aluminum boat under exposed conditions, or must it be glassed over first? Top rate job so far. She looks like she'll be a little speedster. Cheers!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

http://www.polyumac.com/Aircell.html#

May I ask what was the cost for the polyumac transom. It appears to be an interesting material for Marine use if it is cost effective.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

"This is particularly applicable to marine deck and floor areas that are exposed to direct sun generated radiant heat." Very interesting. Sounds like super strong, heat resistant PVC. I wonder if it s strong enough to make an exposed transom for a tinny. That would be great. Then you could have a truly wood-free boat. No more epoxy, f'glass and resin, electrolysis pitting, etc... Looks like you can even get it in any color you want too.


EDIT: DUHHHHHHHHHH..........I guess it does work for transoms. Now I'm really interested.

"Transoms


Depending on the size of your proyect, Polyumac offers a variety of options for your transom applications. For small projects where you might prefer to cut your own material we offer a standard 4'x 8' sheet cut to the desired thickness. For larger production, our pre-molded transoms offer great savings on material and labor. We are able to produce transoms up to 36 lbs. per cubic foot. Polyumac blends its own high-density foam, creating a closed cell waterproof transom that will not rot or absorb water. Infusion scored transoms are available upon request."

Advantages

• Cost effective
• Lightweigth
• Good impact and fatigue resistance
• Durable and resilient

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

Cost effective.....umm.... depends on your definition. $375 + shipping for 1.5inch 4x8 sheet. Less for less thickness. Most dont need a 4x8 sheet including myself, so you can hopefully find an offcut or smaller size that they are looking to sell. The transom will probably last longer than the boat, and will never have to be cut out again because it will not rot. this is now an all fiberglass boat. After going through all the work to replace with wood is doing yourself and future owners a disservice.

It is simply a coring material like what you would use marine grade plywood for. So to answer kfa4303 Yes it does need to be glassed in. It is a light weight, High Density closed cell foam specifically designed for the marine environment.

Shapes and cuts with standard woodworking tools.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

can it be left exposed and be bolted on to an aluminum boat, or would it still need to be glassed, then mounted to the transom? Thanks. Looks great.

 

[Restoration2012]

Re: 14 foot gamefisher rebuild

can it be left exposed and be bolted on to an aluminum boat, or would it still need to be glassed, then mounted to the transom? Thanks. Looks great.

No, it would need to be glassed in. Im afraid it would not be a good application for aluminum boats. plywood can easily be taken on and off an aluminum boat when it rots. It would probably be the most cost effective solution to reinforce a jon boat transom.