18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

[ezmobee]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Did a little work last night. Nothing picture-worthy. I got the vinyl cut that will installed in my side storage areas. I put a second coat of paint on this one little section of the hull that will be visible between the floor and the side vinyl. I sanded down all my fiberglassed floor seams so they were nice and level and smooth. Then I mixed up the last of my epoxy and recoated the seams and filled a number of sunken screw holes that I don't want to see or feel under the vinyl. This weekend should be big progress.

 

[wvmedic]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Sounds like a plan EZ, I can't wait to see that viny down.

Jeff

 

[bankfisher]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

EZ,

I was looking through your thread to see what kind of screws you used to attach the deck. Didn't see what kind. Could you tell me what you used?
I will be putting my deck down, hopefully today!!

Did you have any trouble with them "grabbing the aluminium and holding??

Thank you sir! your work has inspired me

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Hey Ez

Been awhile since I've checked out progress... Great work man.... Your massive attention to detail is gonna make this Starcraft so incredible! Beautiful boat!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Thanks guys. bankfisher, I used the gray deck screws from Lowes. Don't use those though. They suck and have regular phillips heads. Get the tan ones from HD that come with the drill bit. They're way better. But basically....deck screws. They worked great. The only issue I had was in the stern where my deck board was a little warped. The ones I got weren't long enough to get down to rips back there and get it pulled down. I ended up stabbing a bunch of extra holes. But I eventually got it and it sure isn't going anywhere. I added construction adhesive to the stringers and ribs for good measure. I think PL premium would be best for that if you want to do that as well.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Did a little work last night. Nothing picture-worthy. I got the vinyl cut that will installed in my side storage areas. I put a second coat of paint on this one little section of the hull that will be visible between the floor and the side vinyl. I sanded down all my fiberglassed floor seams so they were nice and level and smooth. Then I mixed up the last of my epoxy and recoated the seams and filled a number of sunken screw holes that I don't want to see or feel under the vinyl. This weekend should be big progress.

C'mon man, you know that EVERYTHING is picture worthy...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

So I came in here to vent....

There has been a LOT of progress. The vinyl is all in, the consoles are installed, the support structure under the bow deck is installed, the bow deck is carpeted. Then I hit a speed bump. My hatches are too big And I mean like not even close big. Apparently the carpet adds a good bit more thickness than I allowed for. Of course I had already glued carpet to them when I realized this. I was hoping I could just peel the carpet back and trim them but the glue I'm using is apparently really awesome and basically ruins the carpet when you try to peel it. So I have to cut 3 new hatches. Argh. At least I have plenty of carpet, wood, glue, etc. so it's only a time and aggravation thing. I'll have pictures tonight. I'm home alone again with my 2 yr old so not much getting done at the moment. My wife will be back soon though and I'll head back out.

 

[PaulyV]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Hang in their bud!!! In the end its all good

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Bummer EZ...story of my life...one step forward and two steps back.
Look at it this way, it's going to be 'twice' as nice

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

ezmobee,
Bummer on the hatches.
Looking forward to the pic's.
Take the oversize hatches and make some work stools out of them. Always good around the shop.
Bob

 

[North Beach]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Hang in there E. The end is in sight. You're right about at the point where you just want to be done and on the water.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

You're right about at the point where you just want to be done and on the water.

Absolutely correct. The nice weather makes it nicer for working on the boat but makes me feel like I'm behind schedule and NEED to get it done.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Here's the update. Friday night I was just going to install the vinyl up in the bow. But the adhesive wasn't going as far as I would have thought so I was really worried about whether or not I was going to have enough to get everything done, especially the floor. So I decided to keep working and see how far I could. Got the bow and floor done and one of the side storage areas. I have a little left but not enough for the remaining panel. I think I will just use the carpet adhesive for that as it is some seriously good stuff.

Went to Lowes yesterday morning and spent about a zillion dollars on aluminum angle and stainless steel fasteners. Still didn't get enough and will probably go again tomorrow. When I got back I applied vinyl to the visible part of my "bow structure" for lack of a better word. Then I installed aluminum angle along the bottom and the top of it to us to fasten it to the floor and then to the bow deck.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Then I got the consoles riveted to the hull, screwed to the floor and screwed to the bow structure.

I took all three bow pieces and put them in place. I drilled for 4 bolts for each of them. The bolts would then be countersunk an carpeted over.

I then roughly cut carpet to fit each piece and the hatches and glued it down and left it overnight to dry. Today....the nightmare began. I started trimming the carpet and stapling it around the edges. That's about when I realized the hatches didn't fit. So I had to make new ones, throw a crap coat of paint on and try again. Then even more troubles. The hinges I bought weren't exactly suited to the purpose. I spent a ton of time screwing with those trying to get the hatches to line up height wise. I did eventually get it and they do look decent and have a full range of opening. Then more troubles. The same situation with the carpet that jacked up my hatch fit, also then messed with my fit of the main pieces. So I really had to smash 'em in there and then none of my carefully placed bolt holes lined up. So I had to re-drill all of them and beat the thing into submission. It's done. It's not the greatest but it isn't bad.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

That unfinished piece of wood in the bow sure is glaring ain't it? I haven't figured out what I'm doing with that yet. I wanted to get the panels that go in the consoles installed this weekend but I think I want to vinyl them and of course I don't have enough vinyl. So I have to order another yard or two. Tomorrow I think I'll button up the side panels, cut out the StarBoard dash panels, and maybe start building the rear box/platform.

 

[McGR]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

It's looking good EZ... your hatches look fine to me. The vinyl looks great. That Nautolex storm gray is really a nice pattern.

I can totally relate to some of your frustration. On my project, I usually am just posting the milestones and probably making things look fairly easy. As we all know, the reality of one of these projects is lots of trial and error, re-dos, mistakes, touch ups, runs for supplies, compromises, more screw ups and an occasional healthy dose of profanity.

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

ezmobee,
That vinyl really looks good along with the rest of the boat.
Very nice work.
Bob

 

[wvmedic]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Looking good EZ, sorry to hear about the hatches. Look at it this way though, you are blazing a trail for us fellow SS guy's who are going to do the same or similar to ours. Now we don't have to make that mistake, well that still might not make you feel better but it sure helps us. Just trying to make lite of it EZ, I hope you are smiling...


Jeff

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

Hang in there bud

 

[hump07]

Re: 18' Starcraft SuperSport restoration

I am thinking of using some sort of counter top material like formica for that bow panel and my dash.