1971 21' Fiberform Cuddy Cabin Restoration

[Halemeister]

Hi, I'm new to the iBoats forum so please dont crucify me too hard if I mess up haha...

I recently got a 1971 21 ft Fiberform Cuddy and trailer for $500, making plans for the restoration on this project has deemed a little more complicated than I originally thought, and after looking at the state of the motor and outdrive I am just going to convert to an outboard. Now heres my question, does anyone know anything about the weight limits on these transoms? I'm wondering if going with lower power twins or a single with a kicker, seeing as the rated horsepower of the motor was 150hp. Any ideas?

p.s. I will be posting pics as soon as I can figure out how to get them off of my phone haha

 

[Halemeister]

Re: 1971 21' Fiberform Cuddy Cabin Restoration

So here are the only two decent pics I could upload due to size restrictions

 

[mrdjflores]

Re: 1971 21' Fiberform Cuddy Cabin Restoration

what drive system is in it now?

 

[Halemeister]

Re: 1971 21' Fiberform Cuddy Cabin Restoration

It has a 225 Dauntless (Buick) I think its rated at 155hp with an OMC sterndrive electric shift. My concern is overloading the transom and under/overpowering the boat

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 1971 21' Fiberform Cuddy Cabin Restoration

Hi and welcome, Halemeister...

The conversion you are planning is feasible...here is one link that comes to mind right away of a fellow iboater doing just that...converting an I/O to O/B... http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=520100

I would suggest that you do a thorough inspection of the entire sub- structure of the boat so that you know whether or not the boat is plagued with rot, in which case you have a complete restoration to contend with...If all the wood underneath the fiberglass is sound, then you only have to concern yourself with the transformation...

Whatever the case, we'll be here, ready, willing and able to help you out...

The best way to post your pictures is to open a free Photobucket account, http://photobucket.com/ , load them there, then click the IMG tag on the pics you want to post, then post em here...

Best of luck and have fun!
GT1M

 

[Halemeister]

Re: 1971 21' Fiberform Cuddy Cabin Restoration

Thanks GT, I've already done a lookthrough non-invasive inspection and I am fairly positive the stringers and transom are in solid shape because I thumped them and they had a solid sound and didnt give at all. The floor on each side of the engine compartment however need to be replaced but that shouldnt be an issue. I have pictures of the inside that I'll post later today to let you all judge. One problem I see with going to O/B is the enormous hole that would be left in the transom from taking out the sterndrive even though I would be reglassing and reinforcing. Would a 200hp single or twin 90s torque this too much?

 

[Halemeister]

Re: 1971 21' Fiberform Cuddy Cabin Restoration

Heres a link of all the pics I have so far

http://s1353.photobucket.com/albums/q672/David_Hale/

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 1971 21' Fiberform Cuddy Cabin Restoration

To post your pics, just hover over the pic you want to post and a selection will come up...click on the IMG tag and you'll have your pics here for all to see...like this...

Now as for the size of the engine you want to hang on there...I really can't help, but I know there is a formula available from the U S Coast Guard, that can give you a good guideline...then again, maybe somebody here knows the answer...I'll try and look up the site and post it here within the next day or so...

My wild ***** guess is that the size of that boat would probably be just about right with a 150-225 hanging off the back, but that's just a shot in the dark...:redface:

Next in line, the big hole left behind, means you will probably need to install a new transom, but there again, I'll let the more knowledgeable guys help you...

Finally, I hate to say this, but thumping on the structure will NOT tell you if the underlying wood is in good condition, you must perform a sort of "biopsy" by drilling into the stringers, transom and deck, in various places as far back and as far down as possible...IF, the wood shavings come out nice and light and dry colored, you hit the jackpot and you can seal up the core samples with some 3M 5200...if they come out dark and wet and mushy, well...

Hopefully all is good, but you really need to know for sure before you begin sinking a lot of time and effort into the conversion...