1973 20' Proline

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lmc1601

Cadet
Joined
Dec 1, 2002
Messages
16
My summers project is to restore a 1973 20' Proline. I am planning on removing the floor, stringers, and foam, and replace the stringers with stronger stringers. i also want to replace the foam, but don't know wether to use the foam out of a can, or the two part kind.<br /><br />I have never done a job of this size before and am going to need quite a bit of help. I don't know wether to use epoxy, polyester, or vinylester resin, or even what kind of fiberglass to use. I plan to have the boat painted proffessianaly with awlgrip.<br /><br />I am planning on using this boat for fun and for inshore and offshore charters. So i want to replace the transom, and enclose it. I plan to buy a porta-bracket and a yamaha 150 or 175. I also would like to know what kind of hydraulic steering everyone prefers. <br /><br />Please help!!!
 
JasonJ

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: 1973 20' Proline

If money isn't an issue, you can use epoxy. It will give you the best bond, or you can just use polyester resin, it'll get the job done. Only use the two part foam, it is closed cell, won't absorb water as quickly as the can stuff, and is more cost effective. You can use mat, roving, or cloth for the fiberglass. Mat is a kind of jumbled crosshatch type of pattern, good for strength and building thickness when appearance does not matter. Cloth it a tight weave pattern, good for when appearance is important. Roving is a larger weave, and is best when high strength is needed. You can just use mat for the whole project, but its a good idea to use a layer of roving around the edge of the transom with a layer of mat over it. I am doing a similar project, you can just look for my name on this board and read the details. Good luck, and post some pics...
 
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BillP

Captain
Joined
Aug 10, 2002
Messages
3,290
Re: 1973 20' Proline

You may want to check with Proline to see if they used any epoxy in your 20 construction. I know the later 21 walkarounds used 40 gals of epoxy to hold the liner down and do miscellaneous bonding. You cannot use polyester over epoxy. But the way, I had a 1980 20 Proline cuddy for 10 yrs and it was bulletproof...nothing needed "oversizing" considering the hard use I gave it. My hull was identical to yours.
 
L

lmc1601

Cadet
Joined
Dec 1, 2002
Messages
16
Re: 1973 20' Proline

BillP,<br /><br />The model i have is an open fisherman. It does not have a cuddy. I apprecate your advice. Do you know of a way i can contact them about that information?
 
brokeboater

brokeboater

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 17, 2002
Messages
103
Re: 1973 20' Proline

just finishing up on a 1986 21 walk around doing exactly the same thing. i separated the deck from the hull. it was bonded to the floor with a lot of something similiar to bondo. i don't think it was epoxy though or i wouldn't have been able to get apart like i did without tearing things up real bad. probably was at least 25 gals or more. i ripped everything out down to a big pink hull. make sure you support the hull at stern and along chines to maintain the shape of the hull and not build in a hook or twist when you start making things back permanent. i used a water hose (water level) to level things and avoid a twist. used screw jacks to support. bought all material from a local builder that buys in bulk. carried my own containers and saved even more. good luck :)
 
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