1973 starcraft ss restore in progress

[Watermann]

I believe when I run out of the clarkcraft 2 part epoxy I will switch to the helmsman spar.
( I will have a bit of the bow and the stern area left of wood work.

Helmsman is good stuff. I recommend the gloss as is has the most solids.

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Sounds good h20, thanks

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Got the bow frame done and dashes wired
Now to install dashes/install console fronts/ install bow frame, before cutting bow seating and laying out bow area

 

[Reserector_]

What did you have to solder to the gauges?

 

[crankbait cowboy]

I used a solder iron for the soldering with connectors when possible and shrink wrap
I got the dashes and front consoles installed along with front bow brace

 

[crankbait cowboy]

I meant heat shrink tape.
Next I cut my bow 3 pieces ( I was lucky and used old as templates ) using 3/4 marine plywood. In and out of boat a couple times to fit it, and put a coat of 2 part epoxy on one side. This is where I realized I hadn’t cut the 3 hatch holes.

 

[crankbait cowboy]

So then today I measured and cut hatch openings, and put a second coat epoxy on same side with a good dose on all edges

 

[crankbait cowboy]

While drying epoxy, I fitted a couple of implement tanks I’ve had for some time and they fit beautifully ( luck sometimes is a wonderful thing)

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Fit em, marked em, put elbows on to drain, and added some insulation ( and floatation )
Will it help both causes? It can’t hurt was my thinking

 

[crankbait cowboy]

My tanks will be ice boxes ( no live wells) for a couple reasons. 1 cheaper and easier
2 . years ago, we just put the fish on ice till end of day, and I actually think they were easier to clean and far less slimy and firmer than in a warm livewell all day.
One will be for fish, the other for sandwiches and beverages

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Just got some spar varnish on the other side (2coats)
The spar goes on much nicer and actually soaks in better, where the 2 part epoxy is more of a coating
Both seem to do the job, but the spar was easier to work with ( no 2 part mixing and brushes on nicely . Now to get carpet on

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Got the front 3 pieces carpeted, and waiting for hatch covers
Started the top vinyl bow rails
Did some relief cuts with skill saw to help with the bend

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Some pics

 

[crankbait cowboy]

And more

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Also earlier I mentioned being lucky with good patterns from old

 

[crankbait cowboy]

A bit more progress
Got port side wires strung thru the lower bow area, ran a drain hose from tanks to bilge area behind the side panels, insulated around tanks , and buttoned up bow ( still have some wiring in upper bow area for nav light)

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Now, onto starboard wiring

 

[crankbait cowboy]

I believe I have it all wired up and all works as should. I actually used 2 wiring diagrams off the web, if anybody can find them useful.
I certainly did

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Some more progress, I am now working on spar varnish and carpet for a front pedestal up in bow, and back seat area ( still working on a plan as I go for seat

 

[crankbait cowboy]

And now to show how I am switching it up and going with a bench seat in back