1973 Wellstar Restoration

[EStack]

Well the boat was given to me when my grandfather passed away. I'm currently going through the paperwork to get it in my name(not much just about an hour of my time).

Well my goal is to fully restore this boat to the best I can with a few additional upgrades. In 2000 we tested the engine and it worked...but its 2010 now and hasn't been started since then.

Budget: I want to keep it as cheap as possible, but my goal is not to pass $4-5k
Timeline: Two years from 20110723. So end date goal is 20130723
Goals:
Under deck fuel tank with fuel pump and gauge in console
Replace the cover(I can NOT find this part ANYWHERE!)
Add stereo system
Rewire EVERYTHING
Maybe push ignition as I can not find the key anymore for it
Paintjob (white bottom and blue top)
Powdercoat and rewire trailer.

Problems:
Engine hasn't been started in 10 years
Floor needs replacing

Where it has sat for ten years. Somewhat covered up.

The first project of this boat restoration. The trailer...

The front deck. I'm removing those two 1x1 and patch the holes from it. It was to support a lifted front seat. I'm going to build covers and put them over the holes. This will be storage...I am removing the fish finder that is OUTDATED.

This is where the two 5 gal fuel tanks and battery was stored. I'm thinking of turning it into life vest storage. Easy to get to, and I have two young boys so I'm going to keep 4 adult and the boys vests in here.

 

[EStack]

Few from standing inside...as you see I have a lot of carpet and flooring to remove

I kinda wanted to keep this, but I do not know where to find one so I may completely remove it. I'll have a boat cover anyways except when I'm driving to the lake. If anyone knows where to get one can you post a link?

Is it legal to add two more position lights to the side of the boat for visibility? I'm new to boats so curious

The anchor and strobe pole light. I'm going to upgrade both and its easier that way.

 

[EStack]

Glove box...going to be replaced with a CD player and radio

Steering side...plain going to add a few gauges I'll need and switches

The outboard

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

common sense, sure you can go into the gulf, on the right days. we use to waterski in the gulf, off Bradenton Fl. boat very similar.

 

[EStack]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

Waking thread up. I have decided to start back on this project. Reason being is my boys loved the lake. Problem is funds are not there like they was so it will be a SLOW process. Plans still going to be the same.

Few questions:
How long would you leave the cap and hull separated as that will be the majority of the weight? It will be stored outside under tarps as my shop now holds tools for my business.

Never made stringers before so nervous about that.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

Few questions:
How long would you leave the cap and hull separated as that will be the majority of the weight?

Never made stringers before so nervous about that.

You can leave them separated for as long as you need. Providing you support them correctly. ( strap the deck to maintain flange placement... keep the deck Off the ground and support the edges with simple 2x4 struts from the ground )

More pics as you go .

YD.

 

[EStack]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

Well after reading most of this forum at work I decided to rip off the tarp and get a little something done. After getting chased by the millionth wasp I called it quits...here is where I am at now.

Counted roughly FOUR stringers.....crap!

 

[EStack]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

Finally located the info decal. It was hidden by a bunch of crap. Boat is a Ebbtide Lakemaster rated 70hp motor and 750 passenger weight. Not to exceed 1150 total weight.

Now maybe I can actually find DIRECT fit parts!!!! Something was telling me the name I was given was incorrect.

 

[EStack]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

Update:

Removed the motor and remote
Popped cap loose, but need extra hands to lift it. Guess while I wait I could build a support structure for it so it does not warp. It is heavier than I thought it would be.

 

[zopperman]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

Had a similar issue with my caravelle tri hull.. no tag, nothing! I tried to pull the cap and wound up building a a cradle with 2 come along winches since I had almost no help. Wound up giving up on the project wish you better luck! Keep coming with the pics!

 

[zopperman]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

PS any interest in making your own snap on cover?

 

[EStack]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

I want a cover but can not find one so may have to have someone make it.

 

[J Brown1972]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

hey I like the pics ,your boat looks close to mine, but quiet a bit different in the seating in the frount I have a johnson 50 hp it came with mine. The guys up at the marina got mine fired up. but if your wanting a cover made for that boat up here where I live there are some amish guys that could make you a really nice looking one for cheap they told me they would build me seats and recover my seats in the frount for $360.00 thats them supply'n everything The one amish guy I talked to does boats all the time.

 

[EStack]

Re: 1973 Wellstar Restoration

If you do not mind ask them about the cover. I sent Ebbtide a email wanting to know, and did not even get a response back! If I have to send the old one as a template then I will. It will be closer to the later part of the build before I do worry about the cover.

 

[EStack]

Update - July 23, 2011

Update - July 23, 2011

Well got the cap off today and moved trailer closer to my shop that way I am not working down with the snakes and wasps as they nested in the tree that the outboard is by. When I get spare money I will get wood and make a outboard stand.

 

[Hjames710]

Re: Update - July 23, 2011

Re: Update - July 23, 2011

I dibs the Sprite!!!!!!

 

[billdixie]

Similar projects!

Similar projects!

I am restoring my 1973 Ebbtide as well. My thread is 1974 Eddtide Lakemaster restoration. I misquoted the year when I created the thread. Will watch your progress as I have to replace stringers as well! Just got my engine off and am starting the cap removal. Any tips?? LOL...:redface: