Longtime reader of iboats.com. I retired from the service last year and now that I'm stable, my Dad sent me his 16' 1987 Larson Citation DC 170 with 90hp OB Mariner engine. Bottom line up front: the boat is completely rotted and most would recommend disposing and getting a water-ready boat. Here are a few factors affecting my decision to restore followed by my first of many calls for advice:
My kids are heavily involved in sports and we won't be able to dedicate much time to boating in the near future.
There is some nostalgia with the boat as I was there with my Dad to pick out lin 87, I took my girlfriend (now wife) out on the Columbia in 91, and this boat is the last item my Dad has from his past.
I have all the time in the world to restore with no pressure from the family...and the wife supports.
Here is an explanation on condition of boat: wood decking beyond rotted, some exterior damage to fiberglass but the boat still floats and does not take on water, engine runs fine but will stall after lengthy run at high idle. And everything else you'd expect: carpet trashed, gelcoat toast, all seats rotted. Trailer is 2-axel ez loader. New tires, plenty of rust. But held the boat from Lubbock TX to Dayton OH.
I'll try and post a few picks and welcome all advice. I have read many forums here over the years as I temporarily had the boat in 2010 prior to shipping off overseas until returning in 2016. I've watched plenty of youtube explaining rotted floor equals rotted stringers and bulkheads. I understand to use marine grade wood for best results and fiberglass bottom and top of everything. Otherwise I don't know much. Never rebuilt a boat before.
Okay, my apologies for blabbering. First situation and request for advice. I have not found a video or picts of a 16' 87 Larson OB rebuild. I've pulled back the carpet, removed the fuel tank and noticed today the decking and carpet continue under the helm and bow. That surprised me. I thought that would all be fiberglass but now I see the boat was built like a sandwich with the middle layer wood and carpet. I'm sure the wood under the helm and bow (using wrong terms) needs replaced. However the only way I see to do that is to cut the top of the boat off and fiberglass back in. Anyone confirm if that's true. If so may explain why many say junk the boat. If true, that is beyond my skill and I would plan to stop deck removal under the helm. Any concerns? I'll stop here. I'm open and thankful for all advice and your patients during this project.
My kids are heavily involved in sports and we won't be able to dedicate much time to boating in the near future.
There is some nostalgia with the boat as I was there with my Dad to pick out lin 87, I took my girlfriend (now wife) out on the Columbia in 91, and this boat is the last item my Dad has from his past.
I have all the time in the world to restore with no pressure from the family...and the wife supports.
Here is an explanation on condition of boat: wood decking beyond rotted, some exterior damage to fiberglass but the boat still floats and does not take on water, engine runs fine but will stall after lengthy run at high idle. And everything else you'd expect: carpet trashed, gelcoat toast, all seats rotted. Trailer is 2-axel ez loader. New tires, plenty of rust. But held the boat from Lubbock TX to Dayton OH.
I'll try and post a few picks and welcome all advice. I have read many forums here over the years as I temporarily had the boat in 2010 prior to shipping off overseas until returning in 2016. I've watched plenty of youtube explaining rotted floor equals rotted stringers and bulkheads. I understand to use marine grade wood for best results and fiberglass bottom and top of everything. Otherwise I don't know much. Never rebuilt a boat before.
Okay, my apologies for blabbering. First situation and request for advice. I have not found a video or picts of a 16' 87 Larson OB rebuild. I've pulled back the carpet, removed the fuel tank and noticed today the decking and carpet continue under the helm and bow. That surprised me. I thought that would all be fiberglass but now I see the boat was built like a sandwich with the middle layer wood and carpet. I'm sure the wood under the helm and bow (using wrong terms) needs replaced. However the only way I see to do that is to cut the top of the boat off and fiberglass back in. Anyone confirm if that's true. If so may explain why many say junk the boat. If true, that is beyond my skill and I would plan to stop deck removal under the helm. Any concerns? I'll stop here. I'm open and thankful for all advice and your patients during this project.
But oh well. As I continue to learn (starting from zero) I see the top of the boat is held on with screws hidden neatly under the rubber strip that rings the boat. Huge relief for my project. Now I see I just need to remove all the screws and pull the top off. The I can do a complete (and long-overdue overhaul of the wood).
