1987 17' aluminum Bluefin resto

[mattevans24]

I have a 1987 Blue Fin 17 footer. Not sure of the exact model. Got it in rough shape, person before me basically removed everything and threw it out. So basically I have a bare aluminum hull on a trailer. Its been dismantled down to the (water logged) foam.

I am planning on removing the foam and rebuilding. I am going to put a center console on it and use it one weekend a year for an annual striper derby.

Anyhow, I have been trolling the forum for a few days and it looks like I need to remove the foam, make any necessary repairs to rivets, then apply gluvit. But before I put the new floor down, I need to re-foam right? Whats the best (most cost effective) way of doing this?

Also, while the floor is up, does anyone know the best placement/size for a fuel tank? Again, right now it is down to the foam, so If it gets mounted in the belly, underneath the floor, know is the time for me to address it.

Is there anything else I need to address before I drop the floor?

Thanks!

 

[mattevans24]

Re: 1987 17' aluminum Bluefin resto

Okay so somebody recommended drilling out the holes and using blind rivets. This sounds like a better option than doing some sort of cheesy patchwork. I only want to do it once. I have never worked with rivets before but I guess that's one of the reasons I took on this project, to come out of it having learned a few things...

Anyhow, does anyone know what might cause that many small holes in the hull? My concern is that it is a result of a brittle hull. I guess when I get home tonight I can take a screwdriver and jab at it in different places to test the strength. Any Ideas?

Thanks!

Here is a photo from underneath with the light shining through.