64 Crestliner deck restoration

[rich84095jackson@yahoo.com]

I have an old fiberglass Crestliner Del Rio with a rotten deck (the stringers are fiberglassed in and appear to be in good shape). I am starting to get serious about restoring it, but I have never done this type of work before, and I think I might be up in the night with what I want to do.

My goal is to install a, ski box (the original deck does not have one), a built in spot for a cooler and if at all possible a live (or not live) tank for fish (if I can build a spot for a cooler, I might just do that).


The boat is my girlfriends late grandpa's, and is in decent shape for how old it is, but at the front of the boat (where it would make contact with the beach), I can see light glowing through the fiberglass. I don't think the hull is compromised, but rather that it just needs a fresh coat of paint (I'll post pictures when I get a chance).


so I guess what I am asking here, is; what do I need to know about executing my plan for the deck (is it even possible) and is it better to be safe and reinforce the fiberglass, or should I just plan to sand it and paint it?

 

[rich84095jackson@yahoo.com]

[No message]

 

[rich84095jackson@yahoo.com]

[No message]

 

[rich84095jackson@yahoo.com]

These are the only pictures I could find at the moment, but I'll have to unwrap it, take one of the hull where I'm concerned about it

 

[Jeff Fro]

Cool beans. Looking forward to watching this.

Just a suggestion. When taking pics, try to keep the bright lights behind you. It makes it easier to see what you are wanting to show us.

 

[rich84095jackson@yahoo.com]

I definitely need to get some better shots of it. . my girlfriend took those pictures when we first got it to show me that she cleaned it out. we've moved twice since those pictures were taken, so I will need to get in it, and clean it out again. I am going to try and do that this week.

The outboard motor is supposed to be in running order, though, it hasn't been started in over 20 years... so, to get it on the water (not prettied up) I figure I am in at least $600 if I do it all myself (price is a big factor for me, so I will try and, not only document the process somehow, I will also try and provide material and cost breakdowns).

check list:
ensure hull is not compromised (if it is, it looks like the fiberglass work is pretty straight forward)
cut plywood for deck (fiberglass, and or gel coat)
carpet/decking (I really want to put astro turf in for carpet (not sure if that is a horrible idea or not))
reconnect wiring
de-winterize the motor
put it back together

I am a total novice, so I am hoping this forum and others like it will help me avoid making too many dumb mistakes. please, any advice is welcome and appreciated.

 

[chevymaher]

Making a skii locker and cooler is a piece of cake. Since your gutting it anyway As for light coming through the glass. I wouldn't sweat that to much. When the tarp is over mine and the sun hits it I see light to. Just look at the beaching spot and decide if it is just the gel coat or did they grind away the glass.

Once it is gutted it is just a thing to toss a few layers of 1708 on the inside there. Do any cosmetic work out side with peanut butter if it isnt bad. Or again put a few layers on it there to.

Pics will help in the collectives decision making process on that area. Ol woody will know right what to do.

 

[Bondo]

My goal is to install a, ski box (the original deck does not have one), a built in spot for a cooler and if at all possible a live (or not live) tank for fish (if I can build a spot for a cooler, I might just do that).

Ayuh,..... Just My guess, but,.....

I really doubt yer gonna find all the space ya think ya got, under the deck,....
Especially if ya leave some of the flotation foam in it,....