73 Sea Ray restoration

[GSPLures]

Well another week passed and no progress on the boat but major milestones on the garage. The dumpster finally arrived after being a couple days late. So I have been busy throwing everything out. I ended up building a 6ft tall by 8 ft long shelving unit. Then a floating shelf going around the top of the garage and a new work bench. I have a few more tools to go through and it will be all done. Then I can work on the boat in comfort.

I cannot believe the price of wood these days, not sure if it is just Michigan but studs that were $2 last year are $6 now! Almost seems like I should of built everything out of metal and welded it for the amount I paid for wood.

 

[todhunter]

I was paying $6/stud in October last year, but it came down to $4/stud a few months ago...not sure where it is at now. I'm in TN.

 

[GSPLures]

The garage rehab is finally complete, I got the motor on my stand so I can start going through the wiring and clean it up.

The plans for after I get off work Saturday is to start the deck and replace the bunks on my trailer. I wanted to lift the boat off of the trailer but I am leaning towards using a 2x6 and a floor jack under the stringer to tilt the boat enough to do the bunk swap, still debating which one will be easier

 

[GSPLures]

Hope you all are doing well. Here is an update.

I have been busy lately bought a new tow vehicle 2014 Ford F150 4x4 8100lb towing capacity so now I can pull just anything I will ever own! I also have been in the middle of a home refinance and working 60 hours a week. I did not get the bunks on the trailer done yet. I need to pick up some blocking to properly lift the boat. It did not feel safe the way I attempted and I am pretty fond of my arms and hands. I have been doing the motor work which I added the link to my signature if you would like to check it out. As soon as I get the motor back to a good stopping point hopefully today, I plan on starting the deck during the week.( yup I have said that before I feel like a broken record.)

My plans for the deck are to measure, cut, and fit. Then put a layer of 1.5oz CSM on the back then fit back in the boat. Fillet and tab then drill my pour holes for the foam and the wait for good weather

 

[GSPLures]

Well still no deck (stupid more important responsibilities). I have the motor at a good stopping point and the bunks cut and fitted still need to be carpeted. I decided since the boat was already on blocks and the bunks were out of the way I would tackle the outside of the hull split. I prepped it and got some filler (PB) in it and a few other areas where it appeared the boat ran over something. When I get off of work today I am going to sand it down then apply some fairing once that drys I am going to set the boat back on the bunks and possibly start the deck lol.

 

[kcassells]

Well still no deck (stupid more important responsibilities). I have the motor at a good stopping point and the bunks cut and fitted still need to be carpeted. I decided since the boat was already on blocks and the bunks were out of the way I would tackle the outside of the hull split. I prepped it and got some filler (PB) in it and a few other areas where it appeared the boat ran over something. When I get off of work today I am going to sand it down then apply some fairing once that drys I am going to set the boat back on the bunks and possibly start the deck lol.

lets get some pics GS.

 

[GSPLures]

lets get some pics GS.

I have some before and after of the motor still have to put on a few of the parts but those can wait for now. I have to take some of the bunks and hull when I get home.

 

[KJM]

That motor sure cleaned up nice! Looks real good.

 

[kcassells]

I have some before and after of the motor still have to put on a few of the parts but those can wait for now. I have to take some of the bunks and hull when I get home.

Nice work! It sure does look nice.
Yes I'm still wrapped up putting in a fence for the dogs in the back yard then back to the boat.

 

[GSPLures]

Made some progress this week. I sanded down the area of the hull that I patched, it still needs some fairing but at least it is no longer a crack! The pictures didn't come out great due to the light. I ended up setting the boat back down on the trailer and working on the deck, because I have to go get some more fiberglass supplies before I can finish the hull.

I ended up getting the front piece of the deck just before the rise under the bow and the back piece which I still need to router the area for the bilge. Unfortunately it started to rain so I could not work on the middle piece.

My plan for that is to cut it to fit in between(obviously lol) then mark my area for the ski locker and plunge cut.

Once I have everything in place I will be setting the deck in a bed a PB on the stringers and then screwing the deck down.
Is there a standard on how many screws per ft? Or is it basically for clamping pressure until the resin is cured?

 

[todhunter]

I did a screw every 6"...probably could have gotten away with less.

 

[kcassells]

Made some progress this week. I sanded down the area of the hull that I patched, it still needs some fairing but at least it is no longer a crack! The pictures didn't come out great due to the light. I ended up setting the boat back down on the trailer and working on the deck, because I have to go get some more fiberglass supplies before I can finish the hull.

I ended up getting the front piece of the deck just before the rise under the bow and the back piece which I still need to router the area for the bilge. Unfortunately it started to rain so I could not work on the middle piece.

My plan for that is to cut it to fit in between(obviously lol) then mark my area for the ski locker and plunge cut.

Once I have everything in place I will be setting the deck in a bed a PB on the stringers and then screwing the deck down.
Is there a standard on how many screws per ft? Or is it basically for clamping pressure until the resin is cured?

16" max..12" fine any smaller is fine too!

 

[GSPLures]

I did a little bit more work on the deck. I still need to cut the piece for under the bow. I tacked in the riser so I can get my measurements. My plan since that area floated above the stringers and was filled with foam is

-Cut and fit last piece of deck.
-Remove, assemble, and completely fiberglass the under bow area.
-Refit and tab to hull.
Then for the rest of the deck (after routing out bilge and ski locker.)
-Remove pieces and smooth and round edges.
-one coat of resin on backside. Once cured a layer of 1.5ozCSM.
-Coat of resin on the top side. Once cured tab to hull.
After that I will drill out my pour and vent holes for the foam and impatiently wait for proper weather for pouring foam.

 

[GSPLures]

How are you all doing? I would like your opinions for my fuel tank.

Originally it was placed under the bow going from port to starboard. Which pretty much took away any potential storage under the bow.

My idea is to spin it to go from bow to stern. Luckily it fits either way, and will open a lot of storage potential.

Since the original design was to go from port to starboard the weight would be balanced side to side. Spinning the tank and centering it under the bow would keep the weight centered.

Would there be any disadvantage to doing this?
My thoughts were the weight is in the same place and with a less then full tank the sloshing of fuel would remain centered during turns instead of shifting weight to only the one side.

It is a 30 gallon tank so the weight full is approximately 190lbs.

 

[GSPLures]

I have the bilge and ski locker cut out and those pieces ready for fiberglass.

My plans for tomorrow are to finish prepping the rest of the deck getting ready for fiberglass.

I had to order my supplies from us composites due to my local place raising prices to beyond reasonable. Even with hazmat fees and shipping to Michigan it was about $200 cheaper. They should be here before next weekend. So after prepping the deck i plan on finishing the electrical for my motor and starting the rewire of the boat.

 

[GSPLures]

My order from US Composites arrived today. Only good things to say about them. Good prices and quick delivery. Only wish I lived a little closer to keep shipping costs down.

Unfortunately Michigan weather does not want to cooperate with the restoration. It snowed the last 2 days and will not be above 60 until Sunday. I may dig my garage heater back out and get started glassing the deck Saturday after work. All depending on how I feel since I have to be up at 3am to get there on time.

 

[GSPLures]

Got around to getting the underside of the first piece of deck glassed. US Composites resin is night and day compared to what I got locally. It wet out so much nicer, I wonder if I was getting old stock from the place by me. Wish I would of used it from the beginning. I am hoping to have the entire underside glassed by this weekend so I can get the deck glassed in this weekend.

 

[GSPLures]

Its been a while since I updated. I am behind where I would like to be. Unfortunately my mom passed so I didn't get a whole lot of work done.

I finished getting the deck screwed and glued (well PBed) today. Other than that I went fishing on my other boat a couple of times and crushed some bass!

I am taking the family out on the other boat tomorrow morning, then after that if I still have energy plan on laying my fillets and tabbing.

 

[kcassells]

Its been a while since I updated. I am behind where I would like to be. Unfortunately my mom passed so I didn't get a whole lot of work done.

I finished getting the deck screwed and glued (well PBed) today. Other than that I went fishing on my other boat a couple of times and crushed some bass!

I am taking the family out on the other boat tomorrow morning, then after that if I still have energy plan on laying my fillets and tabbing.

Sorry to hear the bad news GS! Very Sorry. Just do what you can, the boats always there, enjoy the family. Looking good.

 

[GSPLures]

Had a great day yesterday on the boat with the family. My 4 year old caught his first small mouth with just a little help. My wife and older son caught a few and of course I did great (over 20 fish in 3 trips just had to brag sorry)

I got a lot of the deck tabbing done I have to get the last little bit done under the bow, which I plan on hopefully tomorrow before my nephews birthday party.

I added the extra picture of my 4 year old sitting on the deck of course making boat noises in a lawn chair with me.