With my holiday offsite for a while, I started pulling the Chieftain apart inside. I removed the side panels to access the fuel tanks. Holy crap they’re big. They must be 5’ long each, hopefully there’s a tag on them so I can find out the capacity. She ain’t going to be cheap to run that’s for sure.
the box that holds the icebox is rotted and when I pulled the back off the was an intact paper wasp nest the size of a melon. There was also old comb the size of a small dinner plate 3 layers thick. I’m sure as I pull things apart I’ll find more. The dividing wall into the cabin needs to be replaced, the door needs replacing and both jump seats need replacing. The seats/bed decking in the cabin is solid, the head is intact as are the vent and pump out hoses. The transom is near non existent and judging by the big jug of hydraulic oil, the trim tab pump must be leaking.
I was a little worried that the rear rub rail was off but it, the channel and corner caps were stored inside, even found the original screens for the cabin, all intact. No plans to really do anything other than remove the rotted out carpet and wood. This, along with the pile from the Holiday should give me a full load for the landfill site.
As solid as the floor feels, I’m pretty sure I’ll pull it all up if only to check the rivets that attach the stringers to the ribs. My holiday had about 25 that broke away. Anything that has been added over the years will be removed and the holes made to attach them will be filled.
Did these boats have seats in the rear? With the doghouse in place it doesn’t look like there would have been, just not enough room. I’ve scoured the net but have been able to find any good pictures of an original interior. Hopefully I’ll remember to take more pictures as I progress in the gutting.
the box that holds the icebox is rotted and when I pulled the back off the was an intact paper wasp nest the size of a melon. There was also old comb the size of a small dinner plate 3 layers thick. I’m sure as I pull things apart I’ll find more. The dividing wall into the cabin needs to be replaced, the door needs replacing and both jump seats need replacing. The seats/bed decking in the cabin is solid, the head is intact as are the vent and pump out hoses. The transom is near non existent and judging by the big jug of hydraulic oil, the trim tab pump must be leaking.
I was a little worried that the rear rub rail was off but it, the channel and corner caps were stored inside, even found the original screens for the cabin, all intact. No plans to really do anything other than remove the rotted out carpet and wood. This, along with the pile from the Holiday should give me a full load for the landfill site.
As solid as the floor feels, I’m pretty sure I’ll pull it all up if only to check the rivets that attach the stringers to the ribs. My holiday had about 25 that broke away. Anything that has been added over the years will be removed and the holes made to attach them will be filled.
Did these boats have seats in the rear? With the doghouse in place it doesn’t look like there would have been, just not enough room. I’ve scoured the net but have been able to find any good pictures of an original interior. Hopefully I’ll remember to take more pictures as I progress in the gutting.
