79 Glastron Bass Boat Project Newbie with Questions

gunlocators

Seaman
Joined
Jul 27, 2009
Messages
65
OK first off this is the 3rd boat I owned but I have never restored a boat nor really ever had to repair or put money into short of a replaced prop. Both other boats were ski style boats a old crysler in / out and a glastron trihull with walk thru windshield. I always wanted a dedicated bass boat. I have not owned a boat for 12 years sold last one before i got married and since the kids are a bit older and I gave up motorcycle riding after a nasty accident I talked my wife into letting me get another boat. I traded around for a 1979 Glastron Bass Boat HPV165 with a 1982 85HP Evinrude. I took it to the lake this week and it ran like a top. No issues at all and the previous owner just had the motor serviced. Also no noticeable hull leaks as after a full day of fun over 5 days each day pulled the plug and had little to no water drain looked where batteries and fuel compartment is and bilge pump and always was dry I could see bottom hull area so thats good.

Ok now for the bad and questions:

1 - The lower hull shines and is nice however the upper an inside the boat looks oxidized. I tried a quick wax but seemed not to help.
Any suggestion to make it shine I am ok with the brown / tan paint scheme. Should I try to sand and reshoot clear coat?

2 - The decking seems sound but in 1 place you can feel 1 spot about 12" give under weight so I figure I need to replace it needs new carpet anyhow. What plywood and any major issues i should watch for on tear out and install of new floor/decking.

3 - Seats are dry rot. So do I need to reupholster or is there a company that sells aftermarket replacement

4 - Next it has 2 live wells in the back I see tubes at top of both live wells it cutouts along the tube. I suspect its for aeration but cannot figure a way to operate them. Am I on the right track thinking this is what it is for? Alsohow should these be filled. Should something pump water into them? If so thats better than using a bucket to fill them. Also 1 side I found draind the other does not or does really slow. I pulled the plugs and one side seems like it will not drain i suspect a blocked line maybe. Any hints suggestions or knowledge on these live wells let me know it is greatly appreciated.

5 - None of the gauges seem to work except gas and it seems a 1.4 tank off because when full it reads 3/4 full. RPM , trim and MPH all is non functioning. I relied on depth finder that was on it for MPH. Any aftermarket suggestions on replacement or repair of whats there?

6 - The hull in a few spots although not leaking has some dings and gouges. Should I reglass those areas or is there a suitable patch to place and sand flush with the rest of the boat?

7 - the easiest is trailer work I already rewired and put new lights I need to replace the rollers and recarpet the boards someone used shag carpet it looks like crap so that has to go I have that part of the project figured out how I am going to restore the trailer.

I am thinking restore order strip out carpet and flooring then work on topside finish getting restored, reupolster or replace seat and recarpet then work on lower hull.

I seemed to run well. I was able to run the lake with messing with the trim and just me and the wife at 35-36 MPH if the depth finder is accurate. Also pulled kids on tube with 3 people onboard anywhere from 30-32MPH.
 

gunlocators

Seaman
Joined
Jul 27, 2009
Messages
65
Re: 79 Glastron Bass Boat Project Newbie with Questions

Sorry forgot to subscribe to own thread :)
 
Joined
Jul 12, 2009
Messages
19
Re: 79 Glastron Bass Boat Project Newbie with Questions

I just recently purchased several books about boat renovations. The first by Jim Anderson Runabout Renovation. The second by Allan H. Vaitses The Fiberglass Boat Repair Manual. The Third The 12 Volt Bible for Boats. The Forth by David R. Getchell, Sr.. Outboard Boater's Handbook. All the books are published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill Book. I think these will give you a good jumping off point. They are full of tips and tricks and very informative. Good luck.
 

gunlocators

Seaman
Joined
Jul 27, 2009
Messages
65
Re: 79 Glastron Bass Boat Project Newbie with Questions

I will check this out I am about to try to replace the decking any particular grade plywood?
 
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