93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

[CaptainR]

I'll keep this as short and concise as possible. I purchased the above mentioned boat knowing it had some "soft spots" and that I would be replacing the carpet... of of which I planned on doing myself. This is my first boat and I'll admit, I don't know the... uhh.. I don't know anything about boats.

Google introduced me to this brilliant thread http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=454460&page=6 so I've taken it upon myself to follow in his foot steps.

This is basically what I started with: (Ofc at this point I had already ripped up the carpet and scraped off the glue residue and removed all the door panels)


This is where I'm at now:


Here's my first question, see how I can't get to a lot of this foam underneath? Is it going to be a problem if I just leave it there? In addition to not being able to get the foam, there are rotted stringers (I think that's what they're called?) that I'm also not going to be able to get to... what's the solution here?



My uneducated opinion says throw up some new wood, refoam and call it a day, as I just don't see any possible way to get to that other stuff. I'll show you another angle so you can see why I literally can't get to it.



I'm not even sure how the drainage is supposed to work, but when I look in the back of the boat around the gas tank, there's just this huge open area where water apparently just sloshes around in there at will, which means every piece of wood in this boat is probably rotted out. The fiberglass mold that makes up the various shape of the boat isn't going to rot, so is that wood underneath even supporting anything? Can I just let it rot out? Gutting the back of the boat doesn't really look possible; and the fiberglass body you can see in the bottom picture is very firm. Everything built underneath appears to support the water canal (or gas tank, etc), but nothing structural.



Again, I don't think the wood below supports anything, though I could take a really close look at it. I'm more than willing to do whatever it takes to get this done right, so you tell me what you think.

Also should I put carpet back in? Don't they make some kind of roll-out rubber of sorts I could use instead? Yes, i'm starting this project in May, go me.

 

[bartborchardt]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

If you want to do it right then the last thing you need to worry about right now is carpet. The first thing you need to do is get that cap off and start tearing everything out. I hope you didn't think this would only take a couple of weeks? You are in for a long ride. This forum is a great learning tool. Use the "Search" feature and you will find almost all the answers to to your questions.

Bartman

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Welcome to the Dry Dock,

Bart told you right, you'll have to remove the top cap to repair this one correctly (or to repair it all, really). As you can see your stringers are gone, and you can rest assured your transom is in the same shape. The stringer system is a structual part of the boat as is the deck (floor)

You said you have never messed with boat before, so I can tell you that you are in this one rather deep and unless your really comfortabale with your learning and repairing skills, you may want to reconsider this project. Now personally I love the Astro's, they are good boats....this one is just in need of a complete rebuild. If you decide to move forward there is plenty of experience here to guide you along the way.

No one here will recommend a patch (which is what you're condsidering) because your boat isn't safe the way it is and no one here wants to see anyone get hurt.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

CW

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Welcome CaptainR,

You are definitely in the right place if you want to do this boat up the right way...

CW and Bart are 100% correct...their advice is Golden!

I am currently in the same boat as you...last year, I bought my first boat ever, also a bass boat, and started a complete restoration of it about 7-8 months ago...with the great help from all of the knowledgeable guys here, I am well on my way to having a better than new bass boat, that should easily out live me...

This is not an easy or cheap undertaking, but the rewards are as they say in the commercial..."Priceless"

If you decide to tackle this project, we'll be here to help you out with great info, advice, suggestions, and a little harrassment along the way, just for fun...

As a good starting point, you should read through this link, and pay special attention to #'s 11 and 15...those two guys have been there and done that... http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288451

Also look to the signatures of the guys who post on your thread, most of them have links to their restorations and are an invaluable source of information and inspiration...

Best of luck,
GT1M

 

[CaptainR]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

So no fishing this summer? Can I cry?

You see, I am generally a man of great calculation and thought; but my burning desire for a boat overtook me a few weeks ago, as you can see, and not only did I purchase this boat, I also bough a Jeep Cherokee to tow it with. And now they will sit. Tissues are in order.

Ok, assuming--and I almost assuredly will--I do it the right way, what is my next step? Take the "cap" off? Isn't that going to require a crane system? And my transom is bad!?! :facepalm:

I was in construction for two years, so I very familiar with constructing things, but I've never undertook something like this, (And I have... no tools, though I do have a generous brother and father) though I am determined to try. How badly can I screw something like this up? It can't be *that* hard... maybe?

FWIW, I had my local boat shop look over the engine and declare it sound. It had the original power pack on it, which means that engine didn't get a lot of use... which means I should be good to go for a long time. I think.

My goal:

-Re-build everything that needs to be rebuilt.
-Re-[paint?] everything that looks sun-burnt.
-Re-carpet (or use some other type of material) the whole thing.
-Fish. Lots and lots of fishing.

Can anyone give me a real rough guideline as to what needs to be done so I can mentally prepare? And maybe throw in a timeline / cost of repair?

At your convenience. Thanks!

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Hey there Cap'n R,

It is a bit of a drawn out description and my lunch hour doesn't give me enough time to give you a good detailed description of what's involved...

It can all be done by one single solitary person and the tools you will need can be borrowed from good friends or family members, or you can purchase "cheap, not necessarily gonna last forever tools" from places like Harbor Frieght...

Your first mission is to document everything you can posibly imagine about the boat in pictures and notes...do not rely on memory...

Take lots of measurements...

The next thing is to start removing everything that is screwed, glued, bolted, or fastened to the hull...including the rub rail...under the rubber part of the rubrail, you will find a ton of screws or rivets...remove them all...again, everything you take off... bag, tag, photograph, and note...

Once you get to the point of being ready to remove the cap...we'll cover that...

I can tell you that if you want a fairly decent look at what is involved...here are some links to some relevant pictures of my restoration...



http://s1182.photobucket.com/albums/x447/GT1000000/Bassassin Restoration/ Page 6, is a good place to get an idea of how I took my cap off...none of the pictures are in any kind of order, but if you spend a little time looking through them, you will start to get a good idea of all that's involved...the same applies to the other two links, below, no particular order, but they will show what I have been doing to mine...


http://s1182.photobucket.com/albums/x447/GT1000000/Bassassin Reconstruction/


http://s1182.photobucket.com/albums/x447/GT1000000/Techniques-Tips- Ideas/

Hope this helps, and whatever questions you have, fire away and we'll get you some answers...

Have Fun!

 

[CaptainR]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Good Lord! What did I get myself into! My boat is slightly smaller than yours, but this looks like a *huge* undertaking!

First off, @GT1000000, thanks for responding. If I knew this is something I could actually pull off, it looks fun and frankly I need something to focus on right now, so it's a win-win. I just wonder if I'll actually be able to pull it off. I checked all those pictures/links you sent me and my mind is officially blown. How I would replicate any of that is beyond me!

As for taking the top off (I think that's really my next step and should give me a pretty good idea if I can complete this task, no?) I don't see how its fastened to the hull (or underside). I've attached a picture as to where I think the two separate; and I can only conclude that somewhere under that rubbing/rope is the key to separating the two. Am I missing something? Is this officially my next step? Ofc this will be a big next step as I'll need to fabricate a hanger as you did.

Any idea what your project cost you? I've spent just under 2k on the boat (including the purchase of the boat its self) so far.

 

[CaptainR]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Just kidding, here it is.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Howdy Cap'n R,

Sorry to have blown your mind, believe me when I tell you, that I am still picking up the pieces of mine after I found what I was in for...

It has so far been a fascinating, rewarding, frustrating, exciting, freaky, and fun learning experience for me, and I would not have traded it for the world...call me crazy, but not late for dinner...

I am glad you took a look at my pics, because they do give you a sense of what's ahead...

It only seems insurmountable if you try to take it all in at once, but it is very do-able if you just take little bites and do a little bit every chance you get...perseverance and reading and learning will get you through this...

I am still not really half way done, yet I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that can not be put into words...

You are correct in your assumption that your next step is to remove the rope that is inserted in the rub rail...

Behind that you will find either screws or rivets, those are what are holding the two halves MOSTLY together...

The other part of the equation is that foam you see in there, tends to act like a glue in places and you will have to get creative on how to separate it from the top cap...

You have several options for that procedure and they are quite low tech...a regular hand saw, a crow bar, a shovel, or even if available a sawzall...

The other part that might be a bit difficult is when it comes time to separate the transom skins where they come together at the splashwell...

I know a lot of the terms I am using may not be totally clear or familiar, but if you do your home work and search through the Forum and the Internet, within a week, you'll have most of the "Boat Jargon" down pat...

Keep on asking questions and taking pictures and posting and between me and a bunch of really helpful and knowledgeable guys, we'll walk you through this every step of the way...

Have Fun!

PS- as far as cost, it will definitely end up being way less than going out and buying a brand new boat and being married to monthly payments, but I have a unique situation which will let me do it cheaper than most anyone else possibly could, so my numbers are not a fair estimate...

I first bought the boat for a total in the water cost of about 2G, I got to use it for about 3-4 months, then when the motor blew, I decided to do the complete resto while my engine is getting rebuilt...

When I am done, I will post an approximate total cost in materials, but like I said...it will probably be about half what most guys will end up spending...

 

[CaptainR]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

After some thought I've decided to dive in head first. I've drawn up plans for a "hanger/pulley" system and have a material list. I'll do that Saturday, along with taking the motor off and starting to take the cap off the boat--I found the screws behind that rubber belt and it seems like I can fudge my way around that. Are there any tips to taking the motor off? That also seems pretty straight forward.

I do have a question, though. I will obviously not be using the boat for many months; do I need to do anything to the motor so it can sit around for a few months? Or will it sit as-is comfortably?

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

I am no expert when it comes to motors...boat motors anyway...your best bet is to post this question in the appropriate engine manufacturer forum...ie..if its a merc, in the merc section...if its an evinrude, evinrude section...

To pull the motor off I used this...

Made it out of 2x4's and a 2x6 crossbrace at the top...used the jack wheel on the trailer to sort of raise and lower the back end[transom]... to get the motor off...I only removed the powerhead, since it had to be rebuilt...but a slightly modified "Mckey Mouse" engine hoist/lift can be made using the same principle...

The steering and shift cables along with the electrical harness will need to come off also...that's also a good question in the engine forum of your particular make/model...

 

[CaptainR]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

I appreciate your responses. I figured I would color code all the wires and then pull them off--it probably wouldn't hurt to get expert advise though . I should show you my extravagant hanger/pulley system; I designed it in such a way that I could throw a 16'x40' tarp over the top, as I saw you used a big tarp quite extensively on your project... trying to be proactive.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

What is your location ? Are you a lake boat or Blue water ?

Im trying to think of a way to put this fish slayer on the water quickly before you Gut it..

Im thinking that your not some hardcore bass tracker that needs to get up at 5am and slam your stick down to get to that 'hot spot' before someone else ..

Take a Close look at your Bottom and Transom to see if you have any stress cracks going on there. Tell us Everything that you find..do NOT hold back or recommendations could be faulty..

The only reason I might even consider getting something going for you for this season is that you have Woving Roving..not some Chopped mat holding your stringers/bulkies in.

YD.

 

[CaptainR]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Howdy,

I'm in north central Florida. By 'lake' or 'blue water' are you referring to salt or fresh water? I know the boat has been in salt water a few times, but It was primarily used in fresh. Heck it primarily sat uncovered for years. Grr. (Who even does that!)

I just walked out and inspected it specifically for stress marks and could see none. When I purchased the boat I took it out for a drive with the previous owner; it seemed pretty solid except during high RPM's the motor sputtered. The owner explained that was from bad gas. There was also an annoying beep going off, but, according to him that was also from bad gas/oil, etc. The engine passed inspection from a reputable Mercury shop here in town, so I felt safe making the purchase.

I would love to spend this season on the waters, but I would have to put down a make-shift floor and possibly some make shift stringers... and stay away from all of those lid-less openings (I haven't scraped the old carpet off those yet).

Its ok, I've accepted this project as-is and I'm OK being out of commission till next season if that allows me to do the job completely and accurately.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Howdy,

I'm in north central Florida. By 'lake' or 'blue water' are you referring to salt or fresh water?

Its ok, I've accepted this project as-is and I'm OK being out of commission till next season if that allows me to do the job completely and accurately.

Yup..lake is fresh and Blue is salt ..

If your OK with being out of commission then its good for me .

Rub rail off..cap off..mark everything. Motor is last to go and measure well. Take notes as described above. Pics too to help you out. Document Everything because this is going to be a big tear out job.

The summer heat will help you greatly in your curing.

Post as much as you like..we will be here.

YD.

 

[CaptainR]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Well then, I now have the structure in place to lift the cap and motor. I've got some nice little pulleys on the other side of those 'beams' to make lifting easier (rated up to 450lbs). So yeah. Now I try and remove the cap.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Very nice structure...you have been busy...best thing about it, is you can add some extra bracing/support and add a tarp for a roof to keep some of the liquid sunshine we so often get, off of it...

 

[CaptainR]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

Very nice structure...you have been busy...best thing about it, is you can add some extra bracing/support and add a tarp for a roof to keep some of the liquid sunshine we so often get, off of it...

Bingo! I noticed you used a tarp pretty extensively, so I designed this with that in mind!

Any specific tips/tricks to lifting this cap? I think the way the motor is mounted it will have to come first (I'll figure that out for sure today), but other than that (and the remaining foam) is lifting it up as straight forward as it seems? Should I try and brace it on both ends as well as the middle? I noticed you seemed to get by with just lifting from both ends... did it seem secure/safe the way you did it?

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 93 Astro Bass Boat restoration / repair

The motor definitely has to come off first...along with anything you can possibly remove before trying to lift the cap...

Every boat is a bit different and you have to proceed slowly and carefully as you begin the separation...

The following is just a rough guideline on some of the things to look out for...

Pay special attention to the wiring...label and photograph everything...some of it may snake through the cap and the hull...you may have to release or remove a good portion of it, if not all of it before trying to separate...you may have to cut some of them, just label the two ends for future reference...

The other thing you have try and remove/release are the drain/fill hoses to the livewells, etc...I ended up cutting some of mine because it was impossible to reach the clamps holding them...I planned to replace most of them any way...

I forgot if you got the rubrail completely off, you must do this also...

Start slowly around the edges when you are ready to begin separating, use flat blade screwdrivers, pry bar, spatulas, etc...whatever it takes, until you begin to get separation, use wooden wedges to hold the parts as they begin to separate...the worst part will probably be at the transom...the inner and outer skins may be glued/resined together and be very stubborn to separate...the decking may also be glued/resined, and you'll have to dig around between there to separate...

Lifting the cap can be done by the ends like I did mine, But MAKE SURE it isn't flexing in the middle, which could cause it to snap in half...if it seems to be middle heavy, just add an extra support in the center and help to lift from there, too...

Like I said, this is just an overview...take yoour time and go easy...before you know it you'll have a two piece boat...

If you run into any major problems, holler at me...I usually check in 2-3 times a day...