Bottom up restoration! MY FIRST BOAT

[Donnygeewebb]

So, as you all can probably gather, I am very excited to on my first boat! It has been my dream to on a fishing/wakeboarding boat. Recently, I came across a free boat locally. Although it was not in the best condition, I have high hopes for what I can do to make this thing turn heads!

A little background, I do full-blown kitchen and bathroom remodels, so taking complete garbage, and turning it into a diamond is part of my niche. However, I am new to the boat world and can use any advice I can!

About the boat:
I know little to nothing about it. There is an old registration number on the side of the boat. There are 2 MFG plaques, one on each side of the hull. Apart from that, that’s about all I know. From my research, I believe the boat to be an early 60s MFG Westfield. I could be wrong…

Attached are pics of my progress! We cut a square out of the floor and realized the foam underneath was water logged. Full send restoration.

What would your next steps be?

 

[ScottinAZ]

first step is get a large amount of trash cans and trash bags to store everything that needs to come out of the boat. Next step after that is to remove all the foam and mulch that used to be the wood inside the boat. Once you have all that done, you can assess whats left, and what materials you need to reconstruct the boat. I have done 2, its not for the faint of heart, and you will start to enjoy itching...... once you are done, you will have a cool looking older boat, that you KNOW is done right, and will last for many years to come

 

[flashback]

You'll get a lot of help here but first read some of the restoration threads and get familiar with the process..

 

[Donnygeewebb]

first step is get a large amount of trash cans and trash bags to store everything that needs to come out of the boat. Next step after that is to remove all the foam and mulch that used to be the wood inside the boat. Once you have all that done, you can assess whats left, and what materials you need to reconstruct the boat. I have done 2, its not for the faint of heart, and you will start to enjoy itching...... once you are done, you will have a cool looking older boat, that you KNOW is done right, and will last for many years to come

The itching has already started. Lol! The third to last pic shows we cut the bottom out and pulled the insulation out. Going back in with new this week/weekend! Any recommendations on where I can find the foam cheap?? I’ve found a 2 part gallon/gallon of the pour foam for $80 on marketplace

 

[Donnygeewebb]

You'll get a lot of help here but first read some of the restoration threads and get familiar with the process..

Will do! I have become pretty good at learning as I go (even with my home restorations). I’m always down to learn more!!

 

[ScottinAZ]

The itching has already started. Lol! The third to last pic shows we cut the bottom out and pulled the insulation out. Going back in with new this week/weekend! Any recommendations on where I can find the foam cheap?? I’ve found a 2 part gallon/gallon of the pour foam for $80 on marketplace

not offhand, but 80/kit doesnt sound horrible to me

 

[Donnygeewebb]

not offhand, but 80/kit doesnt sound horrible to me

Good deal! I considered the spray cans, but I feel like the 2 part is the best bet

 

[ScottinAZ]

Good deal! I considered the spray cans, but I feel like the 2 part is the best bet

first one I did (before joining here, and learning better) I used the cans. they will work, but are a pain in the ass. Pour in 2 part foam works MUCH better, and in the long run is actually cheaper. Those cans add up fast

 

[Donnygeewebb]

first one I did (before joining here, and learning better) I used the cans. they will work, but are a pain in the ass. Pour in 2 part foam works MUCH better, and in the long run is actually cheaper. Those cans add up fast

I’m familiar with the cans. We use them around our door installs. They can get pricey, and I don’t know what type of square footage I can get out of them. 2 gallons of pour in is plenty right?

 

[Donnygeewebb]

first one I did (before joining here, and learning better) I used the cans. they will work, but are a pain in the ass. Pour in 2 part foam works MUCH better, and in the long run is actually cheaper. Those cans add up fast

Also, do you have any good threads to read? Something similar to what I’m dealing with?

 

[airshot]

Welcome...you certainly jumped in with both feet....above all make sure that transom is solid when your done, you dont want to loose a motor. Jyst looking at your pics made me itch...that same fiber goes into your lungs, so be sure you have quality resporaters as well. You want to be around to enjoy it when your finnished !!!

 

[ScottinAZ]

Also, do you have any good threads to read? Something similar to what I’m dealing with?

depending on the size of the boat, 2 gallons should be enough. Yours looks on the small size, so it shouldnt be a problem. There is the FAQ thread up the top that has quite a few rebuild threads in it, along with all the info you should need. There are others here that know that area better than I, they should be along shortly

 

[Donnygeewebb]

Welcome...you certainly jumped in with both feet....above all make sure that transom is solid when your done, you dont want to loose a motor. Jyst looking at your pics made me itch...that same fiber goes into your lungs, so be sure you have quality resporaters as well. You want to be around to enjoy it when your finnished !!!

I definitely wore a respirator when cutting. I have plenty laying around from cutting into lead based paint/asbestos

 

[Donnygeewebb]

depending on the size of the boat, 2 gallons should be enough. Yours looks on the small size, so it shouldnt be a problem. There is the FAQ thread up the top that has quite a few rebuild threads in it, along with all the info you should need. There are others here that know that area better than I, they should be along shortly

It’s a 14’. How can I decipher what type of boat
It is? I’m only assuming it’s a Westfield by the pics. No idea what year it is either.

 

[Donnygeewebb]

Also, what’s wrong with the MFG link on the website?

 

[flashback]

Also, what’s wrong with the MFG link on the website?

I'm able to access it, several interesting threads to see..

 

[Lou C]

Do you have a clear registration or title to the boat? Wouldn't want to do all that work, and then not be able to register it.

 

[Donnygeewebb]

Do you have a clear registration or title to the boat? Wouldn't want to do all that work, and then not be able to register it.

Any and all serial numbers are completely gone. The only thing that I can identify is the G a tag number on the side. Would they be able to use this number to identify the boat?

 

[Donnygeewebb]

Rolling on a mixture of hydrochloric acid (toilet cleaner) and dawn dish soap (for suspension) to get rid of all of the rust and grime.

 

[Donnygeewebb]

Using a 36 grit flap disk to feather out the holes in the transom for repair.