First Boat Rebuild

[sgilbert14]

I took a dive and picked up an 1980's something Grumman 14' fisherman, The boat has issues which I hope I can tackle. To start with it had a small hole in the bow and 5 haul cracks near the rivets for the ribs due to the owner overpowering it and beating it up. I just got it back from the welding shop which fixed these but not I have to fixed the rivets that were removed for the welding. With these I think I have around 15 rivets to fix. Also, I am playing with the idea of removing the middle seat, building side boxes to keep the structure strength as well as adding some storage. I may add in a casting platform and a floor BUT I also need to replace the transom. I've read about the marine plywood, exterior plywood etc.. for this but I also have been thinking of going with oak plywood. It would be 2 layers of 3/4 glues and then coated but am not sure on the rivets to use other than closed end, sealant, the right wood etc... wow, I wanted a boat to make mine but big list.... ideas are great thanks

 

[jbcurt00]

Oak plywood is not a good choice. Its not made w the right glue.

Marine and ext ply are made w waterproof glue. Arauco (sp?), ACX, MDO or BCX if you dont have access to marine ply.

I used MDO for 1, and will use it again on the remaining boats I need to do transoms on.

MDO: Medium Density Overlay Not MDF~ the stuff cheap knockdown furniture is made of.

 

[Woodonglass]

Totally agree about the type of plywood to use!!!:welcome:

 

[sgilbert14]

thanks. I can order the marine plywood but I found many searches that said not to use this... I think that the MDO: Medium Density Overlay is something that I will be working with.. thanks again

 

[ondarvr]

Small aluminum boats don't like lots of stuff (weight) added to them, limit the build and make things as light as possible.

 

[sgilbert14]

Ok. Thanks for the advise.I will make some adjustments to the steering console and finish the haul work. I got the old transom pulled out and will pick up the wood and fiberglass resin to seal it up. If I get this right I need 3/4 MDO plywood, resin together but do I need to use glass mat between the sheets and over the exterior to keep it waterproofed or just the resin?

 

[sgilbert14]

So far, boat haul has been welded, I have the new 1/4" sealed rivets to replace replace what is needed, I pick up the plywood and resin on Friday and start the transom on Sat, the old transom is pulled for the template, I also removed the current console and will be modifying it so that it's placement is a bit further from the side and about 2" higher.... I have a 25hp 1990 Merc being delivered next week - a bit early but a great running engine with all the connections for $600 I could not pass up... this is going to be cool.... I will get the epoxy/sealer for the rivets on Friday with the wood.

Need to post the before pics as well.

 

[sgilbert14]

Wow, picked up my outboard yesterday, got the new transom almost ready yo go back in and notices that the rotary steering system is missing the end. The cable is there and looks great but the steel slide at the end is gone. Can you replace just this part or do you need to replace the cable itself?

 

[gm280]

Wow, picked up my outboard yesterday, got the new transom almost ready yo go back in and notices that the rotary steering system is missing the end. The cable is there and looks great but the steel slide at the end is gone. Can you replace just this part or do you need to replace the cable itself?

Now exactly sure what "end" part is missing or what type steering cable you may have. Can you post a picture or three so we an see what you are seeing and asking about. The answer is probably there is a relacment part. But until we can see what you are dealing with, that is only an idea, not fact. JMHO

 

[sgilbert14]

I have to get my pics smaller but the part that it broke is the slide that is at the motor end of the system. It broke off just past where you would attach it to the outboard. I am thinking that it may just be easier to replace the cable itself as I am finding them on eBay for around $100.

 

[gm280]

I have to get my pics smaller but the part that it broke is the slide that is at the motor end of the system. It broke off just past where you would attach it to the outboard. I am thinking that it may just be easier to replace the cable itself as I am finding them on eBay for around $100.

Probalby a good idea to replace the entire steering cable like you stated. Then you know it all is good. :thumb:

 

[sgilbert14]

thanks, My new console came in yesterday so once I have the floor in I will be able to get it installed and determine the length needed...

 

[gm280]

sgilbert14, you need to post a picture or three of your project boat. We love pictures on these forums and they can tell so much more then a few words. So post those pictures. JMHO

 

[sgilbert14]

I am keeping a log and just installed photo shop so I can reduce the size so that they would post here. As soon as I can I am going to start to post the pics of what I am doing...

 

[sgilbert14]

Question, would you do the liquid foam in under the floor in the boat? From what I am seeing it would cost me more than I paid for the boat to poor this in unless there is a better alternative/store to deal with.

 

[Watermann]

Most of us that rebuild these tin boats use the pink or blue rigid foam board insulation cut to size for flotation rather than pour in foam.

 

[sgilbert14]

that sounds better as the cost of the other is huge! So, with this suggestion I will get back to work on the new floor this weekend. I found some great camo seats, 1 with the pedestal, for $80 that I am piking up tomorrow.. and then back to the floor...

 

[redneck joe]

No need to resize the photobucket pic. Just copy thr IMG code link, paste in here, click post reply. It's almost magical....

 

[sgilbert14]

I was trying them directly so I will load them into photobucket and do just that. Some of th pics show crappy welding that was done I found and have used Muggy Weld Super Alloy 1 to fix them and have yet to take the after pics..

 

[sgilbert14]

http://s467.photobucket.com/user/sgilbert315/library/Grumman Boat Project

not sure if this will bring you to the Grumman Boat Project album or not...