My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Ok, here are additional photos of the bottom with damage. There are 2 different areas with scratches. One is pretty long maybe about 3 feet in length but I took the photo of the deepest part. The other scratch is pretty much what you see within the photo. There are a few things on the sides that look like they tied a quick patch job before and I will likely sand down and redo once I am used to working with PB, they are more cosmetic than anything right now.

Photo 1 here is the crushed look. It seems pretty bad at first but on further look, only the one end goes into the glass under the gel coat.

Photo 2 is the longer scratch I spoke of above. Maybe 3 feet long but this is the worst of it.

Photo 3 is the smaller scratch but I did notice after flipping the boat that it has a crack through it too.

Photo 4 is my early work. Forgot the design of the hulls when I first started cutting the floor out. OOPS.

Photo 5 is a perfect drilled spot that is under the captains area. I am wondering if this could have been a hole used for a fish finder or some other type of fishing device. Any thoughts???? I would like to put a fish finder back on the boat, but I will have to buy one. It did not come with one. I am not sure how they hook up yet or what goes in the water or any of that. I really have not looked that far ahead. If I can use the hole great, if not I will just fill it in. What do you think?

Also on the outside of the transom I see a very worn item that I believe was an old Pitot assembly. Does that have to do with a speedometer guage? I am wondering if I should plan on plugging that hole too while I am at it.

Can't wait to hear what you all think, and what my next course of action is for some of these areas. I can not tell you how pumped I am to get busy on this now that the boat is upside down! Thanks guys again for your time.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Well, I just beat out the storms but I got some grinding done on the boat. Here are photos of the areas. Most of it was gel coat only, leaving just a few areas I would like some feedback on. The first photo is of the back of the hull near drain plug. Do you think I should grind away more to get rid of the whiter looking area? I was afraid to go too far at first. Then my thought on fixing this area was to clean with acetone, apply epoxy followed by 10 oz and roll good to get out all the bubbles. When that is dry I will sand any areas of bubbles or high points, acetone again then apply epoxy followed by 1700 mat and roll again. I would repeat these steps as needed allowing for dry time, sanding and acetone cleaning between layers. Sound OKAY?

The second photo is of the long scratch looking toward the stern. Not too big if deal there, need some filling but not too much. The third photo is of the area that looked crushed in. I had to take off a few layers of glass on this one. I was reading up on epoxy fiberglass repairs and read to use PB in the deeper areas to fill it in and make it slightly above the level I want to sand it down to. Of course cleaning with acetone before adding any new bonding agent.

The last 2 photos are of the motor bolt holes. Initially they appeared to have cracks around them which were present from inside and out. Let me know what you think about this repair but I was thinking going with the same method described above over the entire area, then re-drilling the holes. I don't need the depth filled here near as much as I need the strength reinforced. Good?

Just thought about something - gel coat does not bond to epoxy, but does epoxy bond to gel coat? Do I need to remove the entire gel coat surface to use epoxy or just around the areas that I am working in as I already have?

In the area with the deeper areas needing filled I will clean with acetone, mix PB and apply some to help reinforce and build it up a bit. After that dries I will acetone, apply epoxy and then apply 10 oz and let dry. After sanding and cleaning again with acetone I will apply epoxy and 1700 and roll out. Once dry I will sand smooth and work on getting the overall smoothness of the entire surface. I can see in the photo where I need to go grind a larger area to work in around many of these areas. I don't want to take the chance of epoxy not bonding to gel coat so I will grind the gel coat back so I am on applying epoxy to the fiberglass.

Since I did a light surface sanding with (150 grit) this am, do I need to follow that up with a 300 grit before painting the primer?

Is there anything else I am missing or you can think of? Just want to make sure I am not missing any steps here. Seems like this part went much easier than expected so far.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

I went back out yesterday between rain storms and made some of the areas a little bigger. I am planning on taping around the area I will be working in for each area, then mixing the fairing PB I read about in one of Wood's posts and applying it. Just wondering if I still need to lay any cloth over it or not?

Biggest areas of concern are the 2 motor bolt holes - not 100% sure fairing PB is enough. Had planned on putting PB around them a good distance out say 4x4 area around them and then doing a layer of 10 oz followed by 1700. Then once that dries going back and sanding again and see how smooth it is then decide from there. Once done I can just redrill the holes.

Any suggestions are welcome. Would love to know if I am headed down the right road or not. Thanks

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

I'd wait on the transom holes for now. Cardboard and wax paper patches taped over them. When you install the transom the PB will ooze out and fill them somewhat. Once the Transom's in and she's flipped back upright you can finish fairing them. The res of the hull looks good. I did not see anything that required additional glass. If you did have to somewhat "Dish Out" an area then a couple of layers of CSM patches might be warranted. Up to you. The Fairing Formula with Cabosil and Glass Bubbles will take care of any other slight imperfections. The longboard sanding with 150 is as far as you need to go 300 is not required, yet. Your first coat of primer should be light because it will show all the places you might have missed fairing. If so just sand, Acetone and apply more fairing and sand fair again. But... Remember, it's the bottom of the hull and only YOU will know about those imperfections once she's in the water. No one else will care. But... I was so anal I fixed em all. My first time out I put dings and scratches in her so now, I realized all the extra time and effort was kinda silly. Up to you how far you want to go.
You did GOOD on the flip. I like the Pulley. Good Thinking!!!!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

I should have posted that reply msg here. That way, those that come after us will have more of the resto story. Instead of some of it in PM's..... Can make it hard to follow when some details are left out of the thread. Esp if 1 rookie (me) may have given you incomplete or incorrect advice someone can chime in or offer other suggestions/ways of reaching the goal.....

Have a great day....
John

Here's my PM'd reply:
I can't look thru the pix right now, maybe in an hour. I suspect you'll probably need to use both CSM & 1708 to cover holes, depending on size/damage, then use PB to fair them into the rest of the hull. You can make hairy PB for bady damaged areas, creamy PB for less severe filling, and fairing PB which is very loose & easiy to spread thinly during the fairing & sanding process.

Use duct tape to tape a piece of cardboard covered in wax paper & cover the inside of the hole in the hull. Prevents drips, but more importantly it reduces sag of the wetted glass into/thru the hole.

You'll need to grind back some from the hole & taper/feather the edges so after the 1st CSM layer goes on (just enough to cover the hole & let the resin & glass 'grab' the existing glass), you can use a slightly larger piece for layer 2. Keep making them bigger until you just fill the defect. Then you can fill that last little bit, sand & then fair. Masking off the area w/ painters tape will let you build the repair to 'slightly' higher then the surrounding hull (thickness of the tape, so very slightly). And will hopefully get you closer to a finished surface after you sand it down & may not have as much filling to do on the repair site before you can start fairing.

Gotta run, but I hope that gets you started....

I CC'd WOG on my reply...


I think WOG stopped by already....... Thanks WOG!

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH! Well I am off to take care of all except the hole areas. Feels great to be getting to this stage and thinking about the next. I am super excited. I could not have done any of this without you guys. THANKS!

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

I am so bummed out. They are calling for rain every day through next Sat. URGH! Yesterday I was out sanding my first coat of filler on the hull when it started to pour down rain. OH well, maybe I will get some house work done. Rain, rain go away!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

I am so bummed out. They are calling for rain every day through next Sat. URGH! Yesterday I was out sanding my first coat of filler on the hull when it started to pour down rain. OH well, maybe I will get some house work done. Rain, rain go away!

The good news is that if you used WOG's PB filler & it kicked enough to sand, you got no problem w/ the filler in the rain. You'd be taking the filler off if it had been bondo:facepalm: if it got wet before getting covered w/ paint....

And mother nature just gave you a nice rinse cycle to get rid of that pesky sanding dust.... Still needs a wash & rinse before acetone but, it should be kinda sorta dust-free when you get back on filling & sanding.

Fighting the winter cold temps, my own junk & some work shenanigans, I often only found a very short window to work on grinding on the FireFlite. On more then 1 occasion, I didn't do a very good debris & dust cleanup or much tool & work area housekeeping after grinding. I HATED it every dang time I went back to do another hour or so the next time. What a mess:redface: So there, that's my story

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Hey send some of that Rain up to OKIELAND, We got a drought going on!!!!

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Wood, perhaps when I leave to go to Ohio I could request it head that way. It is sure NOT needed here.

Just wanted to let you all know that it might be a while before I get back at the boat. My grandmother has been in the hospital since July 1st and at 87 yrs old I think she is telling me she is ready to go home to heaven. When she first went in I told her I would be there when it was time to re-acclimate her to the apartment and being independent. Aside from my partner, my Grandma is and has been the most important person in my life. She has had many, many medical issues that would have taken any normal person's life over the years. She is so strong that she always made a miraculous comeback. Still there is always one event that leads us to the end of our time on this earth and I believe I have heard her tell me this was hers. See I am not real good at taking hints so despite talking to her on the phone several times each day, I have been praying for God to let me know so I could be there before the end and share her company while making a few last memories with her. Well after talking with her today and her calmness while telling me she signed her DNR (do not resuscitate orders) and remembering her telling me how tired she is it dawned on me! Why else would there be rain for nearly the rest of the month in the forecast? My goal was to finish the boat and free up the money I am paying for storage so the cap and motors are not damaged or stolen. Well, seems God is sending me a message. Grandma kept telling me today she would wait for me to come up and see her and take her home. She does not want to go to the nursing home, and I am not about to allow that either.

God, I finally got the message. Now please send the rain to other areas (like Oklahoma) where they need it to help repay Woodonglass for all he has helped me!

I will be back on here in the future looking to finish this project. Thanks again for all your knowledge as it has helped me pass past few weeks while worrying about my Grandma. Working on the boat has helped me keep my sanity and kept me from crying every waking moment. You guys are the greatest.

aj.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Good thoughts your, your grandmother & your family's way while she finishes her journey in this life.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

GOD Bless you and yours!!!! You are doing the right thing. Boat will wait. Take care of Grandma.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Thank you Jb and Wood. You two mean a lot to me. I have ready many of both of your posts and feel like I know you so much better. You guys are great. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Grandma has peaked up and is eating food. Not sure what will come from all this and we are just going day to day. Hope your families admire you both as much as I do, and love you like I love my Grandma. Thanks again.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Grandma fishing. Hope to get to do this again.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Now THAT'S a picture/memory worth having. Give Granny a hug from ALL the iBoats Crew!!!!!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Thanks for the compliment, you are very welcome, always happy to try & help & great pix. I kept the pix from my grandmother's fridge, that she took of me w/ that exact same expression of surprise. I, however, was not wearing the same pink & purple outfit

And by all means give her our best regards & good long hug.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Thanks again Wood and Jb. The little girl is my niece who is now 24 years old. I guess we should have known then that she would be so full of expression. LOL. She is a delight. I also have good news with Grandma as it seems she has got some fight left in her. She has pulled herself together and was transferred finally to a nursing home on Monday. I will go there on Friday and she will be released to home on Tuesday next week. WOW, this woman has a very powerful man next to her. She has overcome cancer 2 times, bowel obstruction, a 12 inch blood clot in her thigh, aneurysm repair and bleeding out on the recovery table, and tripping over Christmas lights on the ground and falling into the side of a brick home requiring plastic surgery on her ear and head, and I am certain I am forgetting some other battles she has had. None the less, she is not giving up. She wants to be home and independent again and I love that fight in her. She is so ready to be home she is driving my sister and cousin (her medical and legal POAs) crazy. They both called yesterday saying how they need a break to regroup. So here's to Granny Power, home it will be on Tuesday. I am very thankful to have one more visit with her to make peace with what eventually happens to us all. We will doing knitting, make some home visits to friends and family; and even go fishing again. More photos of that to come. My Grandma is awesome. I will share with her your heartfelt appreciation, but from me to you I say thank you each again for being there with kind words when I needed them. As for the name of my boat, I am seriously thinking "Loved Ones" althought "Grandma" is in there too. Well, I will be back in about a month to get working on the boat again. Thank you Wood and Jb so very, very much. aj.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Well fellows I am back home and back at the boat. Sanded yesterday, Epoxied today to make the second coat. Hope to get another round in tomorrow. Most of the areas are doing well. Seems the more I look at the boat, the more little spots I find. After this next sanding I will probably be down to just the areas that were a bit deeper so another couple times at this and we might be painting next week. My goal (if the rain allows) is to put her back on trailer on the 25th.

Just a side note on Gma, She has once again beaten the odds. I tell you she definitely has a powerful man in her corner. Still this was a scare and I am extremely happy to say that we got to spend some quality time together. She is once again living independently in her own apartment. On the other hand, our youngest dog "Spirit" 9 yr old mutt struggled with my departure and started having accidents. We have had her cleared medically so tonight she started on Puppy Prozac. Poor girl just missed her mom. Hurts to see them age.

So here is a photo of Gma on the day we went to the lake. Was too hot to fish but we enjoyed the campsite my parents, sisters and their families stayed at. I figure she is on her 7th life right now. We have has some close calls with her, but she is strong and has always come back from them. At 87 yrs old she is still going.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Welcome back. Glad Gma is well. Let us know if we can be of help.

 

[Deleted member 340796]

Re: My first boat restoration, I need some guidance - PLEASE HELP!

Wood, I tried praying for you to get some rain but seems it followed me to Ohio. It rained for a long time in MS before I left, then it rained for several days in Ohio while I was there. NO rain in MS till shortly before I came back, now it is raining here again. Darn near gave the dogs a heart attack today with the thunder. Anyhow, sure hope you were able to enjoy some of the rain.