New Project, First "adventure" into boating

[zryder94]

Re: New Project, First "adventure" into boating

Well, as previously mentioned, the cap is off. Attached are photos of the whole rig, and some close ups of the transom area.

Any thoughts?

 

[zryder94]

Re: New Project, First "adventure" into boating

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New Project, First "adventure" into boating

You will need to remove the deck to be able to get all of the transom out.

 

[zryder94]

Re: New Project, First "adventure" into boating

You will need to remove the deck to be able to get all of the transom out.

Would it be best to remove the aft most 4' to get the transom out, or if you were going to do that, would you gut the whole deck.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New Project, First "adventure" into boating

It's all gunna have to come out eventually but... you can just remove enuf to get the transom out for now if you want, do the transom then do the deck and stringers. Totally your call. I've seen it done either way.

 

[zryder94]

Re: New Project, First "adventure" into boating

Well, Bad news everyone. This should come as no surprise to any of you, but Wood was right. The deck needs to come out, and the stringers should at the same time. I started cutting into the deck, to see what I was working with, and found standing water underneath the deck. the deck plywood felt strong, but it was soaking wet. I don't know if this was because of my pressure washing, or it has always been like this, but I think the deck needs to get replaced.

Confirmation of this is kind of disheartening. Please, someone tell me all the work this is going to be is going to be worth it? It will be a complete gut, from the tub rebuild. The tub needs to be painted and a few intentional holes patched. All of the wood in the boat needs to get replaced. The motor does not have a lower unit, and it was run for a minute 6 years ago, before sitting outside.

Is there any hope for this boat?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: New Project, First "adventure" into boating

Unfortunately, no one but you can answer the 'worth it' question. All used boats that have ANY wood or flotation foam in them should be considered suspect until PROVEN that there is no water anywhere it shouldn't be, and never has been. Aluminum boats also suffer from waterlogging, in them it's usually the flotation foam that's 10-20times original weight, and the odd bits of wood used to build out the interiors.

So, the real question is, how much time can you spend putting it back together, and how much money. Get a different boat & you may face the same, or worse conditions. Finish putting 1 back together & you KNOW there is nothing else that could have been anywhere any better on YOUR boat. The satisfaction of finishing it will be HUGE, but a fair amount of work.

I weighed the work to be done on my FireFlite, and although it will get finished, it is a time commitment that I wasn't willing to wait on. So I got an aluminum Jet. And it has also required more work then I'd hoped, but it will see water again much sooner then the FireFlite would have. Looking for parts & pcs for both boats & motors leads to more boats, motors & trailers in & around the garage.

It looks & feels worse then it is. It can always be fixed. All the glassers before you have been at this precipice, it isn't fun, nor is it easy to explain to someone who asks "Why & is it worth it?"

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: New Project, First "adventure" into boating

Well, Bad news everyone. This should come as no surprise to any of you, but Wood was right

BTW: This happens regularly, like sunrise. Yep, WOG was right. So, yeah, no surprise.

He's right all the time, kind of annoying for an old okie But we like having him around for some seasoned flavor:facepalm:

He won't steer ya wrong. In fact, he'll even try to remotely assess & recon your computer calamities and try to call in some local reinforcements for hands on assessment

 

[zryder94]

Re: New Project, First "adventure" into boating

I think I may have found a motor for my boat.. and it happens to come with a boat that just might float while I am restoring mine..

Anyone have any thoughts?
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/boa/3102324357.html