Our new boat project for 2014

[bigheaded5]

I picked up a boat form a really nice guy....He loved this boat, but the motor blew a rod through the block....so he decided it was time to upgrade.

I bought the 1985 19' manatee which he awesomely took the floor out because it was getting soft, all the hard dirty work is done for me....The EZ Loader trailer has almost NO RUST...and the 1986 Yamaha 115 was in GREAT shape other than the hole in the block. He said he would have given me the boat FREE but someone offered him $250 for the trailer....I gladly paid the $250.

I already took the motor off, sold the lower unit , carbs and the power pack. I also sold the controls and the the power tilt relays. I cut out all the wiring already, and cleaned the shell then covered it for the NY winter. Spring time Ill remove the rest of the foam, lay some new 3/4" exterior ply, polly'd and glassed for the floor, new seats when they go back on sale on Amazon.

Im looking for a new motor, I have an evenrude 90 on my other boat and can swap it out, but would prefer a 115 back on it...so the hunt is on for a 1986+ 115 Evenrude.

 

[Tnstratofam]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

Looks like a lot of potential there. Should make a nice fishing or pleasure boat when she's done. Good luck and keep us posted. I'll be tagging along if that's ok.

 

[pckeen]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

Sounds like you got a great deal! Look forward to seeing the resto. take shape.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

She looks pretty clean on the outside. How are the stringers and transom? Lotsa potential there, BigH.

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

EEEWWWWWW A glasser.

Anyways, good looking hull I see quite a bit of potential there. Hey at least you are going outboard power right.

 

[bigheaded5]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

Thank you all for the well wishes, and yes....the transom and stringers are all solid and yes Im looking for an outboard right now. The guy that sold me the boat was very attached to it and was considering restoring it, that's why he pulled out the floor.... but he realized his schedule would make it impossible. When he heard I was looking for a restore project for myself and my kids, he was thrilled at the idea of his boat being brought back to life and offered it to me free, but raised it to $250 when someone offered him $250 for the trailer...I couldn't say no.

I will post as I go starting this spring........Saving my pennies for the project

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

What have you done to ensure that the stringers and transom are sound and solid? Core Samples??

 

[Teamster]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

Tagging along

 

[kjdunne]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

I'll be watching too. I have a 1985 Manatee 18ft. OB cuddy with a 1995 Johnson 112. The motor is a good enough match for it, I had a 90 on it and was a little underpowered. My boat is rated for 150 max hp, yours is probably the same. I think you'll like the ride of that boat, they are solid hulls and cut chop nicely with a dry ride. I'll be very interested in seeing the inside of the hull and stringer layout when you get the foam out. Good to see a Manatee getting the "treatment", she'll last a long time.

 

[kjdunne]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

subscribed.

 

[bigheaded5]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

Stringers...yes, I took a 1/8 drill bit and took samples every 3' along each stringers and 3 spots on the transom. All sawdust dense and dry. I also marked each hole with a white paint pen so I can find them and fill with resin in the spring. For now the boat is covered and dry for the winter.

I still have to pull the rest of the foam out....That picture there was taken the day I got her home, some of that foam was removed to make room to take the samples of the stringers but most remains for now. I don't really understand the whole foam idea. Is it to dampen the noise? because that small amount of foam wouldn't keep a boat of this size from reaching the bottom if it took on water. Every time i have come into foam lined bilges the foam has held the water and compounded the rotting of the floor. Do they still use it in boats made today?

I am pretty set on finding a 115-140 to power the boat. The 90hp I have is a last resort, despite that its a great motor and very reliable, the power difference I think will frustrate me in the end.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

Wish you'd got on here about the motor before parting it out. I have a good Yamaha 115 2 stroke of the same vintage that needs a lower unit. I bought it new on a 24' Starcraft boat. The old Yamaha's were bulletproof motors. I screwed up not changing the lower unit grease as often as I should have done.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

WOW, that's very fortunate. Most boats of this vintage have issues with the stringers and the transom. Just having to replace the Deck is going to get you back on the water very quickly. Keep posting pics and let us know when and where we can help.

 

[bigheaded5]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

LOL Its always that way....as soon as you get rid of something, you need what you sold lol Its ok, I did pretty well on the selling of parts and to be honest, as good as Yamaha motors may be, I hate having to carry metric tools lol And I have more experience with Evenrude motors....stick with what you know I always say

I will post pictures as we go. I have my eye on a set of seats from Amazon....they were $159 a set when I first saw them 2 months ago but have been over $250 since!!!! Im hoping they will drop back down after christmas. I also got vinyl samples to match the colors for the side board pads and cushions for the bow and stern seats/// It will be my first time sewing with a machine.

 

[jvanhees]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

great looking hull, will be following along too!

 

[glnbnz]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

I am now following along also

 

[bigheaded5]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

I am following a set of seats on Amazon.....I checked every site i could find them on, even called the MFG and Amazon is the best price with free shipping. Amazon.com: Wise Runabout Base Back to Back Lounge Seat, Grey/Navy, 10-Inch: Sports & Outdoors

I first saw the seat listed there for $159.......I went to buy a set a day or so later and it was $319. I have been keeping track of the changing price, and every day it goes down about $1.00 a day, but there was a drop of $51 the first day. Is this how Amazon works? They should be the $159 by spring at this rate hehehehe

Ed

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

Psst, iboats currently has those seats on sale for $242 delivered.

 

[bigheaded5]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

Thanks JB....Im holding out for Amazon...no offense. The $$ is the bottom line, and I have been following the price loop for amazon.....it was $319....and at about $2 a day its now at $252 w/shipping.....Im seeing it drop about $2 a day so....... $170 ea. is my mark

 

[bigheaded5]

Re: Our new boat project for 2014

Seats now down to $211.40 Ho hum....I hate waiting