Ranger boat restoration

[MASTER Brian]

I have an 86 373v that has been an excellent boat and with its age I doubt I could ever get what I'd want out of her to justify selling.

With that said I'm looking into redoing the carpet and the seat covers. If I'm not mistaken and if nothing has changed in last few years since last checking, I can replace most, if not all, if the vinyl with factory supplied covers fit around $500. I have a friend who is a carpet layer and says he could help with the carpet, but I hear the hatches are tricky, so I am leary.

Lastly, the gel coat had faded and some metal flake is worn. I've thought about spraying an emron our or somet to help it shine again, but obviously that would be a band aid.

This past weekend I wss told ranger had an in house restoration section where they go through any aspect you want and the boat comes out looking factory fresh. He said he heard anywhere from $3-5k depending on what needs done. I looked a little online and that somewhat seems to hold true, but apparently ranger wants boat in house to give a quote, which is understandable.

My question here is, thoughts on this? I haven't looked up flippen, Arkansas to see exact distance, but guessing 7-10hr drive. Has anyone heard or have experience with this service? The way I see it of carpet and covers are $1000-1500, might be worth saving and spending another few grand to have her factory fresh again. I just hate to make the drive to find out it'd be much much more....

 

[zool]

I would find out exactly what they consider "factory fresh". Does that include any transom, stringer, foam and deck work? And as for the flaked gel, that was applied in reverse order in a mold, not sure how they renew that...

 

[mickyryan]

to redo your boat would be 3 to 5 k if it needs stringers and transom and paint job and new fittings upholstery id bet, but maybe they will let you pay for what you can do in parts and they do work in parts

 

[Woodonglass]

If you've owned the boat since new, and IF you're certain that there should be NO issues with it's substructure, then IMHO It MIGHT be worth looking into. Cosmetic repairs are NOT that hared but I HATE carpeting. Let me rephrase that...I HATE Carpet Removal. It's NOT easy. Laying it down is not either but easier than removal. Metal flake is a PITA too! But DIY for cosmetic repairs only IS Doable and a LOT less money. If you're handy and have friends to help, I'd prolly DIY it

 

[Scott Danforth]

Removal of carpet sucks. Using a wire cup brush in the angle grinder helps remove the old glue once you have scrapped the old carpet

Wear safety equipment as the bristles from the wire brush will come out and will poke you

 

[MASTER Brian]

I haven't owned since new, but have owned since 2006. I've seen no signs of any structural issues. There does appear to be a soft spot on the front deck under where the foot pedal for the trolling motor, probably original, was mounted. I just swapped it out for a bigger one and that foot pad isn't a permanently attached unit. My understanding is the only place they used wood on these was in the transom, so not too worried, fibreglass repair is easily within my grasp. I'll double check with them just to be certain.

I rebuilt the motor in 2007 and it's still strong, I do worry about lower unit, but only because it's never been give through that I recall.....but as I say that I recall the previous owner went through something, it wasn't the PH, so maybe it was lower unit. Mind fuzzy after 12 years though!

Carpet redo and upholstery are both on my very near future to do lists add the carpet is peeling and thin and seats are cracking after getting beat with hail a few years ago. I know they offer the seat skins for a very fair price and I'm told they'll even send the carpet precut for the entire boat. I think the seat skins are $500, the wood grain dash panel precut for my gauges was $75, all of which is very reasonable IMO, so I'm hopeful the carpet will be as well. A friend is a carpet installer and he's been telling me for a few years he'd lay the carpet, so all that's left is getting the metal flake/gel coat shiny again and I'd like to address a few scratches/blemishes, but not overly worried about 100% perfection, just don't like the faded look.

I do have another 'friend' whom is an excellent painter and says he doesn't think it'd be too hard to get the boat shiny and looking good again, but not sure how large of project. I'm not sure how Ranger goes about, but something tells me they're more than capable. I wouldn't question there work for a minute. Obviously they make a first class boat, but I never realized how much they stand behind their brand until I bought this boat. Anything you need, they have as they do everything in house. They say they'll even make a new wiring harness if need be. Would be nice if the auto industry could stand behind a product like this.....

 

[Woodonglass]

An 86 Ranger is NOT only wood in the transom. The Newer ones are but they used wood in the 80's. She's 32 years old and Unless she's been meticulously cared for Most bass boats of this era HAVE issues. I'd recommend a thorough inspection. But... I AM just and Old Dumb Okie so you must consider that!!!

 

[MASTER Brian]

Ranger confirmed the only place it would have any wood would be the transom. There is a soft spot on the deck where the old trolling motor foot pedal was, but that's it. The transom looks solid, all silicone is good and I have seen no other issues. I've taken good care of her in my dozen years and it was in great condition when I got her.

What would be other issues? I address mechanical ones when they arise. My fuel senders and newer gauges are on my to do list. Ordering seat skins late winter and carpet as well.

 

[Woodonglass]

Should be NO Silicone any where on the boat. NOT FACTORY. You can't tell anything about the condition of a transom by looking.

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/boa...g-and-hull-repair/492893-86-ranger-340v-resto

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/printthread/Board/17/main/116543/type/thread

 

[MASTER Brian]

My understanding has always been silicone the bolt bolts for the engine to transom and any other penetration such as transducers, etc.

How do you inspect transom? I've seen no issues our ever been told of any. Ranger and others have said no wood other than transom. That one post has me curious, but...

 

[Woodonglass]

Nope Silicone has no place on a boat. There are specific Marine Grade sealants that should be used. 3M 4200 or 5200 depending on the application. To KNOW for sure that the transom is good the only way is to drill into it from the inside as low down as you can. 1/4" bit and drill only about 1" deep. if the Shavings come out light colored and dry...You're good to go. Fill the holes with 3M 5200 and go fishing. If they're dark and damp...You have issues that need to be addressed. I investigated the 86 Rangers and they did use some composites but there are certain components that were wood. Seat boxes, decking etc... I just wanted to alert you to the fact that most boats of this age have issues. There ARE exceptions any you truly may have one!!! I'm rooting for you!!!:sad: