Restoration on a 81' Glastron SSV-151

[JustSayin]

Hey all. First I want to say what an amazing site this is! I have read about 2 dozen forums over the past 2 weeks, and I think it's so great how helpful people are on here!

I have a 1981 Glastron SSV-151 (pictures to follow in the next few days). This is my first boat, purchased last year. I want to "pretty" it up a bit, but need to do it on a budget. I already have new carpet (have a buddy in the flooring business, so I got it at cost), (2) new seats, and vinyl to wrap the rear bench and some accent areas.

My first question is this, I know I need to replace the deck - What is the cheapest way to accomplish this? Remember, I am on a TIGHT budget, will not have this boat in 5 years, is only in fresh water and it will be covered in marine grade carpeting. Right now it comes out of the water after each day, but after the renovation it will be docked for 3-4 months a year in Eastern PA.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Restoration on a 81' Glastron SSV-151

The problem with fiberglass boats is there isn't much difference in the requirements for a minimum safe repair and going all out. Either way, all the rotted wood needs to be removed and replaced and properly fiberglassed back into place. It is unlikely that your deck is rotted and the stringers and transom are not.

 

[rickryder]

Re: Restoration on a 81' Glastron SSV-151

What is the cheapest way to accomplish this? Remember, I am on a TIGHT budget, will not have this boat in 5 years

First thing is nothing about owning and operating a boat is cheap..... The repairs are time consuming...... Materials costly.....

As far as your only going to have it a few years..... what about he next guy who owns it? The guy taking his wife and children out in it and it wasn't repaired to be a safe vessel.....

I'm not trying to come off like a jerk but having a boat has it's responsibilities....

I'll be the first one to help you out IF you want to do it the proper and safe way

 

[JustSayin]

Re: Restoration on a 81' Glastron SSV-151

EZ/Rick - A few things:

Thanks for the replies, and the genuine interest in not only my project, but the proper and SAFE way of accomplishing it!

First a quick update. I will try and gets pics up soon. Looks like the last guy just threw regular (not Marine OR PT) plywood OVER an already rotted deck and then carpeted over that. I have gotten most of the carpet and the upper ply out. The lower deck is mush. Amazingly the transom and stringers are in decent shape. Looks like the transom has been redone, and it may have been an iboats member, because it's SOLID!

Rick, I fully understand what you mean regarding safety, and I in no way meant I want to cut corners that would make this an unsafe boat. I have my children on it! What I meant, is I need to find a middle ground. I simply cannot spend $500+ on this boat right now.

I will begin cutting out sections of deck tonight, and will know how bad everything is by the weekend. My hope is that I can cut out the rotted wood (I was drilling and tapping the deck last night, and I may be lucky enough to cut out a 4' x 8' section and lay in a new sheet of marine grade plywood), seal it on all sides, and install the carpeting. I know there are some obvious steps in there I am skipping (just in my description, not on the actual work!).

Thoughts guys?!?

 

[rickryder]

Re: Restoration on a 81' Glastron SSV-151

The only true way to know if the stringers and transom are solid is to drill some 3/8" holes and look at the wood chips..... You can fill the holes with 3M5200 sealer if they are good. Lets see what your pics show before we jump to any conclusions

 

[crazy and lazy]

Re: Restoration on a 81' Glastron SSV-151

Hey welcome aboard friend. Yes your in for a rude awakenuing if you think boats are cheap. I'm finding out first hand experience. Haha, Just getting the right tools for the right job is a task. Thats's why I guess all those boat shops can be very expensive. Seems like every time I try to do something I gotta buy a new tool. All part of the joys of owning and restoring an old boat. Lets see some pics, good luck!