Restoration project, need help/info please

[lakedawgs]

Just got a 1980 16' open bow fiberglass boat from my father in-law. Good fiberglass, no soft spots. The boat is basically a shell; he pulled all the carpet, padded trim, front hatch covers, etc.
Seats are gone, like I said, basically a shell. The boat sat for about 4 years like this, very dirty. The motor, 1983 115hp Johnson, is supposedly good and when you remove the cover its very clean.
Looking for any websites or guidance in where to begin. I will need to replace the wiring harness and controls I think, steering control is good, trailer is great.
Again, looking for websites or guidance on where to begin.
THANKS MUCH,
Lakedawgs

 

[silveraire]

Re: Restoration project, need help/info please

have a mod. move this(or repost yourself) to the restoration forum. this is the right place for all your questions and info. Lots of experienced people and very helpful.

 

[Windykid]

Re: Restoration project, need help/info please

Some pictures would help.

 

[lakedawgs]

Re: Restoration project, need help/info please

I'll do both tonight,
THANKS,
Lakedawgs

 

[lakedawgs]

Re: Restoration project, need help/info please

I took the seats and cans and trash out of the boat and washed all the garbage out, floor and all look pretty good and solid. Gave the boat a good scrubbing and fiberglass looks good, it will clean and wax up nicely
Here are some pics. My first concern is to make sure I don't have any major motor problems. Motor looks very good but I will need a new set of controls and a carb cleaning I'm thinking. Is it possible to fire up the motor without the controls? I rebuilt a 1952 Evinrude Lightwin 3hp a couple of years ago. Albeit much smaller I have a vague idea of what I am looking at. Once I determine the motor is good, which it should be, but has been sitting for 4 years, I will start on the boat.
I just am not even sure where to start. I have ideas, but this has been done and I would love some pointers.
THANKS MUCH,
Lakedawgs

 

[Nandy]

Re: Restoration project, need help/info please

You should be able to start the motor without the controls. I am not too familiar with that motor to tell you step by step. Buy the manual for that motor, it is a great investment. Then go to the control section and study the igniiton swithc. You will see what cable is supposed to have 12v to crank the starter and which cable has to have 12v for the ignition. The thorthle should be easy to figure out without the book.