Restoring childhood boat. A 1972 Ranger. Help needed (pictures).

[artfan1]

Everything that everyone said makes sense and I am moving forward for now. I'm glad to hear that there are processes later that I can use to correct this twist. I just wanted to be sure it wasn't an issue now.

I thought today was gong to be a total bust. Rain, rain, rain. Then late afternoon, it stopped and the sun came out.
So, I grabbed everything and suited up. I managed to get the cap cut loose from the bow to the stern on the starboard side. I know, not much but the other side should go a lot after for me.

Only one area that was an "uh oh". It was more like a "%#$@!", but I didn't freak out too bad. I know it's likely an easy fix… right?

That area was tough for some reason. There was about 1/4" of solid resin there and I just couldn't get through. I put a new blade on and it cut through, but not as perfectly as I had hoped. But I figure 2" of damage out of 16' of cutting isn't too bad.

Tomorrow I will hit the port side, then the stern across the transom. There is a very thick area there that looks like the cap extended about 1/2" past the hull and was filled in with something. I will post a good pic of it before I start cutting that area.

 

[gm280]

Everything that everyone said makes sense and I am moving forward for now. I'm glad to hear that there are processes later that I can use to correct this twist. I just wanted to be sure it wasn't an issue now.

I thought today was gong to be a total bust. Rain, rain, rain. Then late afternoon, it stopped and the sun came out.
So, I grabbed everything and suited up. I managed to get the cap cut loose from the bow to the stern on the starboard side. I know, not much but the other side should go a lot after for me.

Only one area that was an "uh oh". It was more like a "%#$@!", but I didn't freak out too bad. I know it's likely an easy fix… right?

That area was tough for some reason. There was about 1/4" of solid resin there and I just couldn't get through. I put a new blade on and it cut through, but not as perfectly as I had hoped. But I figure 2" of damage out of 16' of cutting isn't too bad.

Tomorrow I will hit the port side, then the stern across the transom. There is a very thick area there that looks like the cap extended about 1/2" past the hull and was filled in with something. I will post a good pic of it before I start cutting that area.

No that isn't going to be and real problem. You can fix that when fixing the other Uh Oooos that will happen. It is all part of the refurbishing process... Wait until you are grinding the old fiberglass out to prep for new. Most cut through the hull...a few times... :facepalm: but it all works out in the end! :thumb:

 

[Woodonglass]

That's just a Boo!!! Only 1/2 a Boo Boo!!!!:lol:

 

[Mark72233]

artfan1, that's an easy fix and it will be hidden by your rubrail when it goes back on. Keep up the good work. Things will start making more sense as you get your hands dirty and start getting into the actual work. Looking good.

 

[Woodonglass]

I just noticed you haven't signed up on our Members map. I'd like to invite you to do so, just in case there's anyone in your area that might want to drop by and say howdy!!!!

Click Here To Enter Your Location on the iBoats Member Map

 

[artfan1]

I just noticed you haven't signed up on our Members map. I'd like to invite you to do so, just in case there's anyone in your area that might want to drop by and say howdy!!!!

Click Here To Enter Your Location on the iBoats Member Map

I did actually. Maybe I didn't something to lose the new marker before I logged out. I'll check it again.

 

[artfan1]

This is a closeup of the stern part of the cap. As you can see, there is about 1/2" - 5/8" of overhang that was filled in with some kind of putty or resin, or whatever Ranger would have used for that kind of thing.

Should I just cut straight up into this stuff? I might be able to use my multitool and half round saw blade to get it started.

 

[sphelps]

Yep it is probably kind of brittle .. Make some deep score cuts in it and try and chisel it out ...

 

[archbuilder]

Hey Art, nice thread, I just came across it today. I can totally understand the sentimental value of the boat, glad to see that you are taking the time to rebuild her. As everyone has mentioned, measuring a boat to "check for plumb, level and square", is sort of like measuring a water balloon! Sam has a great method, and water levels etc are also helpful. I have measured things to death, but found that my eyes are some of the best guides. I'm also curious about what happens when you pull off the top and the structure. You never can tell, it might have come that way from the factory. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

I would use a chisel and hammer to explorer first before I run power tools just to know what I am dealing with. Good progress!

 

[MTboatguy]

That is simply some type of putty/sealer that they painted to match the boat back in the day, who knows what it is, I would just start digging it out, slowly to see what you have. I had a 62 SeaKing that had a similar putty at the back and I had to heat a spoon with a torch and slowly dig that stuff out of it to get the cap off.

 

[Woodonglass]

Multitool and go to town or Sawzall with a short blade.Slide it right next to the skin. Done in no time!!!

 

[artfan1]

Just wanted give an update. First of all, I had to take a couple days off from working on my boat. Real life stuff got in the way. While replacing our water heater, I managed to hurt myself. I think I'm ok but they thought I had a concussion so I had to take it easy. And wouldn't you know it, the weather was perfect for two days straight. Mid 70s and no rain. Figures. So now that the ringing is gone from my ears, I plan to attack the stern part of the cap tomorrow.

I did manage to get the entire rest of the cap cut loose before I banged my head against the basement wall. So the stern is all that's keeping me from lifting that thing off.

By the way, the port side of the cap was so much easier. Partially due to the fact that I had so much experience now. :lol: But mostly because I borrowed my son's hackzall. It works better than my sawzall. It's cordless and has a smoother reciprocating action so it doesn't bounce the blade around as much. Very nice for that type of work. Anyway, I will post some pics once I have this off. Thanks.

 

[sphelps]

Like woody said those multi tools are great for this kind of stuff .. Well I guess your still working on the boat so the basement wall didn't knock much sense into ya .

 

[humpbackshooter]

Art....please be careful......"we" all want to see this project through to the end. Hope that the basement wall is not another project.:lol: Taggin along in the shadows.

Hump.

 

[Mark72233]

artfan1, kind of echoing what sphelps wrote. You decided to do a boat restoration so you weren't right in the head to begin with :wacko::crazy:. Seriously hope you are feeling better and now lets get back to that boat.

 

[gm280]

WOW art, I am sorry to hear of your head issue. Life does have its' way of getting involved with boat building. But you have to make sure you're okay before venturing back to work. Otherwise the hull could look interesting if you were seeing funny now. Seems your timing is similar to mine with good weather when you can't work on things. We too have some better weather with temps and humidity presently. A little tease of fall coming...I hope. Make sure you're totally well before going to work again and I think you've learned a interesting lesson now. And that is the wall is going to win in a head battle... :sorry: Be careful and go slow...but do post your progress when you get some... :thumb:

 

[Woodonglass]

Now you know why I'm and Old Dumb Okie!!! To many thumps on the old Noggin!!!! Be careful Dude!!! You got to finish that Boat!!!! It's one of my FAVORITES!!!!

 

[KingRhino]

Gonna tag along if you don't mind.

 

[kcassells]

hey yo...

Can happen to anyone! Glad your ok!