The Melhart

[rayray1]

Hello everybody,

New to Iboats and boating in general. Just got my hands on a cheap 1985 melhart legend. I need to replace the deck, like so many other boaters. I wish they made a book "Deck replacment for Dummies". Well let me tell you what I have done so far, and maybe you guys can help. I have cut out the deck with a circular saw, and removed the foam with a chisel. That's all. So now my question is " do i need to grind out the stringers and sand down the inside of the hull until smooth?" The stringers are rotted out, and I'm going to check the transom tomorrow. Also with the stringers being mush what is the best way to create new ones without a template? Thanks for any help.

Will post pics when I figure out how

 

[NoKlu]

Re: The Melhart

Welcome to iboats. A very good "how to" to read is the hull extension thread by oops!. It is very detailed and is a great read as well. It might take you a while to read but it is worth your time. More good info also is in the completed boat forum. At the top of this forum there are a few threads on tools, saftey equipment required and info on some materials as well. The threads on posting pics can be found at the top of the non boating technical topics forum. Good luck.

 

[jonesg]

Re: The Melhart

cut the stringers out, find what tools works for you ,
I like to use the sawzall with fine tooth metal cutting blade for glasswork, or grinder with thin dewalt diamond steel disk, these produce minimal dust.
I'll resort to elec chainsaw on occasion too.

You don't need to sand the whole hull, just where you are going to glass stringers back.

You're probably gonna be doing the transom too if the stringers are that bad.

 

[rayray1]

Re: My first boat/deck replacement

Re: My first boat/deck replacement

Hello again
Here are some pics of the boat, Thanks Noklu! I have been able to remove the foam, thanks for the advice, jonesg! Once the foam was out, I have removed the stringers and them found the bottom of the transom had some rot to it (left side of the motor) So it looks like a complete rebuild. I have a 140 hp mercruiser, is this motor hard to take out along with the stern drive. I know I have read somewhere, someone talk about removing these items, but I can't seem to find them. By the way, oops - hull extension - great read!! Any thoughts?

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: The Melhart

I JUST started with boats too, I asked all the same questions so I guess its my turn to help where I can At the top of the Mercruiser forum there is an Adults only thread, find the service manual for your model year and it will tell you how to remove your drive and engine.

I just removed a mercruiser 165hp from a trihull that looks to be the same general height as yours, we pulled the motor with a regular engine cherry picker. We had to remove the rear hand rails and it cleared the stern by about an inch.

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: The Melhart

If I can ask you a favor tho? could u possibly get some pics of the motor mount box as mine was rotted away and had a previous hack repair done on it? I dont know what its supposed to really look like. If urs is tore up also then no worries, Good luck!!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: The Melhart

Nice looking boat. Should haul pretty good with the 140. Definitely worth the effort you're putting into it. Good luck with your project.