Tidecraft Project

[hutch10]

[/IMG][/IMG][/IMG][/IMG][/IMG][/IMG]Alright here I go.......I dont know a whole lot about boats but consider myself farely mechanically inclined so I took on a project.

I recently aquired what I think is a late 70's early 80's Tidecraft. This boat is 15'5" fiberglass boat, that needs some repairs. It came with a 55HP Chrysler that I believe is a 76'? I do not yet know if it runs, let me know what you think on looks? It seems to look alright from my point of view. I will be taking it into a motor shop soon. I have heard some horor stories about Chrysler engines and trying to find parts, and knowledge will be appreciated.

The trailer seems to be in pretty good shape although it looks like the wheels are cracking and should be replaced. It has new lights and has recently been rewired.

The boat has a very chalky look and feel, and I am wondering if I can just use some restoration stuff to bring out that original color? I would like to avoid repainting as I want this to be a relatively cheap project.
The fiberglass on top of the transom is cracked but I don't know if it will need replaced or if there is another alternative.

I plan on replacing the steering wheel, seats, flooring, carpet, maybe the trolling motor, and put in a fish finder. I will also replace some hardwear, and rewire the boat if necessary. Any help or information on the possible year of the boat how to do some of these projects or anything else will be appreciated.

If you think you can help please send me your email and I will forward the pictures I have to you. I cant seem to get the pictures to upload onto here.

 

[DrCox]

Re: Tidecraft Project

If you think you can help please send me your email and I will forward the pictures I have to you. I cant seem to get the pictures to upload onto here.

First, CONGRATS on your new project. I am sure it will look real nice when its done.

As far as uploading pics, there are a couple posts on the forum about how to do it. I will run you through how to do it on photobucket (since that is all i know)

1.) Go to http://www.photobucket.com and create yourself an account, its free.
2.) Take the pictures you want to post and upload them to your photobucket space.
3.) type a new post here, and click the yellow icon above to insert images. *(note: you may have to install Iboats.com's image tool)
4.) On photobucket, double click on the "direct link" option below the picture. It will flash a yellow "copied" window (see pic below)
5.) paste it in the pop up window for the image URL (make sure there are not 2 "http://" I have done that before)


Now you should be good to go. Any more questions you can PM me if you like.

Good luck! -DrCox

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tidecraft Project

you are in the right place. cracked glass at the transom is not a good sign.

you can up load to a free service like photobucket.com then you choose the pictures you want( clik the little box at the bottom left of the picture) scrool to the bottom of the page, clik generate html, it will take you to the next page, scroll down to thumb nails clik on that and copy, then insert it into your post.

also if you are planing on posting pictures, you can use the Blue post reply or the go advanced, manage attachments, there you can upload , directly from your computer. besure you pictures have been resized to fit the format. 640x480 max.

 

[oops!]

Re: Tidecraft Project

The boat has a very chalky look and feel, and I am wondering if I can just use some restoration stuff to bring out that original color? I would like to avoid repainting as I want this to be a relatively cheap project.

this is common with older gellcoat......some automotive stuff cam work for a little while....but then it comes back.....

a full sanding with 600-800 grit to clean the boat....then a polishing compound....the a waxed polishing compound. will make the boat look like new

 

[hutch10]

Re: Tidecraft Project

Ok here are the pictures hopefully..........let me know what you think and if the boat is worth paying $500 for?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tidecraft Project

i remember the tidecraft. i think you are in for a real project. read these:

http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,346,00.html

http://recaffeinated.net/skankybeast/page1.html

 

[hutch10]

Re: Tidecraft Project

In your opinion does the project look worth taking on for $500?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tidecraft Project

i seriously doubt you can do the total job for $500. it really looks like it needs a new transom, that usually leads to stringers, and the deck you plan on doing. glass and resin gets expensive. sure the boat is worth fixing, they are great fishing boats. but no sense in taking a chance of dropping the motor for an anchor, or having to swim to shore.

 

[hutch10]

Re: Tidecraft Project

No sorry I meant does the boat look worth paying $500 for? I would like to have the boat in good condition for under $2500, is that reasonable?

 

[DrCox]

Re: Tidecraft Project

No sorry I meant does the boat look worth paying $500 for? I would like to have the boat in good condition for under $2500, is that reasonable?

If the motor runs and the trailer is i good shape I would say its an ok deal. If you are going into a project expecting to do hull work then getting a trailer and powerplant will still cost you money.

Think of it as buying a trailer and Outboard for your hull project...and getting the hull for free.

-DrCox