Total Refurb of '57 Lone Star Caribbean

[jiminmontana]

I don;t know where to start.

Prior owners cut small (1' square to 2' rectangles) in floor of boat to fix the rotten wood. They repaired with either pine ro douglas fir! It all has to go because there is SO MUCH ROT. Much wood is just missing. The thing is, do I just completely remove the floor (7/8" thick) -- like with a chain saw? Then replace every piece of wood and lay down a new floor?

I got new pics on my blog: jiminmontana.wordpress.com See the "Dead Boat Project" category and click the headers.

There will be room between the floor and the hull for big fuel tanks. Is that the best way to go? I plan to take some long runs in this boat and having the stern area full of fuel cells is gonna be a problem. It makes it so much nicer when fishing off the back to not be stepping over the tanks.

All the wiring is screwed up. It is in place, but the insulation is toast. The wires are corroded inside. I'm thinking that this is a concern for much later in the project.

So what do you do with a collectible "finboat" that's rotten to the gunwales?

Still don't know what motor it has on the back.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Total Refurb of '57 Lone Star Caribbean

Jim,

Very cool boat, it looks like you have a lot to work with.....it?s all about baby steps....get it washed down, vaced out....start stripping it down and see what you have to work with. Mine had a small tree growing in it when I found it! Good luck, you have found the right place for help and encouragement!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Total Refurb of '57 Lone Star Caribbean

Jim. so that it does not become overwhelming. list everything that needs to be done. clean it out back to the original hull.

List

clean out,

stringers
wiring, for necessities, and accessories
fuel lines & tank
deck / transon

break these down to doable projects, weekend or how ever. then you can see the progress, as it takes shape.

be sure you have all the things you need, before starting a project. nothing worse, than waiting for a simple item to be shipped , or running to the hardware store.

i suggest some 18volt tools. cords are a PITA.