Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Got a little bit done today... I installed the gimbal housing and inner transom shield. Other than a bit of fun with the gasket, which came unglued, it went on pretty easily. Feels good to have it back on the boat. Torqued it down to spec, and it looks like it's always been there.



Also, for HalfFish5087, a couple of close up pics of the Durabak. By popular vote and barefoot testing, it was decided another coat of smooth Durabak would not be added.



I also got the ladder permanently installed. That was pretty easy.

It's fun to be putting this thing back together, rather than tearing it apart.

 

[Lwarden]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Hey Jim, been following your work and your doing a supurb job. Was just wonering after you drilled your holes for the outdrive doesnt that leave exposed wood inside the holes?? and what is the fix for that without decreasing the diameter of the holes?

Feels like a milestone of sorts tonight. After gelcoating the bilge and transom core this weekend...

View attachment 185765

I drilled holes in the transom for the outdrive and test-fitted the gimbal housing. It fit like a dream! The holes lined up with the studs perfectly, and the gimbal housing fit snugly against the transom -- no gaps, no wobble, etc.

View attachment 185766

I'm not sure why, but seeing the back of the boat looking more like it should is a real shot in the arm. It makes me want to get this thing done!

Jim

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

I coated the inside of the holes with resin, using a pipe cleaner. There was plenty of clearance for the studs to get through. I've been doing that for any holes that have to be drilled through the transom. I catalyze it a bit light -- .75% -- so it has lots of time to soak into the wood.

 

[Lwarden]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Awesome, I have to remember to do this! thanks...Lee

I coated the inside of the holes with resin, using a pipe cleaner. There was plenty of clearance for the studs to get through. I've been doing that for any holes that have to be drilled through the transom. I catalyze it a bit light -- .75% -- so it has lots of time to soak into the wood.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Are you doing a transom rebuild? Have you started a thread? I'd like to follow it...

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Getting close to dropping in the engine this weekend! I've been trying to get the rear end of the boat ready to take the engine. I've got most of the transom plate connections done; just need to finish hooking up the steering stuff and install the new exhaust pipe gasket (which better get here today or tomorrow, or I'm in trouble).

Also installed the new depthfinder transducer, the old bilge pump and a new one (to serve as backup), and I'm getting the wiring harness run back up under the gunwhale and tacked in place.

Some stuff won't go back in until the motor is reinstalled, so we have more room to work.

I'm thinking of doing a test splash, maybe even before I get all the interior engine connections, just to make sure it's water tight. I really, really, really don't want to see any water leaking into the boat, but especially not AFTER I've spend all the time completing the engine connections.

Would there be any problems with temporarily putting on the outdrive (before I've checked alignment) for a float test? For you guys who have been down this road before, is that a typical thing to do?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[HalfFish5087]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Didn't friscoboater do this to determine approximate level of water on the outside his boat to determine where to cut his thru-side captains call?

I don't think you would have to do anything special except making sure that all your penetrations were well sealed or high enough about the water line so not to leak.

Good luck man!

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

I test floated it with the engine in place. I wanted to make sure the tips were not below the surface. I guess you could installa the drive and test float it, but you might tear up a gasket doing it.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

I hadn't thought about the possibility of messing up a gasket pulling the drive off after test float. Maybe I'll just wait and get it aligned and everything first.

Thanks!

Jim

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Got a lot done this weekend. I set up the gantry and my brother, my dad and I put the engine back into the boat!

Ready to receive the engine....



My dad manned the hoist:



Engine installed and alligned! Woo hoo!



Trim pump installed and hooked up. Bilge blower and vents on on the port side hooked up.



I still need to finish a couple of engine connections, and then fit out the starboard side of the engine compartment. I still have a bunch to do, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel...

Jim

 

[JTLEWIS61]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Just curious....Why did you elect to add the seat mounts? Was just to give better visability?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Part of the reason was to get the seats a bit higher - the driver's seat especially. The primary reason, though, was to avoid putting any holes thru the deck. The pedestals are bolted through the bases, and the bases are fiberglassed to the deck. Based on what others have done, the idea was to minimize chances for water to get into the deck and below.

Jim

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted any updates on my progress. I've spent the last week or two making all the engine connections and troubleshooting a problem with the engine. (It would turn over, but I wasn't getting any spark so the engine wouldn't catch.) That problem has been fixed and the engine is now running.

I installed the kick panels at the front of the cockpit under the windshield. These were new panels I made using the old ones as templates. (The old kick panels had carpet glued to them. The carpet got messed up when I removed the panels, so I had to remove the carpet. It left behind a bunch of adhesive, which would have been a pain to clean up. Easier just to make new panels.) I coated the panels with resin to waterproof, and then painted them with some leftover Durabak from the deck.



I'm now test-fitting the rear bench seat and the side panels. The side panels are going in pretty well...



The rear bench seat frame set in place:



When I put in an access hatch for the fuel sender, I didn't take into account that one of the three attachment points (and supports) for front panel of the bench seat would be right on top of the hatch. (see below)



I think I'm going to add some additional points of support for the panel, on either side of the hatch cover. I don't think it will be too difficult to fashion something.

I still have a few things left... the pedestal seats need to go in, and I need to reinstall the some netting to keep items in rear of the boat from coming in contact with the engine.

It's hard to believe, but I'm getting close to finishing this thing. I can't wait to splash it...

Jim

 

[jmmacky]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Just looked through your rebuild JAS. Your boat looks awesome and you have clearly done some great quality work on her. Good luck with the splash! I'm splashing mine in a few days and am flicking between excitement and nervousness...mostly nervousness!!

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Thanks, I'm getting pretty close to splashing, too, and I know just how you feel. I have this recurring fear that I'll see water rushing in the back as I drop it in the water. I'll feel a lot better after I see it out on the water with a bone-dry bilge!

I only have a couple of things left to do. The rear bench seats needs to be reassembled and the pedestal seats need to be screwed down. I don't know if I need to treat the holes in the seat bases (for the pedestal seats) with 4200. I wouldn't mind making them water tight, but I don't want to make it impossible to remove the screws if I need to in the future.

Those two things, and a bit of cleaning in the bow area, and I'm done!

I was just thinking that I've spent hundreds of hours in my boat, but only a small fraction of that has been while it's on the water. I need to start reversing that...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

It won't be long now! Make sure the Camera's all charged up so we can share all the fun when you hit the Lake!!!!

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Wood, I am so thankful to you for all your patient help, I feel like I should name a part of the boat in your honor! I really couldn't have made it to this point without your help. There's lots of great information on this site, and I learned so much from many of the others who have documented their work, but you really guided me step-by-step through some stages with very specific and helpful advice. Thank you!

I'll be sure to record the big day!

Jim

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

I thank you for your kind words Jim. But I'm just an Old Dumb Okie, that trys to help when and where I can. There's a LOT more knowledgeable folks on here than me. I'm glad I was able to encourage you to be successful. YOU did the work, I just pointed out things that needed to be done. You provided the skill, determination, and "GIT ER DUN" attitude. That's the most important part!!! I'm REALLY looking forward to those SPLASH PICS!!!!!!

 

[jmmacky]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider

Thanks, I'm getting pretty close to splashing, too, and I know just how you feel. I have this recurring fear that I'll see water rushing in the back as I drop it in the water. I'll feel a lot better after I see it out on the water with a bone-dry bilge!

Haha I have exactly the same recurring nightmare about my boat!! Glad it's not just me!

I'd like to echo what you said about Woodonglass. There is loads of great information, helpful people and fantastic rebuild threads on this site but Wood has been there all the way through my rebuild as well providing help and support. He answers similar questions over and over with the same patience and detail each time on this forum. So thanks very much Wood for all the help you give.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Transom problems with Larson 186 SEI I/O Bowrider