What have I got myself into? Larson Rebuild

[kf4zht]

Hey everyone,

On a whim I bought a project boat. My hobbies have included everything from woodwork, welding, jeeps, and most outdoor sports.

I found an older larson on craigslist for $200. Hull seemed to be in good shape, came with a pile of extra parts, seemed like it would be worth it.

Now this is the first boat I have done, while I have driven a bunch of powerboats the ownership and restoration side is new to me. I figure I can handle the mechanical, I have rebuilt several engines and the outdrive looks less complicated than most transfer cases. I wire fire trucks for my dept so the wiring is no issue. Its the boat stuff I need help with.

Here are some pictures of the boat:
http://kf4zht.com/pictures/main.php?g2_itemId=128&g2_page=1

1. What is it? The PO said it was a 19' 1966 Larson. I looked at their catalog for '66 and could not find a 19' boat. So I measured it, and it is 18.5'. Well, the 18.5' they show doesn't look like it, the engine area and windshield are different. There is no hull ID so I know it is before they started being required. One sticker say Larson Lapline, but all the Laplines I found are outboard. Anyone got an idea what this is?

2. What do I need to do the deck - I am on a bit of a budget being in college and having a jeep project. I need to budget in for the floor. I have new stringer and deck wood. From looking around I need about 5-6 gals of resin, but how much glass?

3. Topside cracks - I have a bunch of topside cracks like these
http://kf4zht.com/pictures/main.php?g2_itemId=191
Can I just give a good coat of resin to fill these in, sand and paint or do I need to do more?

4. Engine and outdrive parts - Can anyone tell me on sight what engine/outdrive that is? It came with an OMC book so I think it is the OMC 110. Also I have what seems to be 2 smaller outdrives in parts and 1 complete larger outdrive. anyone know how to find out what the bigger outdrive is? The 4 banger in it seems to be in ok shape (needs paint, rubber and gaskets) but if the complete outdrive is for a v8 I can find a chevy or ford v8 and convert it.

As an initial plan I am going to follow is:
1. Remove engine, outdrive
2. replace stringers
3. Replace floor, check transom
4. fix topside
5. Fix engine/outdrive, reinstall
6. rewire
7. seats and dash


Any other tips I need to know. I am looking forward to this project, but some of it is new to me and I have budget problems

 

[92excel]

Re: What have I got myself into? Larson Rebuild

Hey everyone,
2. What do I need to do the deck - I am on a bit of a budget being in college and having a jeep project. I need to budget in for the floor. I have new stringer and deck wood. From looking around I need about 5-6 gals of resin, but how much glass?

I am doing a 18.5 foot excel ski boat. I am doing the stringers deck and transom. I ordered 15 gallons of resin. 1 1/2 oz matt 30 yards, 50 yard roll of 708 biax tape for beefing up the stringers, tabbing the deck, and tabbing the storage boxes and seats. 8 oz cloth for the deck

you will also need rollers,mixing sticks, mixing containers, rubber gloves, respirator, grinder, tvek overalls, fuzzy roller, paint tray liners, and acetone

budget about 1000 for the stuff above.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What have I got myself into? Larson Rebuild

I think before I put any effort into the hull I'd make sure I could get that motor and outdrive working. That drive system could be tough to get parts for. I'm not trying to be discouraging, just don't want you to get the boat all fixed up and then find you can't do anything with the motor.

 

[danond]

Re: What have I got myself into? Larson Rebuild

The engine/drive are going to be a huge pain. I'd budget to replace with a newer Mercury setup. Cool looking boat.

 

[kf4zht]

Re: What have I got myself into? Larson Rebuild

The engine/drive are going to be a huge pain. I'd budget to replace with a newer Mercury setup. Cool looking boat.

I was looking at that and given what I have found about OMC it may be the best idea. From what I know almost all the manufacturers use GM or ford blocks, this one looks GM. Could I use this engine (if it checks out ok, need to do a leakdown test) with a mercruiser outboard? Would it be a flywheel/bellhousing swap?