What to do... what to do...

[boaterntexas]

Hey guys.<br /> well this is really 2 post in one.<br />I haev a 1976 hydrosport 17' bass boat with a 115 hp merc on it, I'm wanting to restore teh boat, and was wondering if you guys had any suggestions, tips, or steps. I know the motor will work my main concern is the body of the boat it needs new deck and carpet, could use new seats, steeringwheel, guages, and motor/tilt/trim controls, not sure what it looks like under the deck, but I also knwo that I want to add some more storage room into the deck if possible. I also want to make it the hull look good. willing to spend between $400.00 to $800.00 <br /><br /> any help, tips, suggests, or links are appreciated.<br /><br /> Thanks, Thomas

 

[JasonJ]

Re: What to do... what to do...

$400 to $800 doesn't leave much room. I am in the process of a project from hell. I am converting an old 17 ft tri-hull from a runabout to a center console multi-purpose (mostly fishing) rig. I have a tentative budget of $1200 to $1500. I have had to rip out the floor, stringers, foam, and transom, seperated the upper deck from the hull, and grind it down to accept new wod and glass. You can see pics in my posts, look for my name. So far, I have spent about $500 for wood, resin, mat, and miscelaneaous items. It adds up quick. I still have to get paint, floatation foam, build the center console and seat, have a seat cushion made or make one myself, rewire the entire electrical system. After all that is done, I have to drydock it and rebuild the trailer, which has its own budget seperate from the boat. Lastly, I have to build or purchase a means to keep it under cover so my better half can use the carport again. <br /><br />Your best bet is to get a solid idea of the actual condition of the boat, especially the structure under the floor. That is a make or break deal. When I looked under my floor, I almost took a chainsaw to the boat and haul it to the landfill, but I had to remind myself that I got the boat for practically nothing and got it for this project. Good luck and keep asking those questions. Pics would be helpfull as well...

 

[evin300]

Re: What to do... what to do...

Do use a chainsaw, but not to cut the boat up! use it to remove the old wood. later, ChainsawEvin

 

[wezie]

Re: What to do... what to do...

Just my usual sugestion.<br />Find your favorite boat catalogs, add up all the things you need to finish the project. You may be able to buy any item for less, but this will give you an idea of the total. (Add a little. We always forget some things.)<br />Don't forget the lumber yard items. <br />Total. <br />Now decide whether you want to go forward.<br />When we look at the whole job, we tend to stay upright in these projects.<br />I am very impressed with Jason's project planning.<br />Good Luck!

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: What to do... what to do...

Get an idea of what it looks like under the deck first (heck... you are going to replace the carpet and add spaces anyway....) I'd begin by cutting 1 space just to get an idea of what it looks like under there (and then make a desision from there). If you are thinking of seats, gauges, tilt and trim you are probably going to be WAY over budget.<br /><br /> Boat projects (aka project boats) are expensive but it is fun work and a great hobby.

 

[Beeched]

Re: What to do... what to do...

For a lot of the stuff that you night need, watch ebay. Do searches for the things that you are wanting to get. Then keep track of the searches and items. I have a room full of things that I have acquired from there just wainting for the weather to break to get started on my project. All of the things that I have has been gotten for a fraction of the retail. Some of it used some new, but all in good condition.<br /><br />I have to visit the lumber yard too, have kept money back for those items. By the time I am finished I will have less than $1000.00 invested in additional items to do the restoration. It is a 1959 Crestliner Voyager that I am working on. If only I can transfer what is in my head to the finished product, it should turn out sweet.

 

[SCO]

Re: What to do... what to do...

You can do it for 6 to 800. Gotta get your attitude right. yOU CAN TURN THAT JUNK TO A GREAT 30 YEAR BOAT FOR THIS PRICE. Dont buy stuff you dont need. Figure if this is the hull for you, then strip it , gut it, replace transom and stringers and floor, using exterior plywood and treated lumber.I for example would paint the underside of the floor with any old primer and latex house paint. Use epoxy for transom(take deck off and do from the inside) and stringers(2 gal resin plus hardner), glass top of floor with polyester. Gages are voltmeter, gps(used garmin 45xl or better), rpm, fuel(only if you have an underdeck tank). You also need running lights, anchor light, and battery maintainer(auto on off charger green(not the red one) from sears auto store). It's a biatch, but doable in a month. get the proper respirator from home depot. Keep us posted and we can help you, signed, been there done that.