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I am doing about the same project as you. I'll post my pics as I move along. I'll be pulling my gas tank out this week. I think I'll need to brace my swim deck from the inside somehow. Any ideas on that? It feels spongey when I put weight on it. My rear seat has rot as well. I'm sand blasting trailer this week too.
It's safe to say that your project is significantly more sophisticated than mine, but here's what I've found so far:
When I climbed onto the platform last year, the upper bolts pulled through, which was the first evidence of a problem. When I pulled the tank, I saw that there were small blocks (about 3x3in) flush to the inner transom where each bracket bolt went through. I decided to replace those with larger brass blocks cushioned with a rubber mat and multiple washers in varying size (like a cone aft to front) to disperse the force against the transom. I'm way behind in the project, but will show the pics once it's done. Looking great so far...you're gonna have a brand new boat when you're done!
Thank you guys soooo much for all your posts. It gave me the info and, more importantly, the courage to tackle this. I bought this boat off craigs list for $1500, knowing the motor lost oil pressure. Pulled the motor and broke it down. Piston sleeves need polishing, new piston rings, new cams and cam shaft. While motor is out I thought "why not wet sand and put new paint on...
I opened a can of worms there. Started pulling seats out and found some rot. Being a carpenter I know that where there is rot on the surface there is usually rot in the substructure. I had my fingers crossed because the deck was new, but when I did a core check on the joist it showed rot also. Crap! I'm gutting her. She's had her top off before because there is a thousand rivots and two pounds of silicon holding it down...good times.
I had the same fear of doing this, as I am nowhere near the skill as a carpenter. And work has me way behind in my intended time schedule. But this boat is my late father's and I'm determined to bring it back to life and keep it in the family.
I too found water as I began taking the foam out and worse yet, discovered rot in the engine mounts (a tip from Mikey) ...I knew I was in trouble. The inboard stringers and engine mounts are completely rotted, as well as most of the floor, so I decided to go the distance. After a lot of thought and cost analysis, I decided to gut the stringers, leave the resin forms as molds and fill with seacast, and then use 3/4 Coosa board #20 for the floor. It's expensive, but it doesn't require glass and resin, so the difference in total cost is neglible, plus I get a significant reduction in weight. I'm at $2,900 for the upholstery and about $1,200 for the floor and Seacast. Add another $1,000 for the damaged steering, and $600 for the exterior finish. Most keep the costs under hat, but I think it's beneficial for others to understand how much it takes to do a project like this. The best advise I can give is to go low and slow and you'll realise that it is doable, but it is a HUGE investment in time. (But, like me I bet you'll love it!) I think by the time I'm done, I'll have $8,500 in it. But that's better than $38k for a new one and even $15K for a used one. You're on the right track. Just remember that it takes more guts than skill. You CAN do this and it will turn out great.
There are many skilled people far beyond us here who are on your side to help.
Sybrmike
OkieBoarder
WakeMikey
Mapleleaf
rludtke
salty87
cadunkle
wotan2525
dshaff24
All these guys have helped in large and subtle ways. Don't be timid to ask them. They're more than willing to share their knowledge.
Neil
Snapfish has completely changed and I can no longer post photos...Anyone have any suggestions?
NeilMcg
There are a lot of post or threads of good quality pros that could do your stringers at a fair price. There is still a ton of work for you to do, but that job done would put you in the drivers seat faster. The ice on the lakes will be melting soon!
Thanks, But I was referring to how to get my photos on there. I think I may have figured it out. Very impressive work you've done so far!
Ok. Got the photo thing resolved.
Although I'm way behind, I finally got some work done:
Floor being removed:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a...100_0103-2.jpg
Met with the mechanic today. Although I had no plans to mess with it, looks like I'm going to have over 300hp!!
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a...100_0102-1.jpg
Rlhahn: This what I meant by reinforcing the bolts for the swim platform against the transom
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a...100_0099-1.jpg
Any suggestions on a quick way to remove the foam?
Thanks.
A little late on the photos, but Photo Bucket is a good one.
Foam removal is tough...straight shovel, chisel, air chisel, dynamite ;-)
Ahhh. Mine does have plates, but they still move quite a bit. I think I'm going to try and manufacture one long plate that connects all three supports.
As far as the foam goes, I used a sawsall (w/ a long blade), and then an orbital sander with 60 grit. It's messy though. My son helped by holding the shop vac hose while I worked.