1985 Bayliner 2750 Ciera Sunbridge Resto

[eggs712]

The headliner is done, minus adding some trim where edges meet.





You can also see the Sunbrella curtains I made plus the pieces covering the hull/cap joint (not sure of terminology). When I replaced the rub rail rivets with #10-24 bolts, I installed really long bolts every couple of feet for easier solo install and/or future removal.

I have had some adhesive issues with the vinyl headliner. I'm using Dap Weldwood Landau Top & Trim contact cement rolled on. The first coat always sticks great for a few days before letting go, even before this hot weather began. A second application usually affixes the vinyl for good, but on the overhead pieces in the aft cabin, I'm on my third application from the vinyl falling down while I'm away for the week. The contact cement still seems sticky when this happens, so I'm guessing that the plasticizers in the vinyl are causing this problem. If anyone has any better insight into this, please let me know!

 

[eggs712]

Next, I decided to add a decent, albeit budget sound system in the cockpit after being underwhelmed by the soundbar in my bay boat. I added an 800W Skar monoblock amp plus an 8 channel Rockville 600W amp, one 10 inch DVC Skar subwoofer, and four 6.5 inch Skar coaxial speakers. The aft speaker mount doubles as a coaming bolster with two inch high density foam.









Lastly, after stripping some more of the peeling blue paint, I mounted a captain's chair on a fiberglass box seat. The seat is swivel plus sliding. I also found a teak folding footrest on ebay.



Stripping the paint has been pretty time consuming, and after multiple passes of the paint stripper, you can still see that not all of the paint is gone.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Looking and should sound good with that stereo setup!
interesting placement of the hatch in the aft cabin. Don’t remember you doing that. Since it’s behind the helm seat can it be stepped on?

 

[eggs712]

Looking and should sound good with that stereo setup!
interesting placement of the hatch in the aft cabin. Don’t remember you doing that. Since it’s behind the helm seat can it be stepped on?

It was already there, so I was stuck with the hole; I believe it's factory from my searching. I did replace it with an aluminum frame version, but I don't recall if I posted it.

It's strong enough to be stepped on, but I'm still going to sew up a protective/insulative cover for it.

Any progress on your boat?

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Ah gotcha. I’ve seen them in the vertical wall on other models.
not much progress. Had a tree fall on the house back in Feb. Kinda put a hold on boat rehab. And our weather up north has been wet and cold.

 

[eggs712]

Ouch, it's always something eh. Still no lake to test this boat on, so I may slow down soon.

 

[eggs712]

I can't believe how long it's been since I updated this thing. Work never stopped on the boat, just went slower than I'd like due to lots of overtime at work. I'll try to recap in order based on old pics in my phone:

I re-covered the cooler seat:


I then focused on slightly modifying and repainting the trailer.
Added a ladder to help with solo trailering:


Put the boat on blocks using bottle jacks and pulling forward a couple feet at a time. Those are pipe stands stabilizing the sides.




I experimented using etching primer on some parts (especially the galvanized ladder), but rolled Rustoleum rusty metal primer for most of it. I used Rustoleum Professional with added hardener as the topcoat.




Not shown is that I added more keel rollers; one per cross member.

 

[eggs712]

While I was at it, I'd planned to fair and re-gelcoat some beaching damage by the bow. However, with the trailer out, I found much more expansive damage. There was/is stress-cracking and evidence of running aground throughout most of the hull, which was covered by bottom paint. It's not deep damage mostly, but I already ground all the cracks out. I still have to fill and fair these spots.

I'm debating on whether to use epoxy and possibly a two part paint system for the bottom of the hull only or stick with polyester. Any advice on this?

 

[eggs712]

In better news, I've completed the finish trim work in the cabin, and starting to organize and clean for installing the upholstery. I'll have to get a video when it's installed and tidy to show it all.

These first few pics show the PVC board I used for some complex curves. I used a contour gauge to get the shapes right. I glued foam and stapled vinyl to the PVC, fastened with #4 stainless screws.

 

[eggs712]

Last but not least, I purchased a Garmin Kraken 90 inch shaft trolling motor. After having spot lock for a few years on my little boats, I've grown completely spoiled and have to have it on this boat as well.









The fit was tight, and I had to make the bow rail swing open as others on the internet have similarly done. The hinge hardware is made is a fixed pin style. I drilled out one of the pin so that it would receive a removable pin.







I omitted adding a removable power plug, and ran the wires through a drilled and caulked holed at the tiny forward compartment. I ran this wire behind the hull/cap vinyl trim piece, and the only visibly portion is where it dives down into the hanging locker.



I placed the 36V LiFePO4 battery in the hanging locker with a breaker switch. I then added a removable shelf above this for storage. I still have to stain and varnish the shelf.

 

[tpenfield]

Nice updates . . . looks like you have been busy. I noted your safe configuration of cinder blocks when you had the boat off of the trailer.

 

[eggs712]

Nice updates . . . looks like you have been busy. I noted your safe configuration of cinder blocks when you had the boat off of the trailer.

It's scary being under the load, but it all went okay thankfully.