1972 Starcraft Jupiter New Project

[K2simpson]

I have what I think is a 1972 Starcraft Jupiter. It was originally purchased by my grandfather then held by my father the last 30+ years. The boat has mostly sat during that time with the occasional tarp placed over it. My boat knowledge is minimal so I am looking for some help. The original o/b Mercury 650 was pretty easy to figure out and, after some electrical issues, a new fuel line, and a water pump rebuild kit it seems to be operating as it should. My next project is the interior. I need to replace the section of floor closest to the back as it has a few rotting sections. My questions so far are:
1- How do I remove the side panels? I don't want to drill any more rivits than necessary.
2- What type of wood should I install? Is it simply 3/4 ply? If so what do I coat it with?
3- What size rivits will I use to attach the new floor? Will the side panels be a different size?

I have been inspired by some of the ambitious projects posted here, but also realize skill set is vastly different than many of you. If you reply, feel free to simplify for me.
-Kelly

 

[K2simpson]

 

[MNhunter1]

The side panels are screwed to the floor, riveted to the inside tray (about halfway up the panel/likely behind that trim?), riveted to the rear vertical support, and screwed to the top trim piece. That top trim piece is riveted on the underside to the gunnel. The lower trim piece that screws to the floor is also riveted to the side panels, but you can remove the panel with it attached.

decking and side panels should both be 1/2". I suggest ACX plywood and coat in a few coats of Helmsman spar urethane.

Great sticky at the top of the forum on everything rivets from Watermann. I use large flange 3/4-1" length aluminum 3/16 rivets for the decking. The side panels will either be 3/16 or 5/32 rivets and shorter in length. I don't recall off the top of my head on the actual size. The can all be standard aluminum blind rivets, no need for the closed end rivets in these locations.

 

[MNhunter1]

 

[K2simpson]

The side panels are screwed to the floor, riveted to the inside tray (about halfway up the panel/likely behind that trim?), riveted to the rear vertical support, and screwed to the top trim piece. That top trim piece is riveted on the underside to the gunnel. The lower trim piece that screws to the floor is also riveted to the side panels, but you can remove the panel with it attached.

decking and side panels should both be 1/2". I suggest ACX plywood and coat in a few coats of Helmsman spar urethane.

Great sticky at the top of the forum on everything rivets from Watermann. I use large flange 3/4-1" length aluminum 3/16 rivets for the decking. The side panels will either be 3/16 or 5/32 rivets and shorter in length. I don't recall off the top of my head on the actual size. The can all be standard aluminum blind rivets, no need for the closed end rivets in these locations.

Thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate your feedback and expertise. Also, your project looks fantastic! Thank you for the pictures.