1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

[nitrosteve]

Well we picked up our first boat last year just happened to be one like I grew up with as a kid. Nostalgia may have got the best of me on this one. I purchased the boat for $1300.00 and put license on it and took her out. We ran it a total of 8 tanks of gas over the summer so now i am pretty confident its mechanically sound except for the shift cable sticking. Oh and it threw a belt on the last tank.

So anyway below are some pics of the floor after the carpet was removed.

Keep in mind this is my first ever boat repair experience. I would have never even attempted something like this if it weren't for this site. Next is a shot of the seat rot

Quick question why are there 2 hoses coming out of the vent but only one blower hose? Where do the other hoses go to?

I just want to thank everyone in advance for any suggestions or help. I will post some more pics after I get the floor out. Any one think there wont be rot? Oh the suspense....

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

Nice looking boat. Should be real sharp all fixed up. Would you mind resizing your pics to 640x480? Thanks.

 

[nitrosteve]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

Nice looking boat. Should be real sharp all fixed up. Would you mind resizing your pics to 640x480? Thanks.

Thanks sure not a problem.

 

[nitrosteve]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

Here are some more random pics

 

[nitrosteve]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

I got the portion out today just below the drivers seat seems That that part of the stringers is still in good shape. Its just amazing how much water the foam holds I dug out a spot that appeared to be dry on the top but after digging down to the hull about 8 inches there was a nice little puddle forming. I think im going to do without the foam on the rebuild its just a spot to hold moisture.

I do have a question my deck seems soft all the way over to the edge of the side boxes. Does this mean I need to pull the side boxes off and go all the way to the hull?
Also I am using as circular saw set at the depth of the deck and trying to get as close to the sides as possible yeah that's not working out too well. I am thinking of buying a rotozip that you can adjust the depth any thoughts on this?

I will get some more pics later after I get more of the floor out.

 

[nitrosteve]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

Wow 76 hits 3 questions and not one response. Hmmmm maybe I have stumped everyone.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

Since no one better qualified has answered......yes I think you need to grind out everything. Rotozip sounds like a good idea. Be VERY CAREFUL not to put a cut in your hull. You would be nowhere near the first one to do this though!

 

[nitrosteve]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

The rotozip is not the tool for this job it didn't work well at all. I ended up taking it back and buying a trusty jigsaw and cutting the blades down to where the just almost cut thru the deck. This works like a charm and only $30. So far I Have pulled all the foam just under the drivers seat area I am sure it weights every bit of 40lbs. At this rate this thing may break 40mph when its done.

 

[nitrosteve]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

Ive made a little progress but this is slow going, who ever said they could do this in a weekend is just nuts. I did find the saws all is my new friend.

 

[umtnman]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

Hello, I just came in from glassing the deck on my boat. It looked alot like yours a couple weeks ago. If you cant cut all the way to where you want a 4 in flap sanding disk works good and fast removing glass and wood. You said that you were leaving out the foam. It has been there for a good reason. I repaced it. Easy, Drill holes in the deck and pour it in. Have fun.

 

[nitrosteve]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

Well my fears were made a reality today. I drilled 3 inspection holes into the transom and well the bottom 2 holes nothing came out. Now I have to decide if I even want to mess with replacing the transom.

What should I ask for a working 3.0l 140hp and a working alpha 1?

 

[boatflipper]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

I would highly suggest that you keep the boat and replace the transom. Since you have already began the restore process I say you keep on keepin on! If you were to sell the outdrive and scrap the boat, you will not be able to find one in good of shape, and with as little invested, as you would have with this boat when you are done. The transom may seem like a daunting task but with this site you can do it! I promise (I know you can because I did)
Good luck with your decision!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

I agree that that boat is worth fixing up and unless you go up a good bit in price, you could very well end up with another rotted one. Mark Twain's are good solid hulls. Go for it!

 

[nitrosteve]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

I would highly suggest that you keep the boat and replace the transom. Since you have already began the restore process I say you keep on keepin on! If you were to sell the outdrive and scrap the boat, you will not be able to find one in good of shape, and with as little invested, as you would have with this boat when you are done. The transom may seem like a daunting task but with this site you can do it! I promise (I know you can because I did)
Good luck with your decision!

When I get overwhelmed will you hold me....

No in all seriousness thanks for the pep talks I guess your right I am just figuring out the logistics of it all I only have a 1 1/2 car garage and we are renting. I think I can tow the boat to my work and pull the engine with the fork lift and set it on a pallet then take that to my brother in laws and store it in his barn but I just hate mooching crap. I think if I do it im gonna squeeze into the garage on a pallet and a old tire. Ok im doing it.... Your all right if I try to go out and buy another I might end up with more of a lemon.

 

[MToma1]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

Check it out if you havent already. Marktwainboats.org
Alot of good guys with twains on there.

 

[boatflipper]

Re: 1987 Mark Twain MTB 175 floor replacement etc.

When I get overwhelmed will you hold me....

I would be glad to lol

I think you made the right decision to keep her. By doing everything yourself, in the end you will have something to be proud of!