1989 Galaxy 225 Super Sport CC Complete Rebuild

[NIL_Boater]

Hey all. New to the forum but have been lurking for a bit while I was thinking over taking on this rebuild. Where to start with this project......? Like the thread says it's a 1989 Galaxy 225 SS CC and has been in the family, well wife's family, for most of its life. The boat was given to my brother-in-law a few years ago and he enlisted me to help get it going. So the cost of the hull is $0 and we have a healthy and realistic budget for this rebuild. Yes the stringers are shot and so it the transom. We have been doing our homework and we are ready for what is going to be a great project. We are not going to be getting rid of this boat for a long time, if ever. I do have a few questions for you all. Has anyone ever seen this boat before? I have googled and googled and not found a single SS. I can find the 225 Weekender and other boats that Galaxy made over the short run of the company. I am looking to put this back to original or as close to it that I can. All of the interior is shot since it has been outside for 20+ years with little protection, Northern Illinois winters are not the most forgiving. I really don't know what this thing looked like when it was new as far as the interior goes, the in-laws don't seem to have any photos of the interior, just one or two exterior pictures. Any help in locating any information on this would be greatly appreciated in advance.

I can't upload pictures right now. Says file size is too large so I'll upload them as soon as i can.

 

[tpenfield]

:welcome:

You will need a few posts under your belt to post pictures. Also reduce the 'size' of your pictures down to about 800 x 600 and they will be 'small' enough to upload to your posts.

Speaking of pictures, I would take many of them as you disassemble the boat. Also, take lots of measurements and document those accordingly. Use ziplock bags for hardware and other items, so they don't get lost.

What does the boat have for an engine?

 

[NIL_Boater]

Thanks for the reply and about getting pics on here.

I have been taking a ton of pictures along the way so far. Most of the mechanical components have been removed along with the 90% of the deck. It has a Mercruiser 4.3L with an Alpha (not sure yet which one) out-drive. All the hardware is going to get replaced along the way. Going to be getting a new long block also.

When we removed the deck there was not a lot of foam underneath. Not sure how Galaxy foamed them when they were in production. I have seen rebuilds here that have more foam on one side than this did in the whole boat.

 

[NIL_Boater]

Here are some pictures that I have on hand right now. The first 2 are from a few years ago and the last one is current.

 

[NIL_Boater]

Quick question for you all.

Whats the best tool for cutting out a transom? I have a few ideas but would like to know what works best for getting the glass off from those who have done it before. Thanks in advance.

 

[AShipShow]

A lot of guys saw the oscillating multitools work really well.. I used a 4 1/2" angle grinder with cutoff wheels to remove the fiberglass skin then a prybar and chisel to get all the wood out.

 

[chevymaher]

I used a cutting wheel on the grinder. Made a line around the edge and then peeled all the glass off with a chisel.

 

[NIL_Boater]

Thanks Mad Props chevymaher

So I have made a little progress in the demo portion of the rebuild. Here are a few pics of what I have going so far with a few questions too. Threw in a few pics of the hull also.

So during the deconstruction I have come across something that I need a little guidance with. In the picture of bilge I cut off the top of the motor mount. While getting the wet spongy mess out it looks like the mount was three 2x4's stacked up horizontally and nailed together. Has anyone seen this construction before? During the rebuild would it be ok to use a 4x4 or possibly cut down a larger solid piece?

Second question:
While i was measuring the stringers I noticed that spacing was not equal. They are off by a good 1/2 - 5/8. Is there a reason for this? I was thinking that they might have moved and am planning on putting them back and spacing them the same.

I hope that I am on the right track here since this is my first rebuild. Any pointers and advice is much appreciated.

 

[chevymaher]

Your motor mounts can be solid. Just make sure it is untreated wood.

Was the stringer because of the gas tank shape to get it to fit.

 

[Woodonglass]

Best way to get the transom wood off is to use a circular saw set about 1/16 shy of the thickness. Cut a Vertical/Horizontal 2" grid and then use a 1 1/2" wood chisel to knock off the 2" blocks. You'll be amazed how easy they knock off.