1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

[baginwal]

I'm hoping you guys can help me out.

I bought this boat brand new in 1990 (leftover) and have not regretted one day.

I'm finally going to replace the spongy (cracked) floor.

I contacted Starcraft awhile back and they suggested drilling out the rivets to remove the floor (and keeping it as intact as possible to be used as a template).

Do I need to remove the center console or can i just prop it up and slide the new piece of plywood underneath? My concern is the livewell hoses.

Once the floor is out, I plan on inspecting/replacing (if necessary) the foam. Also, I am going to run an additional PVC pipe for any later wiring I might want to install (bow-mount trolling motor, new transducer, etc).

Since the floor will be out, should i apply Gluvit as a precautionary step (as the boat does not leak)?

Any other tips/surprises I should know about?

Thanks in advance for your help (I plan on starting this job sometime later this week).

 

[tboydva]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Baginwal, I suspect you'll need to remove the console (as it probably bolts to the floor). If you're going to re-foam, there's tons of info on this site. I would suggest installing a drain to keep it from getting waterlogged (should you develop a leak). I also fitted a PVC conduit and it has served me well. There is some lubricant you can get at electrical supply places that helps pull wires through. I never could find my leak (under a runner I think), so my gluvit application didn't fix the issue. My personal bias, get plate aluminum to replace the floor. Most think I'm crazy, but wood will just rot again (yeah, the boat will be long sold by then, but...). Metal is pricey now though...

 

[baginwal]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Tboy....thanks.

I also noticed my center console is not "centered" it's abit off to one side. Is this normal or did someone during installation miss the mark?

 

[tboydva]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

I suspect that's due to the runner's placement(s). However, if it's a wood floor, they generally just wood-screw it in (so there wouldn't be a need to line it up with the runners). I also ran my livewell tubing in PVC conduit. If you foam in the floor and it somehow forms a leak (or rots), it'd be a huge job to replace. You should post some pictures... That might entice some of the resident experts to chime in.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

baginwal, have you been down here yet? http://forums.iboats.com/Starcraft_Boats?boatid=243 and more specifically here: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=494143 TONS of reference material for you.

Whether you apply Gluvit or not is probably going to depend on whether or not you have poured in foam (probably do) and if it's waterlogged or not. If it's dry, you won't want to mess with it to gain access to the rivets and seams.

 

[baginwal]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Thanks again guys!

I will check those two forums for additional info.

Tboy: Yes, console is screwed down. Not sure why they wouldn't center it? Oh well.

I will try to get a few pics up asap.

 

[seakingbob]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=492331
You can check out my posts. I am rebuilding a 1992 mr170

 

[baginwal]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Seakingbob: Thanks! your posts are very helpful

 

[seakingbob]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

It's a lot of work. I had painted the whole boat. That's what took most of my time. The inside hasn't been that bad. Just make sure you coat the plywood you use with something that will preserve the wood. When they build the boats, The manufacturer just covers the wood and doesn't put anything on it. Then they put down carpet and all that does is hold water and make the wood rot. Try and go with vinyl if you can. The price isn't really that much difference compared to carpet and easier to clean.
Post some pictures when you can.

 

[baginwal]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Seaking: Do I need to seal the new marine plywood if I am covering it with vinyl?

 

[seakingbob]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

I would use Spar Varnish. You can buy it at Lowes. Use the Cabot marine grade. I used a gallon on mine. Do at least 3 to 4 coats on both sides after you cut it to fit and do the edges every time you do the other coats,this way the edges will have about 6 coats.

 

[baginwal]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Thanks Seaking.

The Spar varnish should have not effect on the adhesive properties of the glue used to hold down the final vinyl flooring, correct?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Thanks Seaking.

The Spar varnish should have not effect on the adhesive properties of the glue used to hold down the final vinyl flooring, correct?

I certainly wouldn't think so.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Thanks Seaking.

The Spar varnish should have not effect on the adhesive properties of the glue used to hold down the final vinyl flooring, correct?

I personally like to sand the sealer a little before applying the adhesive, I use a 120 grit and dull the finish to give the adhesive something to really grip.

Make sure you use an exterior grade sealer. If you have a lot of decking to do I suggest epoxy resin, it doesn't cost much more than the spar and is a much tougher sealer.

 

[baginwal]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Thanks EZ & JignGrub

 

[baginwal]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

i'm confused as to what type of rivet to secure the floor down with. I was planning on using 3/16" x 1 1/8" open blind aluminum rivets. Should i be using closed blind or is this only necessary for below the waterline?

Also, what size hole do i drill in the new floor? 1/4 inch for 3/16" rivet?

Thanks guys

 

[seakingbob]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

You would use the same size drill bit as the rivet, so if you are using a 3/16 you would drill the size hole for the rivet to go into. The length you are using is fine. That's what I used.

 

[baginwal]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

You would use the same size drill bit as the rivet, so if you are using a 3/16 you would drill the size hole for the rivet to go into. The length you are using is fine. That's what I used.

Thanks. Did you go with open blind rivets?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Yes open end rivets, you can't get closed end rivets that long.

What's the thickness of your decking?

 

[baginwal]

Re: 1989 Starcraft Mariner MR18 CC Floor Replacement

Yes open end rivets, you can't get closed end rivets that long.

What's the thickness of your decking?

Decking is 1/2 inch.

Just pulled the console today. What torture getting at the molded in livewell drain hose! After disconnecting all electrical, shift/throttle and steering cables, I could only lift the console about 5 inches off the deck (in order to get at the hose clamp holding the hose). Once loose, the hose would not break free from the drain connection. several "battle wounds' later (with limited access laying on my back barely getting my arms in), i was able to break it free and lift the console off.

What a GREAT feeling it was getting that hose loose. I may just buy myself a Moor Sub-Troll lol.

Seriously, A BIG THANKS to everyone for making this job bearable