87' Blue Fin Sportsman 17' Resoration.

[Cdkarem]

Getting started on a Blue Fin 17' restoration that I just purchased Sunday. This will be my first boat resto so I'm hoping to get some "I wouldn't do that's" along the way. The boat isn't in too bad of shape. The hull is very good but the interior has suffered some years of uncovered California sun and rain along with saltwater use. I only have a few pics off my cell phone for now until I get a memory card for my camera so I can transfer the rest of them.

The previous owner had not started the 1988 90 hp Johnson motor for about 4-5 years. I got it to run on Tuesday but had to continually pump the hand primer ball to keep it going. Fuel pump is on the way. The trim and tilt worked when I got it home but gave up the next day. So trim motor on the way as well.

I guess my first question is what can I economically do about getting the sundried jump seats and a few other padded rails recovered?

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Some pictures of the interior will help answering this question.

 

[Cdkarem]

No Title

Here's a few. I found my memory card!

 

[Woodonglass]

Welcome to iBoats!!!

This is a DIY'r site. A lot of us have purchase vintage 1950's All metal geared Singer Sewing machines, and then utilized YouTube videos to learn how to do our own Upholstery work. It's really not all that difficult to do and you can save hundreds of dollars in the process. You might want to consider that. You can use the old seat covers for patterns and re-do them for a fraction of the costs. Do some searching here on the forum and you'll find some examples of what our members have been able to accomplish with just basic skills and some good old gumption!!!!

 

[Cdkarem]

Seems I would need to spend a minimum of $550 for new seats. I would have to do the console and rails my self still. A lot more to do for now though. Tearing it apart is the easy part though.

 

[Cdkarem]

Got some more done this afternoon. That floor sure was stuck to the foam! Not to mention the missed rivets.

 

[BWR1953]

Lookin' good! Rolling right along there. :thumb:

 

[Cdkarem]

I need advice on the foam. It looks dry all the way through as far as I can see. Should I just leave it in place? Maybe just add some extra up front?

 

[jbcurt00]

Get a 2" pc of pvc @ 2ft long. Cut saw teeth around 1 end. Use that to take a core plug outta the foam all the way down to the hull in 1 spot. If the core hole doesnt weep any water overnight and fill the hole w water, core a couple more places to confirm its all dry all the way down to the hull.

IMO: All dry, might leave it. Any of the core holes are wet, pull it all.

Dont be surprised that 'solid, dry' foam isnt when you drill down to the hull. It normally isnt dry in significantly more then 1/2 the case it appears to be dry.

 

[Cdkarem]

Made a hole in the back few feet and it's all dry. ill check again to see if it stayed that way. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Cdkarem]

The foam is all dry. Looking ahead if I epoxy my new floor pieces is my only choice using contact cement to adhere down the vinyl flooring? It seems using contact cement would limit me to putting in the vinyl in separate pieces. My floor is in three pieces. The md-101 water based adhesive states tht it can only be used on wood. Am I overthinking that adding the epoxy would void using md101?

 

[64osby]

http://www.marideck.net/MariDeckInstallation.pdf

Reading the installation instructions would make me want to return the product for something better suited for your application. The MD 102 might be a product to use on epoxy, but I would also look at other exterior adhesives. The reviews on the MD products seemed to be all over the place which to me is not a good sign.

 

[Cdkarem]

I think I'm gonna try out the weldwood contact cement. I'm gonna pick up my ply this week and order up the epoxy. Should be enough to keep me busy for now. I still need to do some measurements and think about what kind of gas tank I'm going with. I have a 6 gallon so far but that's too small indeed.

Has anyone put a tank in their ski locker?

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

It's not a ski locker anymore it's what ever you want it to be.

Lots of boats have belly tanks, if you want to hide it away take some measurement and start looking for a fit. Seems most factory belly tanks are of this shape but anything that will fit the space should work.

 

[Cdkarem]

Got the trim motor, fuel pump and ignition switch put in today. Motor starts at the tap of the key now. Should be picking up plywood and making some cuts tomorrow.

 

[Cdkarem]

No Title

Got the floors cut out and the first coat of epoxy down. I was able to pick up some epoxy made locally from aeromarine products. First coat seemed to go on well even though most was absorbed into the wood. Looks like I'm gonna have to take off the bow piece and rub rails next.

Any opinions on nautolex flooring vs Marideck? I'm leaning towards nautolex due to price and others using it.

 

[Cdkarem]

No Title

After two coats.

 

[Cdkarem]

Getting ready to remove the rub rails. Anyone have any advise for a first timer? Will I be able to reuse the insert? It's in good shape but I have to remove it to put down vinyl.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Pull the corner and bow caps to see if it's one or two pieces. There should be a rivet or screw at each end. Remove that and it/they should slide right out of the channel. Some dish soap and water sprayed into the channel along the length can help lube it to make sliding easier.

If it's in good shape save it and reinstall later by reversing the process.

 

[Cdkarem]

No Title

Thanks. Turned out well with no major problems.