Another Larson restoration; my first boat with a motor

[groom1234]

Hi forum, I just bought a 1967 Larson 166 All American. Got it for a good price and it's in pretty good shape, mostly.
However it will need a new floor for sure, though hopefully not a transom. My very first question is this: The boat is sitting on a trailer and the keel is resting on four rollers; one about 6 inches from the stern and then three more about three feet apart and one about midway up the bow (5 total). In addition there are two rails (one either side of the keel) supporting the back four feet of the boat. Is this enough support under the hull for me to do the restoration on the trailer? I've been told that the hull will deform and the boat will subsequently "porpose".
Also, any opinions re foam or not foam, redo the bilge for better drainage, permanent fuel tank in the center slot between the stringers?
Thanks for reading and your responses.
Sincerely,
Jules

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Another Larson restoration; my first boat with a motor

Welcome to iBoats . . .

Post some pictures when you can. Sounds like you will want more support than what the trailer is currently providing. You can probbaly add some additional lumber between the trailer frame and hull to add the extra support.

Yes to foam.

Improve the drainage.


What engine do you have?

 

[groom1234]

Re: Another Larson restoration; my first boat with a motor

Thanks Admiral,
Is it T. Penfield or T.P. Enfield? Just wondering. The boat came with a 1963 650 Mercury (Thunderbolt I think). Motor runs and there are no leaks in any of the gaskets. It's pretty clean, but I'm going to have it serviced by the local Merc guy.

As to support, thanks for the idea. I can support the hull at the chines, block onto the tongue of the trailer to pick up the bow and add carped blocks under the shears to the ground. That ought to do it,yes? If I foam between the stringers there's no place for water to get to, so no need for drainage other than off the deck into the bilge at the transom?

Will post pictures when I can, but this is just like a boat I used to rent as a teenager in the 60's (times have changed haven't they?)
Sincerely,
Jules

 

[groom1234]

Re: Another Larson restoration; my first boat with a motor

The 4 cylinder model. I understand it's a better motor than the 3 cyl