Re: Bass Tracker restoration
Compared to the glassers, the tin boats look to be a breeze. But don't underestimate the size of the project because you never know what lies beneath the floor.
For example, on the surface the foam may look good, but dig down a couple inches and you may find that it's water-logged. It won't dry out and it's a hazard since it will help your boat sink faster than it helps it float. Plus it slows you down. I estimated my foam weighed about 500 pounds.
If the foam is water logged a lot of times the transom is rotten as well.
A lot of used boats have half-***** wiring jobs done by the previous owners. Best thing is to look up wiring diagrams on this site and do it right.
Plan out your restore with what you want to do (task list), the order of execution, and the bill of materials to do it. Unless you have unlimited funds, costs can go up quickly! Plan for 15% overage as you'll be making 50 trips to the Home Depot for stuff you suddenly need but didn't plan on needing.
Time box your work so you stay on track with your progress. On Sunday night write down what you want to accomplish in the coming week and set target dates. Some days I'll go out to the garage without my task list and piddle around for an hour and not accomplish anything. Bring your task list and focus on one thing at a time and knock it out. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll make progress when you take this approach. Best thing is to put a whiteboard in your garage with your next tasks on it. Cross each one off as you go.
From what I've seen the Trackers have really great structure in them. Should be a great boat once you get it done right. Best of luck!
