Bayliner Capri Hull restoration

[airplanechris]

Hi everyone, I’m new to this site as well as to boating and I was hoping I could get a little guidance on a restoration I’m attempting. I recently acquired a 89 Bayliner Capri for next to nothing with a working motor. I knew it would need work and ended up discovering everything that was wood on the boat was rotted, right down to the stringers. So I’m basically going to rebuild it from the hull up. I have a couple of questions if anyone could help.

1. I plan on reframing the interior differently than the original. Like no seats up front or by the motor. Is this a risky thing to do? Are they specifically outfitted for a certain weight and balance?

2. Should I put a new layer of fiberglass down to reinforce the hull before adding the wooden framework?

3. The stringers were so rotted I couldn’t really get a look at them. I was planning on redoing them with Douglas for or Spruce. Should they be pressed right against the stern? Again it was hard to tell with the condition they were in.

I really appreciate any input or if this has been addressed, any pointers as to where to look.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

before you do anything, make sure that you love the boat enough to dump $4-5k into it

1 - you need to plan everything out prior to starting
2 - not needed once you grind out all the old tabing and transom, simply tab all the new in
3 - exterior grade plywood or marine plywood

also read the links in the stickies https://forums.iboats.com/forum/boa...r/295740-how-to-s-and-other-great-information

specifically links 14, 18, 2, 3, 4 in that order. links 14 has pictures, videos, etc. link 18 has drawings

 

[tpenfield]

:welcome:

In answer to your questions

#1 - It should be fine. Boats are not that specifically engineered. Feel free to post some pictures or a sketch of your planned seating arrangement

#2 - Sure, if there are some areas that could stand to be a little thicker.

#3 - most folks use A or B grade Exterior plywood for their stringers and bulkheads. That is also what many boat companies use. Usually the wood frame it set about 1/4" above the hull and just sort of the transom, so it does not form a 'hard' spot.

Study the numerous threads on rebuilding same/similar boats in the restoration forum and you should pick up plenty of information and pointers.

 

[airplanechris]

Thanks a lot guys, that helps! I’m still trying to figure out how to get photos uploaded, keeps saying the file is too big.

 

[tpenfield]

downsize your photos to about 800 x 600 and they should be small enough to upload/post.

 

[Woodonglass]

Understand that Bayliners are NOT high end boats and the factory does NOT spend a lot on quality control. Having said that I freely admit that they DO make some nice looking hulls. Soooo, if this boat Makes your Heart Sing, and fits yours and your family's needs then spend the Bucks and make her Better Than New. I promise you, if you do the restoration, following the advice of this forums members, she will be better than she was when she came from the factory and with proper care and maintenance, will last for many decades. Is she an Inboard or Outboard boat?