Fletcher Bravo Arrowsport 150 restoration...

[PaddyConlan]

many of those older boats had balsa decks. what was in there from the beginning?

I also know from my hydrostream that the hulls were cored on many boats.

composite vs wood is your decision.

as other stated, generally 3/4 for transom and stringer, and 1/2" on the deck. but as I mentioned, many of the small go-fast boats used just a bit more glass and end-grain balsa. In that case, I would look at either foam or something like coosa for the deck.

Im not entirely sure what was in there originally as it was soo rotten when I removed everything. There was in fact a plywood deck tabbed on top of the original to my surprise.

I think I will be sticking with wood for the stringers and deck, I'll find some more details out on the foam panels at my suppliers.

Thanks

 

[PaddyConlan]

So today was another day on the grinding, there were a multitude of weak areas once the old glass had been taken back.



Obviously these areas need addressing, so is it a case of applying a few layers of glass to each area to strengthen it again?



Not too long to go, I should be able to get this finished off in the morning. Then hopefully I can start the rebuild.

 

[todhunter]

Looking good. I can't really tell how small or large the void is, but personally, I'd just fill those spots with hairy PB when laying the tabbing and call it a day.

 

[Scott Danforth]

that wont be the first or last time you grind thru the hull.

 

[PaddyConlan]

Does anyone have any advice regarding the windscreens? Unfortunately, this one cracked! This one, in particular, is curved on the corners.

Would this have to be fabricated by a professional or is it possible to either find a replacement or attempt to make one myself?

 

[Scott Danforth]

the original windshield was most likely Taylor Made Systems

their aftermarket site is : https://boatwindshieldrepair.com/

give them a shout. however be prepared

my guess, that windshield will run you about $2-3k from TMS

there are plastic fabrication companies that can also re-create the curved sections. however not sure on the price

 

[QBhoy]

Hi.
can’t believe I missed your original post. This is the classic arrowsport 150. I had a 1979 inboard model. This will be around 83-85’
As you’ll know by now. The real Achilles heel in the wonderful fletcher boats, is the transom.
There is a huge owners club here in the U.K. I currently have a fletcher and had many over the years.
the windscreen you can get made from a few companies now.
get in touch and I can help you out.

 

[PaddyConlan]

So it seems I now have a sieve for a hull. So many voids found whilst grinding, most of them are small but run along most of the channels where the stringers will be situated.



My intention now is to get some reinforcement down in all of these channels, im thinking it will be easier of just doing all of them with 2 layers of 450g CSM.

Here i started with one of the worst areas:


It looked like this hull had taken a beating in the past and had just been patched up with resin being poured down the centre line of the hull.



I also managed to get my two boards glued together and the transom template ready to cut tomorrow we'll see if this product for bonding is as good as my supplier says it is in the morning.

 

[PaddyConlan]

Hi.
can’t believe I missed your original post. This is the classic arrowsport 150. I had a 1979 inboard model. This will be around 83-85’
As you’ll know by now. The real Achilles heel in the wonderful fletcher boats, is the transom.
There is a huge owners club here in the U.K. I currently have a fletcher and had many over the years.
the windscreen you can get made from a few companies now.
get in touch and I can help you out.

Hey, thanks for the message.

I have been searching none end for information on theses boats, just love the history behind them. I would certainly be interested in the owners club if you have the details?

Oh do you have some photos of the inboard version of arrowsport, it would be good to see.

As for the screens if you could direct me to some companies that would be great!

Thanks

 

[QBhoy]

Hey, thanks for the message.

I have been searching none end for information on theses boats, just love the history behind them. I would certainly be interested in the owners club if you have the details?

Oh do you have some photos of the inboard version of arrowsport, it would be good to see.

As for the screens if you could direct me to some companies that would be great!

Thanks

Look for the fletcher owners on Facebook book. That’s the most current large group. The windscreen can be done by many people. Nearest me. Is QD plastics. Many on the owners group have done this very thing. Also lots if documented strip downs.