is my procraft coming apart?

[procraftmark]

I have a 1985 procraft 1650proV I think it is the fish -ski model, my question is this I just noticed that i can press the top of the deck down about a quarter of an inch before it hits the inside of the rail , this is right up in the nose and you can push it down alittle bit a couple of feet back from the nose! this can't be right is it , how is the top and bottom joined behind the rail? I can take out some tackle trays and get my hand up in there but barely anybody know how this boat is constructed and what I can do about this?<br /><br />thnx,<br />mark

 

[DJ]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

mark,<br /><br />Typically, the decks are joined to the hull with one of several methods.<br /><br />1. Rivets.<br />2. Screws.<br />3. Bond, such as f-glass or another bonding agent.<br /><br />To answer your question ,your deck joint should be solid.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

Not sure on Pro Craft but sounds like regular shoebox hull to deck joint... With that type of construction the manufacturer fastens the two pieces with pop rivets or machine screws and nuts.. You'll need to remove the rub rail and install some new fasteners and to be on the safe side back the fasteners up with some fender washers... I would go with all stainless hardware.. Before you install new fasteners you should use some sealant in the joint like 3M 5200, then fasten the pieces together, clean up the excess sealant and re install the rub rail... WALA Good as new..

 

[procraftmark]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

Snapper <br />how in the world do I take off the rub rail with the rubber there?<br /><br />mark

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

Procraft My bass fishing partner had one that split from stem to stern after running it in a two foot chop. Procraft finally admitted it was a defect and replaced the boat.<br /><br />The replacement boat was then traded towards a Ranger.<br /><br />I have a fear of procraft manufactured boats. You can peel the rubber out and find screws below it.<br /><br />Bob

 

[DJ]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

Mark,<br /><br />You have to start at one end. Typically the rear, and pull it out.<br /><br />You should see screws that are holding it in, typically via an end cap.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

So many different types... On some the insert slides out like it's on a track, others the insert is rope or a hollow plastic tube that you have to pull out.. Theres usualy a cap or two at the transom or sometimes the bow that you will need to remove... Once the insert is out you will be able to access the fasteners holding the rub rail in the groove covered by the insert... Don't be supprised if you have to drill out some rivets..

 

[procraftmark]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

does the metal part of the rub rail need to come all the way off to secure the two halves? the problem seems to be the first 2 ft. back from the nose<br /><br />thnx,<br />mark

 

[snapperbait]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

No. not if it's just a problem in one area... I would check the rest of the boat though and possibly run a bead of sealer all the way around under the rub rail...<br /> I had a ski boat that leaked like crazy.. Turns out the leak was caused by water spraying up through the hull to deck joint in the back of the boat..

 

[procraftmark]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

Well like i said right at the nose U can move the two halves about a quarter inch or so and and it decreases to no movement about 2and a half feet back from the nose , my prob is I dont want it getting any worse! I am afraid if I pull the rubber out I may not be able to get it slid back in as it seems a pretty tight fit the rest of the way around and then i would be screwed! what does the metal part screw into if the 2 halves join behind it, does it screw into the fiberglass? if i cut the rubber out in the area I wanted to fix how could i rejoin the areas behind the rail without taking the rail off ? doesn't the rail just cover the top and bottom seam?<br /><br />any ideas

 

[snapperbait]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

The rail is most likely attached with screws or rivets directly into the fiberglass.. The joint is an overlap with the top fitting over the bottom like the lid on a shoe box.. You might be able to repair it without removing the metal part, Just leave it and drill through it and use some machine screws and nuts with fender washers on the inside if you can reach in there.. But put some 3M 5200 in the joint first if you can.. You should be able to pull the rubber out and push the rubber back in, not slide it.. Just pull it out a little and try to push it back on before you go too far.. If it's difficult to push in then some dish soap and water in a squirt bottle or some WD40 will help it along..

 

[taz33911]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

You need to take the rail insert out and remove the rail the deck and hull are screwed or rivoted together maybe rivots if it is drill them out where it is loose and bolt it if you can back together. But cut the silicone out that is sealing it and get some 3M 5200 sealant sqeeze it in the joint but don't be messy with it it is hard to get it off when it is dry might want to put tape around the hull to prevent any mess.It will also bond the haves together if the surfaces are clean best bet is get some acetone to clean up any mess on the boat or you before it dries.If you can't bolt screw it together get some stainless screws 8x1 flat head countersink screws . counter sink new holes with a 9/64 drill bit and counter sink put 5200 on the old holes and on the tip of the scews to help them from working loose later on.then put it back together again the insert may be hard from being in the sun might want check with a boat dealer to see if they can get you some more insert it may break when you take it out . 5200 and acetone you can get at walmart stainless screws might want to check a hardware store don't use plain steal it will rust and snap off in a year or so.A dealer could do it for you it will cost a lot more than you want to pay . whatever you use 5200 on make sure you don't want get it apart later odds are you won't be able to.sorry for being long winded just trying to help.

 

[procraftmark]

Re: is my procraft coming apart?

thnx<br /><br />mark