MFG Carefree pics-the start of a long rebuild...

[IHDiesel73L]

Today I went over to my neighbor's house and took some pictures of my new project boat:

I got inside and started pulling up the carpet squares that were lining the floor-the glass is all intact and the floor seems to flex a little under my feet if I stand in the boat and shift my weight hard, but it's not like the floor feels spongy. Is there any good way to tell the condition of the stringers without actually opening up the floor? I know what I'm getting myself into in terms of rebuilding it, but I'm just being hopeful at this point. This is a little concerning though:

It looks like the transom has begun to delaminate. Oh well, if I want to ever put a 40 on it for use on the river I'll want to make sure it's good and strong anyway. Right now I'm just concerned with getting it ready for some 9.9 cruising on the local reservoirs. Comments and suggestions are welcome. I posted a little on the MFG forum but it seems pretty dead over there-I guess all of the MFG guys are already out on the water for the season!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: MFG Carefree pics-the start of a long rebuild...

Welcome to iBoats!!

I LOVE these old classics. She looks a lot like mine. I lucked out in that mine was stored in a barn and had NO deck or transom issues. As you said, if you want to hang a 40hp on her you will have to fix the transom, but for the 9.9 you can give her a bath and hit the water as long as the hull is sound.

 

[IHDiesel73L]

Re: MFG Carefree pics-the start of a long rebuild...

Welcome to iBoats!!

I LOVE these old classics. She looks a lot like mine. I lucked out in that mine was stored in a barn and had NO deck or transom issues. As you said, if you want to hang a 40hp on her you will have to fix the transom, but for the 9.9 you can give her a bath and hit the water as long as the hull is sound.

Thanks-I really need to get into it and see if the stringers are in OK shape. Basically the plan is to take everything out of it, give it a good cleaning, and then try to evaluate the structure. The hull looks good-no evidence of any holes or bad repairs of holes. Hopefully I'll have some cleaned up pics soon. I'm building a stand for it in the backyard because the trailer wheels and axle are shot, but I think I can salvage the frame.