New fishing boat restoration

[Pescadorman]

Hello, I am a new member,

I just picked up a new 12 ft. fiberglass boat, I believe it is a Sear's brand but I am not sure. I got it for a great price so I couldn't pass it up. Total spent on the boat was $220 for the hull, 55 lb trolling motor, and battery. This is the first time working with fiberglass and I dont know anything about boat repair, I was looking to get some help. I took it to the lake 2 times without doing any repairs to it. I noticed a small amount of water coming in through a small crack in the rear corner. The boat has already had repairs done to it and I want to redo the whole bottom of the boat and make it stronger. I also want to add a casting deck up to the second seat and carpet the inside in the future, but my main focus is making it like new condition. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Redtruck12]

Looks like an interesting little project
you are in the right place for solid advice

 

[Pescadorman]

Thanks, I have an idea in my mind but still unsure in what I want to do. May cut the front 2 seats out completely and make it flat then add 2 swivel seats in the front

 

[gm280]

Just remember, whatever you decide to do with your new-to-you boat, it has to stay solid and usable. Any time you "cut" things out of a boat, it weakens the sides and could remove flotation foam if it has any. Usually such flotation is installed under such bench seats. So if you remove them you have to install some on the sides to strengthen the sides AND reinstall some type flotation as well. But it can be done. JMHO

Just let us know your plans and we can offer the best suggestions and ideas to get you there.

 

[Pescadorman]

Ok, thanks! My first question is, To strengthen the floor of the boat, do I glass the inside or the outside of the bottom?

 

[chevymaher]

Inside so when your done the look isnt changed. And you are not creating a ton of extra work making it look good again. Bodywork we call it in the automotive world.

 

[gm280]

There are ways to rework a boat. You can scan over my boat thread and see what I've done. It was totally changed but even more solid then original.

Being a fiberglass hull, you can work with it easier then if you were redoing an aluminum hull. IF you remove the bench seats, you will have to install something down each side to strengthen the sides of the hull. Otherwise they will be flexing too much.

So you need to read some threads here on these forums and then make a plan and post your idea so we can offer suggestions and ideas.