Question about restor Wood problems. Pls Help me decide!

[Watercanuck]

Hey folks,<br /><br />Well I'll summerize the problems. Just bought this boat a few weeks ago for $6000 without a survey (long story short I didnt know what that was - new boater). Boat has serious engine problems. Getting a lot of blow-by. Fuel mixture getting past piston rings into oil. Thinking I'll do a rebuild.<br /><br />More problems (this is where this post comes in). The bolts for the motor mount pop out on one side of the boat from rotten stringers (That is a stringer the motor mount bolts into right?). One side is perfectly strong it seems. The same side of the boat that has the rotten stringer also has rotten chairs and a weak floor. The boat sat on a farm over the winter and I *THINK* it was not covered and maybe sat on an angle and snow built up on one side only.<br /><br />I am putting together a plan of action to restore this boat because:<br /><br />1) Its a perfect size and fit for me and my wife<br />2) We love the boat<br />3) We can't find a buyer for it<br />4) Even if we found a buyer we would lose too much money in too short of a time span<br /><br />What I am wondering is how hard would this project be to complete as someone that's never worked on boats before? I am fairly good with working with wood but never did a boat floor. Also do you have any idea of what I can expect when I pull that floor up?<br /><br />The motor will be out of the boat for about 3 weeks so I plan on getting in there during at time to do the following (not in order):<br /><br />1) Rip all seats out and replace with brand new seating bought from possibly bass pro shops.<br />2) Rip the floor up while seats are out and put new plywood down<br />3) cut out the bad stringer so the motor bolts in with a good mount.<br /><br />Any and all suggestions/comments would be appreciated.<br /><br />Here is the floor plan I made in my photo editing program:<br /><br /> http://www.online-solutions.org/newboat/boatlayout.gif <br /><br />Thanks in advance!<br /><br />John

 

[crab bait]

Re: Question about restor Wood problems. Pls Help me decide!

pretty much got it covered ,planwise..<br /><br />use 'SEARCH' on site here.. an read for weeks ..<br /><br />it's a big job.. ramp-up/gear-up an good luck..

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Question about restor Wood problems. Pls Help me decide!

Well John I think you may have your work cut out for you. The rot you describe didn't happen over one winter. It has taken years to get to this point. Chances are if you have identified this many problems from the outside, there will be alot more rot hidden underneath what you can't see. Its like rust on a car. What looks to be a small hole on the outside ends up being a whole rusted out section once you start removing the paint. Be aware of the possibility of a major rebuild. If you have the time, energy and desire then go for it. There is alot of experience from members here and they will help you along the way. Good luck.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Question about restor Wood problems. Pls Help me decide!

If you want to watch a pro do it find a copy of this video:<br /><br />

Fiberglass Boat Repair<br />With Bruce McDugal<br /><br />For serious dry rot and fiberglass repair, the most complete and up-to-date manual covering all phases of exterior and interior repairing. Expert Bruce McDugal, demonstrates choosing the right materials and tools for complete glass, dry rot repair and replacement