Re: Replacing Floor/Stringers
Open the B-2-B seat part way and you should fine screws/bolts on wood accross the width of the bottom, if they're like mine were (not a Bayliner but same type seats). Best to buy yourself a "close quarters" type stubby drill now - I waited until half way thru and wished I had it fron the start! lots of small spots to screw,unscrew, drill, etc. Only $30 or so at Harbour Freight.
Have a plan before you rip out too much. How will you attach the new floor to the edges (hull)? This impacts how much floor you rip out and if you need to leave a 1" edge on the perimeter. The degree of rot by the edges may determine this for you.
The foam is a royal pain - try to break it out in big (1' long, full depth) pieces. I used a pick-ax for some, but only chipped away to make sure I didn't ruin the hull, of course. I don't recommend a pick-aa, but hey, I was desperate.
If it's not too late, keep your old carpet. It can be a good useful in measuring rough cuts, if you can piece it together like a puzzle after tearing it out.
Cover up (gloves, long pants/shirt when doing anything with the old fiberglass floor. You CAN NOT get the tiny fibers out of your skin! My son wasjust helping me by standing on a piece as i cut it and the dust went under his pantleg - he itched for weeks.
Save all your hardware in marked bags or whatever. It gets confusing at the end if you haven't marked it as you went along.
And yes, I learned these things the hard way! I'm sure I'll think of more as it was a major learning experience for me. Without the advice on this board, I would not have got it done. In retrospect, if I could do another one I'd be able to do it in 1/3 the time, knowing more about it. However, I also know I'm probably never doing it again.
Have fun, you'll be MUCH prouder of your boat when you are done than had you bought a better boat to start with. I'll be hard pressed to ever part with the 22 yr. old 19' bowrider me and my boys re-floored! It's like a friend now!
Good luck.
