Hi all. I have an 86 Larson Senza 19' cuddy. It is a great old boat that has been in the family since it was brand new and I want to ensure its longevity for the long haul. I don't mind dropping the dimes into it over time but I would like some help planning some action on it.
In his hot rodding days, my dad dropped a 454 big block into this little thing. The motor is actually LIGHTER (!) than stock but obviously puts a lot more torque on the structure than it was designed for, and this has taken its toll over time.
I haven't had a chance to get into the transom but I am told it is still sound - it's the body of the boat I'm currently worried about. My dad opened up her belly, redid the stringers, reglassed everything, and replaced the original hatched floor with a solid wood/glass floor about 6 years ago, but other problems are starting to rear their heads. Particularly, I'm getting the top deck beginning to separate at the rear port section of the boat. Nothing severe but there is a gap that can be seen on examination. My questions then are these:
-What can I do to reduce/eliminate the separation problem? Then, what is the best way to permanently reattach and reinforce the top deck?
-What floor/stringer reworks can I do to compensate for the increased torque?
-What other safety precautions should I do when I get my hands into this beast? This is a sentimental project and I will definitely be keeping this boat.
I am a student in structural engineering, so I have some plans of attack rolling around in my head and I don't mind getting creative. I was thinking of adding a row or two of lateral floor bracing underneath the cockpit area and right in front of the engine bay. I'm really looking for advice from some people who have done work like this before - what to look out for and what not to do. Fiberglass is a great, flexible, resilient material, so I know there are lots of ways I can go with this.
Thanks for your time!
In his hot rodding days, my dad dropped a 454 big block into this little thing. The motor is actually LIGHTER (!) than stock but obviously puts a lot more torque on the structure than it was designed for, and this has taken its toll over time.
I haven't had a chance to get into the transom but I am told it is still sound - it's the body of the boat I'm currently worried about. My dad opened up her belly, redid the stringers, reglassed everything, and replaced the original hatched floor with a solid wood/glass floor about 6 years ago, but other problems are starting to rear their heads. Particularly, I'm getting the top deck beginning to separate at the rear port section of the boat. Nothing severe but there is a gap that can be seen on examination. My questions then are these:
-What can I do to reduce/eliminate the separation problem? Then, what is the best way to permanently reattach and reinforce the top deck?
-What floor/stringer reworks can I do to compensate for the increased torque?
-What other safety precautions should I do when I get my hands into this beast? This is a sentimental project and I will definitely be keeping this boat.
I am a student in structural engineering, so I have some plans of attack rolling around in my head and I don't mind getting creative. I was thinking of adding a row or two of lateral floor bracing underneath the cockpit area and right in front of the engine bay. I'm really looking for advice from some people who have done work like this before - what to look out for and what not to do. Fiberglass is a great, flexible, resilient material, so I know there are lots of ways I can go with this.
Thanks for your time!
