Taking on a restoration

[bonacheeta]

Hi!

I am completely new at this, but I am thinking on taking an old fiberglass boat that looks like it had better days. It definitely needs new paint and gel coat, and who knows what else. It doesn't have a motor (yet), so I will just be working the body.

I am looking into getting a couple books on restoration, like The Fiberglass Boat Repair Manual and Runabout Renovation: How to Find and Fix Up an Old Fiberglass Speedboat.

I have never done something like this, so I don't know where to start. Would it be a good idea to start with sanding the thing down? Or what. Need help. >.<

I have a picture, so if anyone can tell me what kind of boat it is and what I should, I would appreciate it.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Taking on a restoration

Paint it Black with Batman emblems on it

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Taking on a restoration

someone just did one similar to that. look at the completed projects forum. go ideas. looks like a good project.

 

[mike64]

Re: Taking on a restoration

Here's some good restoration threads:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=243848
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=228444
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=177052

Here's a thread that amounts to an advanced studies class:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=234392

Good luck!

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: Taking on a restoration

Welcome!

You have a project there and you have found a good forum to help you.
The first thing you should do before you start work is READ,READ,READ and READ some more.
Lots of info on restroation projects can be fund on this forum.
Then lay out a plan.
Ask lots of question and you will get lots of answers, all kinds, some good, some not so good, but these guys will help.

My idea of a rough PLAN-
Start on the inside, Locate and repair wood rot, stringer, transon, deck.
Start looking for a motor.
Start collecting parts, cleats, steering, lights, etc.
Figure out what you need for seats.
Trailer work.( should have the trailer ready when you flip the hull back over)
Once the inside of the boat is repaired flip it over and start on the bottom of the hull.
Paint the bottom first then the top.
Carpet (or paint) motor, all the other stuff.

Lots of fun and work. Could take a year, maybe less.
Could take $2000 - $4000 depending on a good used motor.

Are you scared off yet?
This is a project and if you have never done anything like this before you need to know what you are in for. I think a lot of these guys have boat rebuilding as a hobby. They always have a project going or an eye out for the next one. You don't have to make it a preminent hobby but it will be one till it's done.

Good luck.

 

[Ingalls]

Re: Taking on a restoration

Im halfway through Runabout Restorations. Im either gonna send the guy a case of scotch or a big box of boat pieces depending on the outcome of the resto. The book is giving me the confidence to go ahead and attempt my project. We'll see though.

 

[stevewolverton]

Re: Taking on a restoration

I have a picture, so if anyone can tell me what kind of boat it is and what I should, I would appreciate it.

Swing by fiberglassics.com and check out the boat info section. That site has a lot of people with fin fetishes, so you'll probably get your answer there. It's something like a Surflite, or a Redfish.

 

[oops!]

Re: Taking on a restoration

GO FOR IT !

runabout renovation is a great book....it stays in my bathroom....

however...it lacks detailes.......buy you can get them here.....

the pick was small, so it was tough for me to see....but im guessing transom...at least....but no worries....we can walk you thru it.....

i think the guys on this site would love to see that resto thru and help you as much as they can....

btw.....i would not suggest to replace the gellcoat....id need better pics...but it would have to be really bad before you replace it all.

cheers
oops