The "I wish I had done this different thread"

[starcrafter65]

So we all have helpful hints on what went well - we have all goofed up - here is your chance to tell what you would have done different: I'll start!

1968 Holiday Closed Bow I/0

1. I would have put the gas tank up front.
2. I would have keyed the hull better before I primed and painted - although that turned out pretty good as I now have clean aluminum.
3. I would have checked by trailer better as one wheel was out of true and the bearing burned out twice causing much angst - but thankfully no disasters.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

Stripped the bottom and left it bare. Trusty Rusty for the sides for easy touch up.

Should have used thicker plywood for the bow deck and/or braced it better. I will be rebuilding that whole situation in the future.

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

I also would have made the correct assumption that anything that doesn't work when you buy it (motor - outdrive) should not be counted on to work with little or no cost.

 

[Krichbourg]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

Great idea for a thread. I'll have plenty to add once I get through doing it wrong. Stand by.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

Wish I started with the motor/Outdrive!
AND, heres a biggie..

Been more patient in getting my deck down and not cut corners by not glassing/sealing it.
I now have waterlogged 3/4 plywood that has swollen in areas from water damage.
The plan is to re do the deck this winter when it cools off to a more comfortable 80 degrees.

 

[bananaboater]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

The paint on my Jet is not too bad but if I was to do it again I would at least strip and repaint the inside. The worst area is at the stern. Now with the new decking in place it would be difficult but not impossible to do that. So I guess, if in doubt, do what needs to be done in the proper sequence.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

I would have used Monel staples on my upholstery in my 15-footer. Just did a small repair to the gas tank flap cover because the original staples rusted out. I plain didn't know they had rust resistant staples back when I did them originally...

 

[N1265]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

Would not have had the motor "inspected" by a marina for $125 bucks only to receive an estimate of $300 - $400 bucks to rebuild / clean 3 carbs...

Just get a manual, consult the forum and dive right in and clean the carbs yourself...

 

[jbing81]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

I would have replaced the trim pump and lines while the motor was OFF! Its a pain to lift and lower this motor by hand, and has prevented me from visiting some of the "hot spots" for swimming and what not. Ive had the pump for the last couple weeks, but just looking at what awaits make me sweat lol. Oh, and the half inch floor........... what a joke.... ;p

 

[fishrdan]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

I would have used Monel staples

I wished I had NOT used Monel staples, I probably pulled out 1/3 of the ones I shot since they bent. At the end of my project I bought SS staples and they were far stronger, far less bent staples.

I wished I had pressure tested my fuel tank. It leaked like a sieve after I got my boat rebuilt,,, so I had to tear the deck back up again.

 

[prelude219]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

while it was apart i would have fixed the reverse lock....and replaced the full power tilt system...next bellows job i'll get to them

 

[MichaelP]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

I should have used better glue to hold down the carpet on my deck. When ever the sun hits it wrinckles show up. And...This time I wont wait too long to put the top coat of paint on and sand it first.

 

[jetstreakdave]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

I wish I had changed the transom before I repaired the little area of rot I found, and put the floor down ,after which I found more rot. I removed the rear rub rail to reseal it, and found that the transom wood was rotted about 1/2 way through because the rub rail seal was crapped out and it let water down between the outer skin and the transom wood . From the inside it was pretty solid.I get to pull a 165 merc. In for a penny ,in for a pound 74 chieftain.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

I would have looked at making mine a center console. I don't know if I would have ,but I feel I don't have the option now. Would be real nice for muskie and bass. Now it's more of a fish N ski. Oh well maybe the wife will get into boating now.

Great tips for me here guys. I was going to NOT glass up the floor but now I will. Thanks for the tip Kev.

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

Speaking of blasphemy:

I did not glass my floor - I used marine plywood and coated it. Reason - I do not leave my boat in the water and it should never have continuous exposure - that is the problem for any wood coated/sealed......and even if you glass it - your going to poke holes in it when you attach it - plus - I put Nautolex flooring down which I think = glassing

I also did not use foam/noodles.....ok - if I get swamped - I will sink - but I have boated for 40+ years of my life on small lakes and have never seen/heard of anyone swamping. Maybe on the big lakes........but I am more concerned about under floor elements holding water - even "closed" foam noodles will eventually hold water....

My design thought was to have the under floor open and completely ventilated.

 

[heyyou325]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

Not redone a boat, bought a mansion in the Bahamas and retired. Seriously I've enjoyed working on the darn thing, and cussing at it. Maybe not sealing the trim over the transom with epoxy to keep water out. Don't think I can ever get that trim off in one piece now. Maybe replaced the transom, everywhere I poked was solid til I started screwing the aluminum trim back on the top of the transom. And listened to the folks here and went with 3/4, or at least 5/8 plywood for the decking. 1/2 came out, so 1/2 went back in. I would have definitely painted it blue, not white like my wife insisted. And maybe stuck with outboards that I knew about, instead of trying to learning about inboards, and jet drives.

 

[Jayb123]

Re: The "I wish I had done this different thread"

I know most have had success with roll/tip or roll/backrolling painting method. But if I had to do it again (which may eventually happen when I can afford to let twofootitis take over) I would have sprayed the hull, I think... the extra gear, time and effort are worth the results at least after looking at mine and comparing it to others who have sprayed.