Thinking about restoring 88 Smokercraft Fazer 17'.

[Mudball_3]

As stated above I am thinking of pulling up all the faded carpet and replacing it. The decking wood that covers the fuel tank is soft and also needs to be replace. When I got the boat I noticed there was always water in the bilge. Turns out the livewell pump was cracked and letting water fill the bilge. I am sure the foam is water logged and will need to be replaced. I guess what I am wondering is how difficult this will be and about how much it will cost? I'm not shy of doing this kind of work. Just wondering what to expect. I really do like this boat.

The engine on the boat is toast so now is good as time as any to do this since I can't use it anyway. Thinking of the new Merc 115.

 

[Mudball_3]

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[gm280]

Okay Mudball_3. Seems you have a boat with some issues and seriously want to fix them. If you are serious, then you come to the best place on the net for help assistance and suggestions. Bare in mind there is a lot of dirty, smelly, itchy, laborious work ahead of you. BUT, if you have the fortitude and really love the boat, let's get going. The absolute first thing you need to do now is snap off a ton of pictures of the boat from every angle you can think of. And then post some of them on here so we can see what you are seeing and working with. Take both inside and outside hull shots before starting. You'll be amazed two things down the road. First you'll be amazed with what you started with and second, when it comes time to replace things again, you will have a better idea, then your memory, where and how they go back again. So start cleaning out everything on the boat, Lights, carpet, seats, anything that would be in the way to the repair efforts. So post some pictures and we can guide you to what to do next. Oh, I didn't mention the cost involved. While you will be supplying the labor, the materials can get a little costly because it takes quality materials to make it right again. But when finished, you wouldn't be able to fine a boat that solid anywhere...and it will last as long as you want to keep it! And you WILL have the pride in knowing you did it yourself! :thumb:

 

[Mudball_3]

Thanks gm280,

I have been doing a lot of reading on the forums the last few days and have learned quite a bit.

I have been doing some research it to a plywood alternative and found a company from my home state a few hours away. They produce a composite fiberglass board for marine use. I am thinking of using this for the decking and using a epoxy floor coating instead of plywood and vinyl.

The only thing that gives me pause is putting everything back together. There are a lot of pop rivets. Pop rivets and I have never gotten along very well. I plan on starting soon and will post plenty of pictures.