Transom-Deck-Blisters, To Start With

[Plugging Away]

Hi All,
It?s time to start my own thread. Been reading through a lot of information in this forum, and getting lots of help, without any of you even knowing how much everyone has helped already. Thank You All Very Very Much!!!!

I?m working on a 1969 Larson 17? Tri Hull 120Hp I/O. I believe it?s a Shark?
Here?s some background info.

What it looked like the day I picked it up.

Started tearing the deck out, found some rot in the transom, so that had to go too.

Wish I came across these Grinding wheels sooner, I?d probably be a lot farther along if I had. They make short work of taking out the fiberglass edges and getting down to the base. That sharp angled paint scrapper was another great tool.

The only stringers in the boat were 1 X 10?s X 14? laid flat on top of the foam, supported/held in place with 3 1 X 3?s across the center. Heavy Roven tied everything to the hull. I?m assuming my foam was structural.
There really wasn?t any wood left, just mulch.

I Don?t want to pull the cap, I?ll work around it some how, and it?s still sitting on it?s Bunk Trailer. It?s been inside since last September, (50-55 degrees).

 

[Plugging Away]

Re: Transom-Deck-Blisters, To Start With

Where I?m at now.
Deck & Foam are gone, Transom?s Out, Some sanding on the Blisters is done, needs more.

This weekend will be spent grinding, prepping the Transom area first.

I need to get material ordered, so now for the debate topic.

Yes, it?s Poly or Epoxy.
I?d like to use epoxy, thinking that with the blister issue I need as much water resistance as possible. What?s keeping me from pulling the trigger is the finish coat over epoxy. I was thinking Gelcot would be easier for me to work with, but I see they don?t go together. Are there good paints that can be used on the bottom of the hull?

Also, would like some recommendations on what should be the order of the repairs, or if it matters. Should I take care of the outside of the hull before working the inside? I figure the transom doesn?t matter, so I?m working that now. But even that area needs some exterior repairs. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone for all the help so far, and sorry for the long post.

 

[GWPSR]

Re: Transom-Deck-Blisters, To Start With

Consider this article: Polyester-over-Epoxy. There are others that Google can help you find.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Transom-Deck-Blisters, To Start With

Have you ensured that your motor and outdrive are in good working order. I'm NOT an I/O expert by ANY means but...It appears that your's may be a Stringer Drive and if so they are fairly antiquated and not very desirable. The Round Keyhole is why I am making this assumption but again, I am not that sure. I am sure that a boat without a good working motor is usually not worth the effort of restoring. Well, that's my opinion anywhooooo!!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom-Deck-Blisters, To Start With

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Yer gonna want some hard disks to go with the flap-wheels...

For the really tough cuts...

 

[Plugging Away]

Re: Transom-Deck-Blisters, To Start With

Consider this article: Polyester-over-Epoxy. There are others that Google can help you find.

Thank's GW, I've been reading some of the discussions but it seems like for every one you find that says you can use Gelcote over epoxy with the rite prep, there's another that says DON't DO IT. My concern was finding a paint for the bottom that wasn't just the ugly Bottom Coats. Looks like there's a lot of options out there, so I'm going to go with Epoxy.

 

[Plugging Away]

Re: Transom-Deck-Blisters, To Start With

Yeah Woody, it's a Stringer drive. Why does everyone hate them?
Seems like the older stuff is just much simpler to work on.
I did bench test the electric clutches, there working.
Other than that, I can't say for certain it's all good, but supposedly drive train was in good working order.
Maybe I'll set it up and test the whole schaabang before committing.
Even if I had to go out and find a donor boat, now would be the time since the Transom's getting replaced.
Already had 2 free-bees offered before I paid for this one, but I wanted a wide stable TriHull for Stripper Fishing, and some Skiing.
I just liked this boat.

 

[Plugging Away]

Re: Transom-Deck-Blisters, To Start With

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Yer gonna want some hard disks to go with the flap-wheels...

For the really tough cuts...

Yep, definitely need the cut off wheels too, but not the thin harbor freight ones, unless you don't mind it when they let loose.
Saws-All is pretty handy too.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Transom-Deck-Blisters, To Start With

I'd recommend you spend some time searching and studying here on the OMC Forum...
OMC I/O & Inboard Engines & Outdrives