Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

[Rich Hargis]

I had ideas to replace the transom on my outboard version of the Sportsman 248 with a full transom and Armstrong bracket.I gathered all the info I could get for doing the replacement,then I happened to find an Inboard/Outboard version of the same boat for a super low price,plus it was 2 years newer.It was a no brainer ,get the newer one that was in alot better shape.It had the OMC stringer 800 in it,that was going to come out anyways.The transom was solid as a rock after a few exploritory holes.First thing I did was take it to Pacific Yacht Towers and had a hard top put on it.Then I stripped everything off the old boat and to it to the dump.Here are som pix.

 

[Big Sarge]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

congratz, hope there are no more problems that arise.

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

I'm in San Diego and had to drive to Florida to pick the boat up.

 

[Big Sarge]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

now that sucks and fuel musta been horrible

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Cat.D9 vs Wellcraft

Guess who won!

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

I went back there in January when diesel wasn't as high as it is now. Still cheaper than having it shipped out

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Taking apart the new one

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Preping to fill the hole

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

I beveled the opening on both sides to lock in the pieces that are sandwiched together to plug the hole.Then a full sheet was laminated to the inside of the boat as well.I used epoxy for all the constructon including the cabosil and micro balloons.I wanted to see how the bracket would look ,so I bolted it on for a while. It will come off so I can paint the transom over the weekend.Next I will fabricate a stainless knee brace system and bolt it to the stringers or bed mounts from the inboard engine.I figure the brace will support the majority of the load and the marine plywood and fiberglass is basicly just to keep the water out.

 

[Big Sarge]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

haha I actually think I enjoy fixing boats more than I do driving them on the water.

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Now all I have to do is convince (Ooops) to add another five feet to my boat!

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Got 2 coats of paint on the transom,will bolt on the bracket in a few days

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Got the motor and bracket mounted after work today

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Nice ride rich , keep use posted !! John

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Tore out the old shifter cables and the steering cable,plus some unused wires under the gunnels today.Need to run new hydraulic hoses and shift cables next.

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Well a year has gone by and I have worked on the boat again for the last few weeks.Installed all new wiring and hydraulic lines.Mounted Radar,GPS and VHF antennas.I was able to mount the transducer on the keel so I did not have to use a fairing block.I had to add about 8" of deck to each side of where the floor was cut out for the engine. I kept the removable center deck from the outboard version boat I had and will use it on this one. I hope to splash the boat in a week.

Rich

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Made some more progress

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

It Floats!

 

[KD Fisherman]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Congrats! That has to be an amazing feeling to have it on the water. That is one great looking vessel.

Cheers,
Kyle

 

[berry79]

Re: Wellcraft Sportsman makeover

Nice job. Now it's time to go fishin.