where to start?

[MonteC]

I just purchased a 74 slick craft with a 350v8. It needs some engine work but i plan on doing heads and intake on it. It has some rotten wood on it but i dont know to what extent. The trailer wiring needs some attention and it needs a few things cosmetically speaking.

So where do i start? What do i start on first? Any slickcrafters know what to look for on these boats?

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: where to start?

If there is one thing I have learned from these guys on this forum is to check everything that is made from wood for rot.
If the deck (floor) is weak and spongy it is rot. If the deck is rotten the stringers are rotten. If the stringers are rotten most likely the transom is rotten.
I don't know the boat but these guys do.
Read, read and read more of the posts in the restoration section here and you will learn. Search stringers and transom rot. Lots of info on the subjects.
Welcome to iBoats and boating.

 

[Coors]

Re: where to start?

what woodcrafter said; forget the trailer for now, start researching in here to check the hull.
Then to the engine; a good engine in a hull that won't take the power will sink you.
Ruining everything, engine first.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: where to start?

I agree, BUT!!! dont go getting scared and thinking that if your boat gets wet one time then you got to change out all the wood in the boat. Its a bit scarry for someone that just bought a used boat to come and read these resto forums. Not all boats are in need of complete overhaul. Take the advice, and check into everything. Could be not bad though. Good luck and welcome!