Update 8/14/09 - good ole project... (pic heavy)

[low_pro]

Well, I've been looking for that perfect boat for almost 7-8 months now. Money was an object so I didn't expect anything fancy. I didn't want to exceed $1,000-1,500. This beauty (in the eye of the beholder) was listed on C-list for $750. Included: Boat, Trailer, 25HP Mariner, foot controlled trolling motor, battery, older lowrance depth finder, 2 anchors, some rotten seats with good hardware, livewell, and all wiring and plumbing that was taken out originally. I paid $600 for all. I figure after wood, glass, and some accesories I will still be under the original $1,500 budget. Motor is excellent condition. I will post pics along the way.

[low_pro]

Pic

[low_pro]

More

[low_pro]

motor

[low_pro]

An itchy 5 hours, a few cuts and bruises later.... here's how she stands! (notice the trash bags by the street) I will be using treated 2x6's for the stringers. Next on the agenda... Sanding/Grinding > Not looking forward to that however...

[-HAWK-]

Nice project... What part of NW Florida are you from?

[low_pro]

The panhandle (recently moved from Broward County)

[DADto4]

Now that's a project

I can't wait to see the finished product...Good luck

[kbkindle]

looks like you have a good project ahead of you sure will be neat to see when completed

[Bassn Blvd]

Sweet.  I'm sure it's going to be nice when your done.  Looking forward to see the steps you take.

Oh yea, this might b easier for ya.  You don't have to start a new topic for each picture.  You can put a series of pics under one topic.  Food for thought.

[Sharkbite]

Looks fun and has alot of potential and will come out great.

[Long Mike]

Well, the motor alone should be worth what you paid. From the photos I can't tell if the boat is aluminum or glass. If the boat is glass I would suggest that you take a VERY hard look at the transom and look for rotted wood.  Come to think of it, look for rotted wood in the stringers also.

[IDbasser]

It looks like a good project.  I am looking forward to seeing the final result.

[low_pro]

Well, the motor alone should be worth what you paid. From the photos I can't tell if the boat is aluminum or glass. If the boat is glass I would suggest that you take a VERY hard look at the transom and look for rotted wood. Come to think of it, look for rotted wood in the stringers also.

That's what I thought.... I've seen that motor go for $500-600 easy.

Also, the boat is glass. As you can see from the last picture, ALL wood was taken out... extremely rotted. 2x6 treated wood will be glassed in for the stringers.

I'm having trouble finding 5/8 treated ply. I think I might have to go to the lumber yard for that.

[bass or bass ?]

Hi -

I've been where you are. About 21 months ago I bought a boat that looked really nice and was told was in excelent condition. Before ever getting it in the water I spent $2000 to have the motor completely overhauled. The motor is a 1967 Evinrude Starflite 80. Runs like a champ now . After a few fishing trips on the lakes around here I noticed an ever worsening crunching sound under foot in 2 areas of the deck. The boat is a 1977 Glastron Sportster, 16'. I pulled up the carpet in those areas expecting to replace a little plywood and be done with it. WRONG. The plywood was so rotten I could just rip out chunks with my hands. My mechanic told me to replace the deck and stringers. Never tackled a job anything like this before, but at this point I was commited. I cut out the fiberglass all around the inside perimeter with pnuematic cutting tool and removed all plywood. I left the old stringers in place (1 down the keel, 1 on either side 1/2 way between keel and side of hull) as they weren't totally rotted out. The original stringers were pine, and plywood deck was 1/2" plywood. I bought red oak to make new stringers and 3/4" marine grade plywood for new deck. After cutting and shaping stringers to fit in place I treated all the new wood to waterproof it before installation. Mixed fiberglass resin, then diluted it 50% with acetone to allow it to penetrate into the new wood, and treated the old stringers as well .I applied 4 coats to completely seal and coat wood. Pulled out all the old open cell foam from the hull (it was all waterlogged and weighed a ton ), bought twice as much new foam, closed cell to prevent waterlogging. Installed the foam, and bolted new stringers to old ones, sandwiching the old ones with new on either side, Useing stainless steel bolts. Screwed down new decking with brass screws. Applied new fiberglass cloth and resin to seal down new deck and form it to the hull. Bought new high quality outdoor carpeting and glued it to the new deck, using a roller to get it smooth and even. Then installed new high end pedistal seats from Cabela's to replace the original back to back lounge seats. Since then I have also added a new bimini top, Minkota Edge 50# thrust trolling motor, marine band radio, Sirius satellite radio, Eagle 620c depth/fish finder, compass, submersible fishing lights, dual batteries on a 1/both/off switch, fishing rod storage tubes for 8 rods, motorcycle headlights for night time operation, interior cabin lights on both sides of boat, and a solar battery charger to keep batteries full charged at all times. I did all the work myself (except the motor overhaul ) over a period of about 5 monthe last winter. I love the end result . I get constant compliments on the boat , it looks brand new , and runs like it too. Total expenses are about  $6500 . That might seem like a lot, but try to buy something in the condition that this boat is in now for that amount. It was a lot of work, but for me it was well worth it. Don't hesitate to ask me for any advise or help you would need should you decide to rebuild your "good bones" boat.      

Happy fishing.

Allen

~B.A.S.S.~N.A.F.C.~BoatU.S.~N.R.A.~A.M.A.~

[Redlinerobert]

Cool looking project, can't wait to see the finished boat!

[Jason Schwartz]

Good luck on your prokect i hope it turns out great :]

[low_pro]

Ok, good weather has finally arrived. I have been able to get back at the project for the past couple of weekends.

Sanding fiberglass s*cks!!!

Transom glassed in and stringers partially glassed in...

Just a quick update... I'll keep posting my progress along the way!

[Dave D]

Looking good!  That is going to make an awesome open floor plan!

[outlawguy540]

Looking pretty good. C-list is a gold mine, I use it everyday. Promise not to laugh but I fish in a paddle boat (no motor). So of course Im looking to upgrade in the near future. I was actually looking at some boat plans, to try and build my own, and get the kids to help. They would be proud of that, including myself. Good luck to ya cant wait to see the end product.

[tennwalkinghorse]

Good Looking Project to be honest your a better man then I , I would not want to grind that Sh-t. Lots of Luck looking forward to more pics  

[Danonboat]

Nice to see another older fiberglass boat being restored.  I did one this winter and it was really a great experience.  It looks like you are taking your time and doing it right!!  Enjoy the process.  Hope you have something to fish from in the meantime

[low_pro]

UPDATE: I've got the stringers and transom completely glassed in. I am now ready to start on the flooring and deck. I might stop on the boat for now so I can fix and paint the trailer. But the other side of me says just to get the boat done and worry about that later! :-/

Also, starting to think of color schemes... thoughts?

[CGH]

I can't quit my day job and become a painter

[CGH]

How do you guys attach more than one pic in a reply / post  (Ok I See "Imageshack" and the Likes)

Add a stripe to match that 25HP Mariner Motor