Summer Project-Transom replacement

[blonhrt88]

Well, here we are at the sanding and smoothing stage. We were handed down a 15ft Fleet Craft outboard, bow rider boat with a rotten transom. Here's where we are...(pics). Outer fiberglass skin is off(needs to be sanded badly) and the rotten wood is out. This weekend we are going to finish smoothing out the place for the new plywood, cutting and sealing the new plywood. We also need some of the remaining plywood for the bow because the existing floor covers only to the console. Then onto the carpet and the paint, the seats and the electronics. There's also a pulley system that's being used for the steering right now, which seems pretty ghetto to me so that's being replaced. Lets say, end of June we should see some pretty good results! I have high hopes and dreams for this boat.

[Knut Sand]

Is there a reason for not splitting the boat in the hull/ upper deck/ inner lining?

Sorry, had to say it....

(Then you could have removed/ replaced the wood from the inside of the hull, keeping the outside of the hull as much as possible intact).

[blonhrt88]

yeah, there is lol. We originally were planning to take the skin off the back and then thought about going from the inside, so we tried it. the splash well was in the way and the wood (although rotten) was fiberglassed over from the inside. even when we were lying down with a flashlight and the smallest tool we could fit up under there, we didnt have room to get arm-movement in. we came back to our original idea of taking the skin off the back, which we left completely in tact. in the end, its just a little more resin and fiberglass work we will have to do(plus painting). That ends up outwaying the benefits of tearing it apart...

[blonhrt88]

So we are about done! All there is left to do is sand and paint the back, re-drill holes for the motor mount and drain, and glue the carpet down. And then wash it down! Will post some pics later...

Who knew it would be so worth it

[PAR]

Carpet is the quickest way to kill all your new work. Consider an anti skid paint instead.

[blonhrt88]

yes yes, I have considered it. This boat is already from the 1960's, so I dont need it to last a lifetime. Carpet looks and feels good, plus its easy.

[blonhrt88]

so, i think this counts for a "long way" at the end of june!

[blonhrt88]

Good thing i dont have a gun, because i would have shot myself already! We got the boat in the water and it started, and ran, and planed beautifully.The second trip, not so much. We couldnt even get a spark. The motor is a Johnson 50hp electric switch from 1972, so what can i ask for right? Now we have to save for a while so we can put on a new motor. Damn...