85 Capri...frightening project boat

[Gary H NC]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

I never worked on that kind of drive but does it need to be tilted in the down position before its removed? On other drives it would have the drive shaft in a bind.
Good question for the Volvo pros...

 

[kbomb]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

Kbomb,

Read TD's post and take it to heart. Figure out how much money you are going to have to put into this thing, don't for get your labor because your time is money.

I really do need to make a list of all the money this project is going to consume. I'm glad you brought that up because I have been avoiding this.

I just did a compression checked on the motor today. Did a wet test and got 190, 200, 210, 210. Will do another test tomorrow, but at least it's in the ballpark so far. At least the valves and head gasket do not appear to be a problem from that test. The outdrive appears to be in good condition. The oil in the outdrive and in the motor were actually clean...brand new looking. No water, not milky.

That should save me some dough.

Are you good with carpentry, mechanical, and upholstery? If not, these things add up quick.

Carpentry - low skill level-little experience. Relying on friends for training/help.
Mechanical - pretty good skill-lots of experience
Upholstery - no experience. My wife is going to take on this portion of the project. Gonna keep it plain, but functional. Already shopped for the vinyl.

Not trying to be negative, I just don't want you to get in over your head or sink a ton of money into the boat only to realize you could have been able to buy a boat in better shape for less money.

That's good. I have thought about that alot lately. I definitely feel in over my head in a lot of ways. At the same time, that's what makes it exciting too. The best way to eat an elephant is one bite a time. That's how I am approaching this project.

Last year my wife and I undertook a massive project that was way over our heads. We painted our 24' box truck that is used for our courier business. It looks pretty good. The whole thing took around 80 hours. See before and after pics below.

And time considerations, unless you are able to devote all of your spare time on this project I wouldn't count on it being finished until next boating season.
Doug

This one could be tough... We are self employed but due to the nature of the courier business, we do not dictate our own schedule entirely. However, no kids and a supportive wife. We don't work weekends and very rarely work evenings. I'm hoping to get the boat in the water this season, but I know this is a little optimistic at the same time.

Thanks for your concern. It was a good exercise to think the project through again. Like I said, I may be in over my head and I do need to run the numbers before I commit fully. I'll post back what I think it will cost and maybe you guys can let me know how realistic it is or isn't.

 

[Mark42]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

Now that you have the outdrive off, were you able to determine if the hull is being afected by the bend in the trailer frame?

 

[tonyg11780]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

Mark, looks like the bunks are rotted...I hope that saved the hull from warpage...maybe, maybe not

 

[oops!]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

i like your attitude....

"best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time"

books to buy........runabout renovation by jim anderson.....

the fiberglass repair manual...allan h vaitses.

the best breathing mask to buy is a dual cartridge resporator...wear it all the time...dont take it off.....

you will be grinding lots.....glass dust does not break down in the lungs....ever!

cost?....stringers...transom...deck...$2000.....uph....$600 dyi with deals...

$3000 with pros....

is it worth the money you spend.....not as an investment......as a project that you will enjoy for years .....yes

time line.......can be done in three months with a steady push...and working on weekends...1 guy.......one guy with helper.....2.5 months.....

(evenings and weekends)

keep us posted

cheers
oops

 

[kbomb]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

Now that you have the outdrive off, were you able to determine if the hull is being afected by the bend in the trailer frame?

You've had me worried about this all day. I can't wait to get this thing off the trailer now and check out any possible hull warpage.

I spent the day making some overhead hoists meant to be used as an additional support for the hull (along with floor supports). Or as a means to remove the cap if I so desire.

I'll need some tips on making the supports for the underside. I really like the cradles Oops made, but I won't need the casters. I just like the way the supports cradle each tier of the hull.

books to buy........runabout renovation by jim anderson.....

the fiberglass repair manual...allan h vaitses.

Great to know! Amazon...

Also, I am trying to remove the tongue off the trailer and it has been giving me a massive headache. I went through 5 sawzall blades attempting to remove a stuck bolt. I bought a cutting disc for my angle grinder, but it barely reaches the bolt. So the bolt has been whittled down to maybe 3/16". I hit it with a cold chisel for a while too, but it will not break!!!!

 

[erikgreen]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

Reciprocating saw (sawzall) with a bi-metal cobalt blade. Take about ten seconds.

Nice supports. I wish I could build some for my hull, but my garage is too low... the rafters are only 7 feet up.

Erik

 

[kbomb]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

Reciprocating saw (sawzall) with a bi-metal cobalt blade. Take about ten seconds.

Nice supports. I wish I could build some for my hull, but my garage is too low... the rafters are only 7 feet up.

Erik

Thanks Erik. I'll look for the bi-metal cobalt blade at HD or lowes and hit it with that.

 

[oops!]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

the castors on the cradles are a really good thing... especially if your in a tight place.....you can just push the boat out of the way an inch or two....

but if you have the room to work around the boat you done need them

 

[Mark42]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

Also, I am trying to remove the tongue off the trailer and it has been giving me a massive headache. I went through 5 sawzall blades attempting to remove a stuck bolt. I bought a cutting disc for my angle grinder, but it barely reaches the bolt. So the bolt has been whittled down to maybe 3/16". I hit it with a cold chisel for a while too, but it will not break!!!!

Well, that's the problem with those Escort trailers. They are made really well! They just don't fall apart!

 

[kbomb]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

Well I finally broke free the dang trailer tongue bolt! It took another couple of sawzall blades. If only the deck and stringers were built that tough!

Beyond that, I have not made as much additional progress as I'd hoped by now:

Here is another angle:

What is your favorite tool for cutting out the wood as close to the hull as possible? I have been using a sawzall so far. I was planning on using a cutting disc attached to my angle grinder for cutting the fiberglassed wood peices from the hull for the small strips left that I couldn't reach with the sawzall. Dunno if this is the best way though? Dunno if that will even be enough to break loose the wood peices from the hull?

Also, how do you recommend draining the fuel tank? I think I have about 1/2 tank in there. That's probably dangerous for me to be working away while it is half full. I just realized that while typing this. :redface:

 

[Robj]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

I used a cutting disc on my angle grinder. Cut through the old glass, no problem. Much better than the sawzall. Try and keep as much of the old wood intact as possible. It will make a good pattern. Much easier than trying to start from scratch.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

I cheated... I cut the deck out until there was a 1 inch tab left, then cut that into 2-3 foot lengths, and used a crowbar to pry it out with a wood backer protecting the pry point Took off everything down to the first layer of glass, so a light sanding job and acetone wipe and it was ready for re-glass

Erik

 

[oops!]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

uh.....hey bud.....uh....how did you take the cap off?

i noticed the rub rail still attached and the consoles still in......

i havent done a capri before....but.....?

 

[fixb52s]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

I drained my tank with a Guzzler and hose. I included a photo of one. It is a big hand pump that we used in the military for pumping out surge tanks in B-52s. They are avalable online. I use it to pump out everything from water to fuel.​

Put the inlet hose in the tank directly (through the tank sending unit hole) and put the other side in a container. If the fuel is still good, put it in the car. The one I have drained 12 gallons in less than 3 minutes.​

There are other cheaper suction devices out tere too, but I like mine because I can use it as an emergency bilge pump if my electric pump dies while out on the bay.​

 

[kbomb]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

uh.....hey bud.....uh....how did you take the cap off?

i noticed the rub rail still attached and the consoles still in......

i havent done a capri before....but.....?

Cap is still on. Haven't removed it yet. Not sure if I will.

 

[kbomb]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

I drained my tank with a Guzzler and hose. I included a photo of one. It is a big hand pump that we used in the military for pumping out surge tanks in B-52s. They are avalable online. I use it to pump out everything from water to fuel.​

Cool. I will do something similar...

 

[Mark42]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

So what did you find when the deck (floor) was removed in the aft section? Was there just two stringers with the deck resting on the hull on the outer edge, or were where more than two stringers? What was the stringer condition? Covered in glass? just gel coated? Solid or Rotten? Was there foam to the outside of the stringers?

I can't tell from the photos, and I would really like to know.

Thanks!

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

Just a heads up for when you buy your marine vinyl to reupholster your seats. You can buy it much cheaper on ebay than Joanne's fabrics. I bought mine from a place in North Carolina -- had a really good deal. If you need the #, email me at cptkid570@aol.com and I can probably find the receipt somewhere.

 

[kbomb]

Re: 85 Capri...frightening project boat

So what did you find when the deck (floor) was removed in the aft section? Was there just two stringers with the deck resting on the hull on the outer edge, or were where more than two stringers? What was the stringer condition? Covered in glass? just gel coated? Solid or Rotten? Was there foam to the outside of the stringers?

I can't tell from the photos, and I would really like to know.

Thanks!

I think these pic's should answer some of your questions:

In this photo, the upper arrow shows where I cut away the stinger. It is fully rotten inside the glass. But the glass is solid as a rock. The foam is fully soaked. Lots of weight coming outta here. The bottom arrow shows that the tank is glassed in. I thought this was peculiar and was curious if this is standard?

OTHER PICS:

I am finally making some progress on gutting this thing, but oh boy is it a lot of work! And itchy for sure. In the middle of the work today, I was actually thinking what in the world I had got myself into? If I could make a recommendation to another first time boat renovater, I would say to start with a smaller boat.