First Restoration project

[Onedown]

Hello all, I'm new here and brand new to this hobby. I found an older boat going for a song, but needs TLC. It's a 15' Princecraft, I have no idea what year, pushed by a 50 horse Merc - mid 80's. I've never done any restoration projects, and am enjoying reading all the good info I've found here so far. I will probably be doing just research until spring, as the boat is outside for the winter.

I have pulled out the floor, from the windsheild to the stern. I got excited when I first got her home. It was rotten in a couple of spots, where the seats were. Oh yeah, it has no seats either.

Parts of the stringers were rotted as well, so I cut some out around the rot.

Like I said, I won't be doing too much work until spring, I only have a single car garage.

Any hint/tips are greatly appreciated.


Jay

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: First Restoration project

Check out these threads, (Im putting links if people want it taken down say so)
Tools you will need, by drewpster. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=357590

this thread will tell you TONS of info, http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=234392&highlight=oops

Decide what type of resin and fiberglass you want to use.
I am using 1.5oz CSM, Woven mat, and poly resin.

www.uscomposites.com
www.fiberglasssite.com
Or find a local boat shop or supplier.


1. Take pics of your boat, LOTS before you rip it apart. These come in handy when putting back together.
2. Build engine stand (for outboards) http://cid-8a54563347d2705e.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/.Public/Outboard Stand Rev A.pdf
3. remove top cap, (remove rub rail and drill out rivets, remove and obvious screws holding it to the deck)
4. remove and replace ALLLLLL wood.
5. if possible while removing the wood pieces keep them for templates, (unless your boat was built as crappy as ours then nothing lines up or fits right so don't)
6. Build all your wood pieces and make sure they fit correctly before glassing, keep in mind tolerances and thicknesses of fiberglass.
7. After your wood parts are built, encase them with fiberglass to make water proof.
8. put back together in reverse of it coming apart
9. have fun and drink lots of beer.
10. Ask questions here. Tons of guys on here are very helpful and resourceful.

I am pretty new to all this too, this is just a list of things that I have aquired from iboats.

Post lots of pictures so others can learn from your model boat, if they have the same.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: First Restoration project

Welcome to iboats...... your rebuilding season is getting shorter every day.

Be sure the boat is tilted back, drain plugs removed and you might want to cover it to limit the amount of debris, leaves and snow.

Please check iboats for your rebuilding supplies in our marine store http://www.iboats.com/Boat_Parts_Accessories/dm/

We even have instructions on an engine stand located in out completed projects section.

Take the time to read through the forums and read about posting pictures properly We have a size limit of 640 x 480 for photos. Probably one of the most informative threads is this one http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=234392 which has tons of information.

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: First Restoration project

Welcome aboard !!!

She looks like she will fly when your done !! Its a lot of work but well worth it !! you will know all you need to know when your done , and so much more then most of the people out on the water !!

all the info above is great info !! uscomposities has the best prices and great people !! and if IBoats has it get it here it keep this great forum going !!

Ok keep them pics comming !! John

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: First Restoration project

Oh yeah Iboats is GREAT about matching prices.