My First Boat and Restore

[Paul Ryan]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

Here's what the seats and cuddy pads were looking like.

The seat bases all but fell apart in my hands getting them out of the boat.

The PO had wrapped the cuddy pads with a upholstery right over the top of the MFG upholstery. Turned out the MFG skin was still in great shape as was the foam. Just need new backs.

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

Electric and I/O controls.

Bulkhead.

And some carpets removed.

More of the all famous rot found. In the last pic you can see my book for record keeping and I also have hundreds of pics. I knew it would be awhile for I got back to assembly so we did keep a running history.

 

[83vert]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

Looks like you are making some good progress and fast. Great idea with the record keeping, it may come in handy later on. Looks like you have your work cut out for you just like the rest of us . Good luck with it

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

Power plant.

I used some 4x4's and built-up a basic frame. Bolted all together for strength and easy removal after lift. I placed the frame "feet" over top of the stringers to distribute the weight of the lift. The bunks on the trailer were right under the stringers so felt good about that. I was a little scared that all the rot I was seeing, that the lift would break through the glass, but all went well and she came out really easy.

Once the engine was unbolted I stood on each gunwell and moved the top bar foward. The over hang of the bar allowed a pivot actions that allowed me to move a couple inches on one side, move to the other side and same thing. All the while coming up with the hoist. The engine weight was around 500lb and all my lifting equipment was rated in the 1000lb range. The frame do not move and heard no cracking.

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

So with the engine flying high I built up a engine stand to sit down on.

Engine sitting down and Lift Frame removed and stored. I got this all done in one day and feeling like a DIY God

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

So, I didn't have any practical means of getting the engine out at home. I took the boat to work and used a forklift. Came up from the stren, lifted out and sat her on my utility trailer.

K...By this time, as all of you are aware, I have gotten in and out of the boat hundreds of times by now and still had way way way far to go. So I stopped and rethought things a little and came up something to my "getting older" body in and out a little easier...lol...Look right in front of the shed...Next post!

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

I built a deck off the front of the shed and also built a set of steps. Then back the boat up to the deck. Awwww old man thinking alittle

Also...away from disassebly...I was wondering how the gelcoat would look after some works. I used a wet sand 1200, 3m restore, then a 3m polish.

Top half new, bottom half old. Very pleased with how she looks!!!

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

Great job there paul !! your kicking butt !! keep it up !! John

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

God Bless You Fiberglass Resto Guys!!!!

 

[system-f]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

I love these smaller cuddies. The perfect cruise/exploring boat.

God Bless You Fiberglass Resto Guys!!!!

We need all the help we can get.

 

[andreawilliam]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

I am amazed with how well your gelcoat sand and polish came up. Im looking forward to see how mine goes.

 

[drewpster]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

'Aint' it great to have a job, and a boss, that will let you get some of the big work done! I am fortunate our shop lets us use the big tools too. All the welded pieces you see in my threads were handled at work. The big stands and the gantry I put together were built using the company's welder. I am very thankful for that. My little buzz box welder just was not up to the task. I have also used our body shop's forklift to lift engines. And a couple of us helped one of the bosses load a houseboat and put it on a flatbed when he changed lakes. That was a nail biter! I won allot of points that day. Sometimes it is helpful when people find out you can work on boats.

 

[Triton II]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

Time for an update or is it too cold in TN? This is a really interesting resto. Good job Paul.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: My First Boat and Restore

You should be proud. Looks like you are doing a great job.