Just got a "New to Me" boat

[FBPirate95]

I have had a 1985 Sportcraft bowrider for a couple of years now. Sadly, the transom has gone bad in it, and has really made it hard to justify repairing. So I've been on the lookout for a replacement hull to repower. A couple of days ago a guy responded to my craigslist add with "boy do I have a deal for you". He had a boat that he bought solely for the 150hp outboard on it. He didn't want the boat since it was a bowrider, so he thought the best thing to do was find someone looking for a hull. Well that someone was me, and now I have a new hull for free.

It is a 1991 Marqui Cantalina bowrider. The hull, floor, and transom are in great shape. The problem is the seats are bad, the carpet needs replacing, and some of the hardware needs replacement. This type of restoration is right up my alley. What I ask of you guys is this....

1. Can anyone recommend a good replacement steering system? I've seen the rotary and rack and pinions here on Iboats, but what's the general preference.

2. Can anyone recommend a good floor coating? I'm looking for something like a do it yourself Rhino liner.

3. Where's the best place to get some vinyl for the seats?

4. Anyone else have a Marqui?

5. Any other thoughts that might help me. We don't ski or anything, so the boat is going to be a family cruiser and fisher.

 

[solar7647]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

Got any photos yet? Cool on the free part thats the best kind of boat to have!

I am redoing my boat and I am going with a new rotary steering system by Teleflex, I have drove boats with and they seem alot better plus take up less space.

For the floor I would recommend vinyl decking with non-slip texture if you dont want carpet instead of DIY bed lining, that stuff really sucks. A link to the vinyl floor: http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=76084&pdesc=MariDeck_Vinyl_Floor_Covering_6_Wide&aID=601E2&merchID=4006

The best price I found for vinyl for seats was on overtons, they have a lot of colors to choose from and shipping isnt bad. A link to the Vinyl fabric:http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=72519&pdesc=Standard/Deluxe_Matching_Vinyl_Yard&aID=601C10&merchID=4006

Dont forget to add some good Pole holders for those family fishing trips!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

This thread is worthless without pics

 

[j_martin]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

How big is the motor? If it's a 6 and yer going to go over 50 in it, go with dual rack steering or better for safety.

Pictures, man, we need pictures.

John

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

I'll get pics up soon. But remember.....P-R-O-J-E-C-T boat. Its not a beauty.....yet.

As for the outboard its my 90 Johnson off my current boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

steering, rotary no feed back will be fine on it. ( i have seen the craiglist pics, he sent me).

i prefer Grizzly Grip over rhino lining. i have bought vinyl off ebay several times.
http://www.grizzlygrip.com/boats.asp

 

[JB]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

This belongs in building and restoration. moving it there.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

steering, rotary no feed back will be fine on it. ( i have seen the craiglist pics, he sent me).

i prefer Grizzly Grip over rhino lining. i have bought vinyl off ebay several times.
http://www.grizzlygrip.com/boats.asp

How well does the Grizzly Grip work?

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

Do you have a Jo Ann fabric/craft store near you? They have 40% off-any-one-item coupons in their flyers all the time which can be used on buying bulk fabric and they do have a selection of vinyl

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

Any advice on replacing the side upholstery?

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

Like the side interior panels? I had to remake one (rotten) but otherwise my mom sewed together new vinyl and padding for it. Gotta use foam, not fiberous padding though (putting a screw through it won't turn out good 0

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

Any advice on replacing the side upholstery?

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=347724

Also, thrillhouse used foam sleeping bag pads from Wal-Mart as the foam in their side panels and dog house. Worked great.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=347724

Also, thrillhouse used foam sleeping bag pads from Wal-Mart as the foam in their side panels and dog house. Worked great.

Thanks! This was a great thread.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

Pictures as promised. Excuse the leaves and all in the boat. I haven't cleaned it out yet. My plans are to pull the carpet and apply some type of roll on liner. Reupholster side panels, bow seats, and stern seats. Pull the back to back seats and install single seats at the helm and passenger position.


http://s913.photobucket.com/albums/...at Tracking/?action=view&current=boats003.jpg

http://s913.photobucket.com/albums/...at Tracking/?action=view&current=boats004.jpg

http://s913.photobucket.com/albums/...at Tracking/?action=view&current=boats005.jpg

http://s913.photobucket.com/albums/...at Tracking/?action=view&current=boats006.jpg

http://s913.photobucket.com/albums/...at Tracking/?action=view&current=boats007.jpg

http://s913.photobucket.com/albums/...at Tracking/?action=view&current=boats008.jpg

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

That hull has TONS of potential. I really like it. Gonna be Sweet!

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

That hull has TONS of potential. I really like it. Gonna be Sweet!

Thanks! I just hope I have the skills to pull it off.

 

[boatflipper]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

I second the vote for rotary steering by teleflex! I put one on my bass boat and love it! Very smooth system and really inexpensive.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

most of that is good cleaner and elbow grease. did you get the email on the back to back seats.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

most of that is good cleaner and elbow grease. did you get the email on the back to back seats.

This will probably start up another debate, but what would be a good cleaner to use? As you can see from the pics, there is a lot of grime all over the hull.

And yes I saw the email. Thanks for keeping an eye out. I just haven't decided if I want to put back to back seats in or just go with single, rotating seats at the helm and passenger position. We tend to fish more than we joy ride, so I am torn about which to use.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Just got a "New to Me" boat

I like the setup a lot of new boats have with a bucket for the driver and a back-to-back on the passenger side.