Bayliner Trophy 1988 centre console - removing cap

[Arawak]

I've come to the conclusion that the foam in the stern of my 17' 1988 Bayliner is soaked and needs to be replaced. Even with a light 250lb motor (Chrysler 105HP) she sits quite low in the water at the stern, and when I sit on the gunwales at the stern water will start to come in through the scuppers. The kicker is that after a run the bilge drain will drip for a solid day.

So... I want to remove the cap to have a look, and replace the old foam. Of course, although everything feels solid who knows what else I'll find. Hoping to avoid *another* transom rebuild but if it's got any rot spots I'll probably do it. And it will be a good opportunity to mount a second bilge pump, a through-hull transducer, and some other goodies.

Does anyone have any advice on how to get the top off? Since it's a centre console, it's a lot more to remove than the runabout caps I've taken off in the past since the sole is attached. I'm thinking I'll need to build some sort of a structure over the boat and then maybe some pulley system to lift the cap. Probably I'll have to support it as well, not quite sure how I'll do this...

Any advice appreciated, especially from anyone familiar with these boats.

 

[zool]

Since its a center console, you may have an easier time just removing the console, and cutting the sole a few inches in from the sides, all the way around, take that out in one or a few pieces, strip your foam, check the tank, stringers and such, then use cleats to reattach the sole if its solid, otherwise replace the sole wood core, and reattach the sole skin, or glass a new one.

 

[Woodonglass]

Yup ^^^

 

[Arawak]

Bugger. I was hoping to avoid an ugly scar. But separating it seems a huge undertaking.

Ok, so if I proceed this way I'm left with the back two feet or so on either side of the splashwell. Probably this would be the worst affected area too. This might involve more cutting. I'll post pictures tomorrow morning to illustrate.

Let's say... God forbid.... the transom is bad. At that point I'd have to take the top off, wouldn't I? Or would I cut up the gunwales and just remove the stern portion?

Thanks for your thoughts guys!

 

[zool]

Bugger. I was hoping to avoid an ugly scar. But separating it seems a huge undertaking.

Ok, so if I proceed this way I'm left with the back two feet or so on either side of the splashwell. Probably this would be the worst affected area too. This might involve more cutting. I'll post pictures tomorrow morning to illustrate.

Let's say... God forbid.... the transom is bad. At that point I'd have to take the top off, wouldn't I? Or would I cut up the gunwales and just remove the stern portion?

Thanks for your thoughts guys!

Can you access the transom thru hatches on the sides of the splashwell enclosure?....if you can, test drill to see whats up before you choose a method, but yes, you can cut the gunnels, but that still involves removing the rubrail, gas fill, or whatever else comes thru there.....

 

[Woodonglass]

You know, If you'd post some pics of your boat so we could get a look at her, it would make things a whole lot easier for us to give you better advice on how to do things. Best way to do that is to open a free PhotoBucket account, upload your pics and then copy and paste the IMG Code directly into your iBoats thread.

 

[Arawak]

As promised, some photos

 

[Arawak]

And some more

 

[Woodonglass]

Hmmm, On that CC, I Might attempt removing the cap. I actually doesn't look all that bad. Is the CC glassed into the deck or is it removable?

 

[Arawak]

It's removable. Just bolts onto a lip around a slightly recessed basin. I think if I removed it and the various cables and hoses, the top might come off OK. If I did it I'd need some way to support the weight and lift it clear. It's going to be heavy though.... I'm tempted to cut the floor, but I'm concerned that it still won't give me good access to the stern areas. Also, there is rot around the port hatch (baitwell) which I'd like to properly assess and repair. There are also a few things I'd like to do if I remove the cap: 1. Add a second bilge pump, and a bigger outlet hose 2. Replace the original transducer with one that works with my Hummingbird 3. Move the fuel cap from the splash well to the gunwale This won't happen until April anyway so I have all winter to think about it.

 

[Woodonglass]

Removing the cap mIght not be that bad. What kind of working environment do you have?

 

[tallcanadian]

He's up here in the frozen tundra like me, except colder. lol. I like that boat. It shouldn't be too hard to de cap her. Same as the rest. But drill a couple holes as mentioned above, just to make sure your suspicions are right. good luck.

 

[Arawak]

Removing the cap mIght not be that bad. What kind of working environment do you have?

My father's backyard. Wife does not allow such projects at home

And as my fellow canuck points out, the long deep dark winter beckons

 

[Woodonglass]

Well if you use some PVC and get a large tarp you could build a cover. Four big friends, some ladders and a couple of 2x4's and you could liift that cap off the boat.

 

[Arawak]

I'm actually thinking about finding some heated workspace now and doing it over the winter. Damn project bug has bitten me again....

 

[Arawak]

Found a place 11' x 29' heated, insulated, with electricity for $175. It's a 40 min drive, but that's not too bad.

So, I might start a Bayliner rebuild thread in November.....