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  1. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    More deconstruction and cleaning prep before flotation installation.
  2. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Any ideas on how much more flotation I'll need to add in addition to the 3000lbs worth below?
  3. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    I didn't know how much would be needed but decided to take advantage of a deal I found on some used styro from equipment packed on pallets. It is just like the original white styro that was in it. I estimated I'd need at least 3000lbs more buoyancy if I could haul that much in the wagon and...
  4. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Looking for some advice here. How much flotation do you think is needed to keep this boat floating if it was totally flooded? The two 60g poly fuel tanks even if completely full would provide together 200+ lbs flotation (120gallons @6lbs/gallon -20lbs plastic weight). So lets assume tanks...
  5. IslandExplorer

    anyone ever do this on chieftain 18?

    Those covers seem to be the same stuff a lot of the older bimini tops are made of. If you found a set of the aluminum bimini top hoops that hold them up typically you'd just have to attach it to it. They sell the snaps as a kit that you can crimp on to things and the buttons can be screwed in...
  6. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Lifting hull to center on trailer was successful. Once lifted a little, a ratchet strap and a few good shoves was all it needed. One roller bunk set (right rear) has two axles bent out of alignment and a now completely broken off main pivot bracket! Removed whole assembly for welding repair...
  7. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Good thinking! I burned all my collected sawdust over the winter getting coal fires started but I will keep that in mind bc that is definitely a better use and will be generating plenty more of it soon. Luckily the greasy oily stuff is just about gone now.
  8. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Wish I had aweigh to weigh the hull myself. Would be great to know: 1. bare hull weight (aluminum and glass only) 2. weight with floors, interior, and transom- without fuel or engine or I/O 3. and fully loaded weight including Mercruiser 888 and 120 gallons of fuel.
  9. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Anyone know what the hull weighs approximately when totally empty without floors, motor, transom, etc.? I want to reposition the boat on the trailer because it is seriously ****-eyed at the back and want it resting nice and even on the trailer as she gains all the weight of the new materials...
  10. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Ok good, I was hoping it was. In that case looks like I can start laying down new deck boards soon! Figured if it's not- now's definitely the time to add the brackets.
  11. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Anyone have pictures of what the factory (or DIY) hull reinforcements look like on these Chieftains?? I know that they added some sort of rib end support on some later hulls and was wondering just how those were attached. This hull appears to have a structural beam each side that connects the...
  12. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks, I'll have to try some of those. So far the part that's been toughest to clean is the tar like stuff in bottom of bilge, concentrated only in certain areas. I think it might be oil & styrofoam melted together sludge that slowly congealed and fossilized over the eons of neglect.
  13. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Nothing exciting, just more cleaning... ... ... ... Long way from this before shot at least!
  14. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Definitely good to know about the gas sensitivity. If that's its only real Achilles heal- then that's perfect. I'll have to scout out the old scrap yard soon for some more tin to make that platform happen. I'm really liking the idea of it being all riveted together just like the rest of the...
  15. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    That's a great idea, would be way lighter than the trex I'm sure! My buddy just laid down some of that stuff nicely in a few sections of his previously plain white fiberglass skiff and I thought it looked awesome. Wonder what would be a good thickness for the alu deck so that it doesn't need...
  16. IslandExplorer

    anyone ever do this on chieftain 18?

    I'm with Waterman on that one, I used the cabin top area as a lunch serving counter and also as a kitchen with my rusty but trusty old coleman stove. Works great and keeps cabin space open! That dash area is pretty big on the 18.
  17. IslandExplorer

    1974 starcraft chieftain wiring

    Sure no problem, forgot to add: The power trim switch has 3 wires: Red w/White stripe Blue w/White stripe Green w/White stripe
  18. IslandExplorer

    1974 starcraft chieftain wiring

    Here are some pictures from when I added the access panel, fuse block, and a 6 switch panel. Switch assignment that has worked well for me: 1. Nav Lights 2. Anchor Light 3. Interior Lights 4. Bilge 1- Override ON 5. Instrumentation (fuel guage, tach, guage backlights) 6. FM Radio + 12v guage ON
  19. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Today's progress: Extensive pressure washing of transom and hull interior along with removal of non-OG 20 gallon stainless port side tank and hidden rotten wood behind it.
  20. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks and I most definitely am. It had a corroded angle iron and wood swim platform supported by steel chain that I need to replace once transom is done. I want to build in a kicker motor mount for my trusty 9.9/15 as I don't believe in leaving shore in the salt without one. Was hoping to find...
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