1973 Fiberform Cabin Cruiser Restoration- Please share your opinions(Not Finished)

[theck4291]

I have been working on a restoration for about 2 months now...(I work nights, 12 hours a day, and usually 5 or 6 days a week, so it takes a while to get anything done) Never done anything like this before and doing everything myself, along with my wife. We purchased the boat off of her father in May, we live in Tennessee and he is in Michigan, and for $1400 he drove it down to us. The cabin is in great condition, nothing wrong with it, but everything back was never taken care of. Left out of the water, uncovered/exposed to the elements, outdrive stored up, so the bellows rotted out, seats all decayed and rotten. First boat, never worked on one before. We took it out(not knowing the bellows were dry rotted) and had a good time, brought it back in to our wet slip, left it overnight, took it back out one more time the next day. When we came back the following day, it had about 8 inches of water over the floor!!! Took it out of the water and I found all of this out after joining iboats. Replaced the bellows, shift cable, and decided while it was out of the water to redo everything. Never used a sewing machine before or reupholstered anything, but here is what I have done so far.
Let me know what you guys think!

The boat is a 21' Fiberform Cabin Cruiser with a 1973 Chevy 165 HP Inline 6, Mercruiser I/O.

Also repainted the outdrive while it was off the boat

 

[kcassells]

Nice looking boat! What did you use on the deck floor? Welcome a board.

 

[Woodonglass]

I'd say, Ya Dun Rit Good!!!! If she don't leak and the motor runs good then go have fun!!! Did you check the transom, stringers, bulkies, and motor mounts to ensure they were structurally sound?

 

[theck4291]

kcassells, thanks! I used linoleum for the flooring. I wanted to use marine grade vinyl but could not find in the pattern I wanted, so went with linoleum from Lowes. I am making sure to take extra care so I seal it perfectly, using marine vinyl/marine carpet grade adhesive and caulking all the edges.

 

[theck4291]

WOG- the transom is in PERFECT condition, was honestly SUPER surprised that it is in as good shape as it is... Seems like they sealed it well... not sure about the stringers, don't really know how to check them, the motor mounts are great. Hoping she doesn't leak either LOL.

 

[Woodonglass]

Were there any soft spots in the decking??

 

[theck4291]

Only One, and it is in the step down into the cabin, it is soft where it butts up to the rise up to the "main" level of the boat

 

[Woodonglass]

Hmmm, Well, here's the deal, boat generally "ROT" from the bottom up. but since you stated the transom and motor mounts were in excellent shape then maybe the stringers are too. Are there any hatches etc.. that give you access to below deck where you can visually "SEE" the boats structure?

 

[theck4291]

No, there is nowhere that gives me access

 

[kcassells]

Well you can always add a couple. Not really too difficult. Might put your mind at ease also if you got a glance into the innerds. I do like the floor pattern.
Keep on boating! :joyous:

 

[VE8EV]

Nice boat. It looks like a 73 'Cuddy Voyager' model. This is from the 1973 catalog:

 

[VE8EV]

Hmm, let's try that again:

 

[theck4291]

Well thank you very much! That is definitely the make/model of the boat. Was not aware of that, appreciate it very much!!! Now I am a little confused, because my Father in Law said this is a 165 HP motor, but the only 2 choices are 188 and 225! Any idea I can find out which it is for sure. will probably help me in determining the correct parts for the engine! I honestly thought I saw something on my engine that said 165, but maybe I was wrong???

 

[VE8EV]

From the photos you posted it definitely has a 165hp Mercruiser. Not sure where you got the info about the available engines but it doesn't sound right to me. Fiberform boats were always available with whatever OMC, Merc, or Volvo drive you wanted and a boat this size would run anything from 165 to 225hp.

 

[theck4291]

It seems anywhere I check, I can only find 188HP or 225 HP.. I am trying to find a starter for it, but want to make 100% sure I get the right one

 

[VE8EV]

I just took a look right here at iboats.com and they list an assortment of new or reman starters for the 165hp Mercruiser,that fits 1970-1981.

 

[theck4291]

No Title

GOT THE BOAT FINISHED!!! About to put into the water....