1974 MFG Super Caprice Stringer/Floor Replacement *Warning lots of Pictures"

[Mostly Harmless]

Re: 1974 MFG Super Caprice Stringer/Floor Replacement *Warning lots of Pictures"

Thanks for all the compliments guys. Even though it's been a lot of work so far it has also been equally as fun. It looks like NY will be getting some nice weather after today and I plan to blitz the boat and really get all the glass work done by Sunday. Then it's just some finishing work and she will be ready to go.

I really can't say enough about the etec. It really has made using the boat a lot more fun. It's super quiet, twice as good on gas, 3 minute winterization, and plenty of power. I can run all day without ever having to worry about filling up with gas (I run 15 gallons normally and 20 gallons if I plan to be out all day).

Also one of the things I notice about these old boats it that people treat them like classic cars. Last year I recieved a lot of compliment on her at the ramp and heard a bunch of stories of guys who use to own boats like this when they were younger (they are a bit surprised that I am running around on this and not a jetski), some even saying they still wish them had them instead of there newer boats.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: 1974 MFG Super Caprice Stringer/Floor Replacement *Warning lots of Pictures"

Very nice work on everything, not to be a kill joy but have you checked the transom for rot? Just hate to see you do all that nice work then have to rework some of it due to a rotted transom. If you do ever have to redo it look into the seacast or the like.

 

[Mostly Harmless]

Re: 1974 MFG Super Caprice Stringer/Floor Replacement *Warning lots of Pictures"

Very nice work on everything, not to be a kill joy but have you checked the transom for rot? Just hate to see you do all that nice work then have to rework some of it due to a rotted transom. If you do ever have to redo it look into the seacast or the like.

you aren't being a kill joy, it is a really good question. When I first was looking into getting the new etec the transom was a big concern of mine. The 115 added almost 100lbs of extra weight and I brought up my concern to the shop that installed it, they check it and told me it was still solid (now I did take this with a grain of salt considering they wanted me to buy the engine). When I started this project I tested the transom by pushing on the engine to see if there was any flex (there wasn't any), I tapped around and listen for any sides of rot (didn't sound like it), and I also drilled a sample (which came back all right). I will admit that I am taking a chance by not replacing it, but from what I could tell it seem like it was till in good shape. If in the near future it needs replacement I will certainly be kicking myself.

 

[Mostly Harmless]

Re: 1974 MFG Super Caprice Stringer/Floor Replacement *Warning lots of Pictures"

Since I keep getting compliments on the ETEC, I figure I would post some videos of her in action.

Please don't mind my friends, we were on our way back from the Nautical Mile which is a canal with lots of great restaurants etc....the girls had a glass of wine or two, and no I did not drink, I never drink and operate the boat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX7g9R87E_U

On my way back to the dock as the sun was setting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAMX_UosYSI

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1974 MFG Super Caprice Stringer/Floor Replacement *Warning lots of Pictures"

That thing RIPS!

 

[Mostly Harmless]

Re: 1974 MFG Super Caprice Stringer/Floor Replacement *Warning lots of Pictures"

Hey guys! Another update?I glassed in the 10oz cloth in 38?widths going from port to starboard, I then sanded the 10oz cloth and laid out the CSM going from bow to stern with 5? going up the sides and transom.

The first half I glassed using a plastic spreader, it turned out to be pretty time consuming, and didn?t work as well I wanted it too. My father laid out the 2nd half with the special aluminum roller and it took half the time and used a lot less resin. This was a pretty big lessons learned and if I can offer anyone doing a similar project advice it is to go out and get the aluminum roller, its worth the few bucks it cost. So one half of the boat came out a bit better then the other. You can see that the port side has a bit more epoxy in the corner, the roller really did help to spread out the epoxy better, much more efficient. In the end the floor is very stiff, the CSM really does hold a lot of epoxy and I don?t see how water can even begin to get in here.

There are a few air bubbles that I might have to grind out and repair, but overall I think it came out ok. So the good news is that the stringers/foam/floor is finally finished. I still have to glass in the bilge and there are side shelves that support the walls (cutting and glassing them on Saturday). I was hoping to get her in the water next weekend but unfortunately I took to long to order the carpet and it currently states it won?t ship for a week. So it looks like another 2 more weeks before she gets wet?..

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1974 MFG Super Caprice Stringer/Floor Replacement *Warning lots of Pictures"

That floor has got to be amazingly solid. It will probably outlive you. I hear you on the two weeks. I think that's about where I'm at with mine.

 

[mfg_mike]

Re: 1974 MFG Super Caprice Stringer/Floor Replacement *Warning lots of Pictures"

Wow. What a beauty! Great job!