1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

[knalves]

Hi All,

Here's the story:
I bought a trailer but the boat came with it (1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout with dual S/N's). So far the total investment was $75!

The hull looked like it was in really good condition. There are some hairline cracks that are mostly on the transom and some on the sides. I haven't had a chance to get a good detailed look at the bottom yet.

I have to do some work to the trailer to make it better since it's home made but that will be minor.

On with the demolition!

First I power washed the entire boat to remove all the mildew, dirt, and other unidentifiable items...

Then... I removed all the hardware (and software) and proceeded to remove the cap.

Next... was ripping out the transom (almost done - I didn't realize that 35 year old rotted plywood would be so difficult). While doing that, I noticed some water seeping up from the deck. So I made a few test holes and found that the deck and the foam underneath was COMPLETELY SATURATED!!! (no wonder why the thing was so heavy!) and the decking was also rotted.

Here's the good thing... The water was not leaking out!

I would like to thank Skibum for giving me some inspiration to tackle this project. I don't have the time, tools, or the $$$ to go as far as he did (and lot of other's as well). But, I want to get this thing safe and solid.

So here's my first question that needs some attention...

I plan on ripping out the deck and all the foam under it...

Question: Would it be better to:

glass some vertical stringers in and foam in between?

- OR -

Replace the foam with more expanding foam?

Thanks
Ken

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

Welcome to iBoats. You might want to read this post
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=372041

Also do a Search on Foam Flotation. I have seen where some have placed cut pieces of foam panels purchaed at lowes, between their stringers etc.. Some do NOT use foam. Weight distribution might be an issue but for this small of a boat and the amount of weight the foam would add I would doubt that it would create a draft issue. I have a 15 ft. Lonestar that I am going to be tearing down next fall that I am pretty sure does NOT have any foam under the floor. Remember FOAM only helps if the Boat is SINKING and with weight distribution. IT does NOT increase it's bouyancy. Anyway, do some more searching on the Forum and I bet you will find what you are looking for. I love the Look of these old Runabouts. Good Luck on your Project. Patience and Perseverance will pay off!!!!

 

[knalves]

Re: 1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

Thanks for the reply. I'm aware of the buoyancy issue plus I have been scanning the posts looking for tips and tricks. I found the reply you made in http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=372041 that had the link to http://www.glen-l.com/weblettr/webletters-7/wl55-flotation.html - GREAT LINK!!! Very helpful!

I need to get the weight of the rest of the components especially the motor.

I also have a 19" transom and thought about cutting it down to 15" to get a short shaft 40HP on there. It was suggested to me but I'm still not sure if it's a good idea. It'll save a few pound and I don't plan on taking this to the ocean.

 

[mars bar]

Re: 1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

Just a thought. I used those colourful pool noodles that the kids play with. They pack well into spots or you can use a little foam and glue them down, where they can't be seen of course. They can be shaped and cut. Also they never rot?

 

[81 beachcomber]

Re: 1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

knalves, good score on the boat, good luck with the project, will be interesting to see how it turns out.

Just a thought. I used those colourful pool noodles that the kids play with. They pack well into spots or you can use a little foam and glue them down, where they can't be seen of course. They can be shaped and cut. Also they never rot?

hmmm thats a good idea, and theyre really cheap too. nice im stealing this idea for my project.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: 1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

First off, remove the deck and see what's underneath. If there are stringers, then replace with stringers, if they are rotten. As said above flotation seems to be each own idea. From empty pop bottles to noodles, as some use foam sheets. Whatever works and whatever saves some dollars. Nice looking boat by the way. Have fun with it.

 

[knalves]

Re: 1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

Thanks for the input. My main concern is that this is done right. I do not believe there are any stringers below deck, rather, expanded foam was used for structural support. So, not know if I should put expanding foam back or glassing a stringer down the middle (or both) was going to benefit anything. Obviously I want to protect this as much as possible, so some form of flotation will be incorporated back.

 

[knalves]

Re: 1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

The transom is almost out and I'm planning my next steps. Need some help with a decision.

1) Remove the decking and the foam
- Installing a vertical stringer up the middle
- Type of foam replacement is TBD

2) Rebuild the transom...
- I have an opportunity to put a 40HP short-shaft on. I currently have a 19" transom; should I take it down 4"? or leave it and look for a long shaft?

 

[knalves]

Re: 1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

ok, I've got the deck and the transom out. I have to grind out and clean up the "mistakes". Pics soon.

Question: I have looked up as many threads as I can only to end up with some confusion regarding whether to poly resins or epoxy resins on the deck and transom. When I work on the outside I have found threads that support poly resins.

Which is best on the inside for the deck and transom?

 

[jonesg]

Re: 1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

Depends how much money you want to spend on a $75 boat, epoxy is pricey. Both resins will work.
I use poly resin due to cost but I really prefer the faster gel times of polyester.

I have a 1974 chrysler commander 20' center console.

I wouldn't cut the transom down, the trend is to raise them, not lower them.
Notice newer outboards have longer , not shorter legs.

 

[knalves]

Re: 1975 14' Chrysler Cadet Runabout

Depends how much money you want to spend on a $75 boat, epoxy is pricey. Both resins will work.
I use poly resin due to cost but I really prefer the faster gel times of polyester.

I have a 1974 chrysler commander 20' center console.

I wouldn't cut the transom down, the trend is to raise them, not lower them.
Notice newer outboards have longer , not shorter legs.

Thanks for the input. I've decided not to cut down the transom. I bought a donor boat (~1960 15' Crosby) that has a '66 40hp Johnson (22" shaft) and a nice '57 Gator tilt-up trailer in great shape.

I will be using the donor boat to "practice" on, but, will eventually fix that one up a bit when I'm done with the Cadet. The 70" beam on the Crosby is hard to ignore since I was going to originally gut it and post it for free to get rid of it... It's really starting to have some appeal to keep it and fix it up.