1978 River Ox Restoration Project

[gatorfan6908]

Heres the skinny....
First... let me grab another beer before I get started, because this may take a few minutes...

Sorry for the narrative, but it will help provide the mood I am in whilst writing this post.

Ok, so I have a 17' '78 River Ox that I am staring at in my back yard. It has a '82 90hp mercury 6cyl outboard which is amazingly in great condition after I re-ran the fuel lines, new plugs, plug wires, etc.. It was "acquired" by my father a few years back who since has not put anything into it that made any sense. (1k on the trailer, new depth finder, etc.) It is now in my possession since he wants nothing to do with it. I live in Panama City, FL five mins away from the closest boat launch and I am aching for a boat that I can take out when I feel for some salt on my face. I have taken it out multiple times this year with no issues other than water constantly filling the bilge from an obvious leak somewhere in the hull. BUT... I know there are severe problems with this boat. For instance, there is a hole in the deck which shines light on the rotted floor (soft spots throughout), and I know that the stringers are done for and will need replacement.
I have been saving money to purchase a boat perhaps next year, and my wife is "on board" with that idea, as she loves being out on the water as well. However, we just found out that after almost a year of trying that we are finally pregnant. I know that we will need more money that I am sure we won't be able to save up to purchase a boat by the start of the season next year with the baby on the way and purchasing my wife a new car. Here is my dillema...
With the money I have saved (close to 4k), I have been debating whether or not to just jump in and start tearing this boat down and completely rebuilding it. I have no experience with glass, but I am great at DIY projects and have tools available for the job. I've also been reading for weeks about glassing and the great debate about epoxy or poly... (fun arguments by the way)
So what are any of yall's thoughts about this idea. Is it worth it to just start tearing it down and rebuilding? I know that the hull underneath will need alot of work also, as there are gouges from past owners beaching it and running over whatever they could find. I just am at a loss sitting here thinking about it, and can't seem to find either the courage to start or the logic not to. I have the time available, at least for the next 6 or 7 months, lol. Please give me some expert insight or a number to the local psychiatrist...

Thanks from your friendly saltwater enthusiast,

Lonnie

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Well, if you have the will power, the place to work and the budget a center console can be a fun project.

Okay fiberglass arguments..... Here is my view...... fiberglass will probably last longer then you will own the boat and saying 20--30 years is not bad at all. Will you benefit from epoxy - no.......... will it add value to the boat..... Nope. Does anyone care on what you use via personal preference.....no See that was easy.. I call it dealer's choice!

Here is how to start.
Take it out for a last trip and run out the fuel. Inline 6 motors are real gas drinkers! I would add some sea foam to the last tank of gas. Build an engine stand and fog the motor. Remove that inline. Once the motor is off the boat you will have the urge to keep going.

Assemble your supplies for destruction. Circular sar, angle grinder, safety stuff, carpenter trash bags (it's a long list) you get the idea.

No go for it.


Take a look at fiberglass restorations, take advantage of the members who do this for a living and those who do it as a hobby. I will warn you up front hold on to your wallet.......people will suggest the BEST of everything from wood to epoxy.

Read through the completed projects section. Archbuilder restored a ski boat with an inline 6 and did a very detailed restoration (many of us here dream of having his shop).

Look at Woodonglass's restoration. A great looking fiberglass boat that is older then your boat and he was a beginner one again did a great detailed job.

We have a few addictions here on iboats, pictures which applies to everyone, willingness to learn - once again everyone, fiberglass addicts (your category), aluminum tin boat category, wooden boats that people build from scratch and those that have restored old ones........people who recover old seats and make new ones......... our best addiction is willingness to help

Sit down with a piece of paper and write out your ideas. Fishing boat? Flats boat platform? Hard top or soft top to avoid the sun?

Go for it!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Since your in Florida, you can probably drive to get your supplies vs having them shipped like those of us in the midwest. that alone will save you a bunch of $.

Poly is what I would recommend. Also, the reading list that Bob mentioned would be essential along with a bunch of PPE. you dont want to breath in fiberglass dust with a new family.

Oops would say that you can be back on the water in a few weeks. my experience has been a bit longer, however you should be back on the water in a few months

get your wood from lowes or home depot. Arauco is the manufacturer of choice for exterior grade plywood. use Tite-bond III to laminate your wood for the transom and stringers.

basic mechanical skills and wood working skills will be required.

feel free to ask questions, everyone here will help. most have more experience than I do

a good 4.5 or 5" grinder will be required for grinding the fiberglass. if you can find 24 grit discs, they work so much better than 36 grit. a multi-tool helps get in tight places, as well as cut the stringers from the hull with minimal dust, however is not needed if you have a sawzall and grinder.

take pictures of your tear down - this will help put things back together, as well as the ability to post your progress. a permanent marker and a box of zip-loc bags will be essential for keeping hardware organized. take measurements of where the stringers are, braces, bulkheads, etc.

half way thru the teardown you will get discouraged and overwhelmed. I think everyone does. when that happens, take a small break from the boat, go out to eat with your wife and recharge.

other than that, good luck with the project

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Welcome to iBoats!
I'm not 100% sure but...That might be a "Tub" construction boat. That means the entire interior of the boat was contructed in one piece and then attached to the hull. If it is, it complicates the equation just a bit. If you could take some pics of the interior of the boat, especially at the corners of the stern and the bow, we will be able to tell more about how she's constructed and that will give us more of an idea on what's involved in the restoration process and the effort and costs. The keel damage is not that difficult to repair. I too, would recommend Polyester resin since that's what the boat is made from. Epoxy is great stuff but pricey and not really needed unless extreme strength or other factors come into play. Most cases poly is just fine for boat restoration. Post up the pics and we can go from there.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Keeping score yet? That's 3 of us in a row that said go for it! and no one against!!!

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

My 2?...with the technical knowledge and help available in this place, I say...

Best of Luck and Have Fun!!!

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Wow woodie...your first post is enough to make me want to restore a glasser.




Naahh...(scratches between fingers)

 

[gatorfan6908]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Replying to this from my phone.... give me a bit to get to the house and upload some pics. Thanks for all of the great replies and great advice. Looking to kick this process off soon, so will keep u all updated.

 

[gatorfan6908]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Here are some pics from this evening. Sorry they are hard to see the curves since the color is all the same. I tried to give a few close long running shots... Let me know if there are any specific pictures you would like to see. Thanks for all of the help guys, I am going to pull the trigger on this project soon and look for any input you may have. More pics to come as the progress is made. As for now, I have a date with some fish out in the bay tomorrow.... hopefully they show up!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

I'm pretty sure that's a tub build. I'm not a Pro so I'm gunna let our resident pro's guide you on this one. I believe the deck may be glued to the stringers and some other construction flukes on this one. I have not dealt with this design so I'm gunna bow out. Good luck with her.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

WOG or Bob, have either of you contacted Oops?

 

[DC20]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

gatorfan, do you have a title for the boat? You need one for Florida.

 

[gatorfan6908]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

@DC20- Not sure. Have some paperwork to go through, so I will be checking that here soon. @ WOG- Thanks for the support, I am no expert either but will definitely be researching as much as possible.
I found thiis statement on another website after going to google:
"In the 70's(1978 I think) North American, who had a pretty popular boat called an S-22, started making both River Ox and Sea Ox. They were a major sponsor of Franc White's show, "The Southern Sportsman". The River Ox was about a 16-17 boat that was used primarily for duck hunting and river/bay fishing. It didn't have an inner liner and was of rolled edge construction. I believe one of the commercials may have shown a small tracked bulldozer climbing on an inverted hull. It was also dropped from the crane. NA may have also made a 17ft. CC that was of inner liner quality that was originally called a River Ox but then changed to the Sea Ox line. The original Sea Ox boat was a 19 ft. It was well built and a favorite of most of the Pamlico Sound commercial fishermen. It was a very wet boat. A couple of years later they changed hull design and came out with 18, 20 and 23 ft models. They stopped production of the 16ft River Ox model. I believe a small local NC builder bought the original River OX mold design and may still be producing that hull on a limited basis. It was a very popular fishing boat, most had 25hp to 40hp motors. How they held up I don't know, but I do still see a few around. "

Anyways, will get back on later and post some more of my findings.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Greetings from Tallahassee gatorfan. Go Noles! (Sorry couldn't resist) As for the boat, I say go for it. Remember that it will be a labor of love, but you'll learn lots and have a great time doing it (once the grinding and demo is over). Not to worry, you're in the right spot. The f'glass guys here are the best and can steer you in the right direction. Go luck keep us posted! Go Noles!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Heres the skinny....
First... let me grab another beer before I get started, because this may take a few minutes...

Me too.. cheers mate..

Ok, so I have a 17' '78 River Ox . ..*snip* . For instance, there is a hole in the deck which shines light on the rotted floor (soft spots throughout), and I know that the stringers are done for and will need replacement. *snip*

Ok..then the trans and stringers/supports .. basically a full rebuild under the deck ( + deck ) is in order.

I have been saving money to purchase a boat perhaps next year, and my wife is "on board" with that idea, as she loves being out on the water as well. However, we just found out that after almost a year of trying that we are finally pregnant. I know that we will need more money that I am sure we won't be able to save up to purchase a boat by the start of the season next year with the baby on the way and purchasing my wife a new car.

Congrats Gator !!

money I have saved (close to 4k), I have been debating whether or not to just jump in and start tearing this boat down and completely rebuilding it. I have no experience with glass, but I am great at DIY projects and have tools available for the job. I've also been reading for weeks about glassing and the great debate about epoxy or poly... (fun arguments by the way)
So what are any of yall's thoughts about this idea. Is it worth it to just start tearing it down and rebuilding?
Thanks from your friendly saltwater enthusiast,

Lonnie

Man.. Looking 20/20 and hindsight I would say ditch the boat project for now.. goto your wife and put your effort there.

After your newborn is set up then you think about the boat. .. when you can.. like when its sleeping ..

She will need as much .. much after delivery ..

You might even find yourself more into the baby then your other FG baby ..

Be there for your Born .. then you will have time here and there for your boat. ..

4k is something not to be thrown into a project boat when your time should be with your offspring .. just me though ..

We will be happy to help out .. but I suggest you put your boat to rest when the time comes .

YD.

 

[gatorfan6908]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Yacht Dr.,
Thanks for the congrats, it is great and we are extremely excited for it! I understand exactly where you are coming from and I am fully dedicated to providing the time to my wife and future child! Here is the situation as it stands... We are only 5 weeks pregnant and at this point, I have the time to put to the boat. It is actually the prime time, as the end of the season is approaching and my garage has no extra junk in it to over-cramp the space from the boat. I'm not looking to expend the entire 4k into the boat, as I hope it would be much less... as in under 2k for the full project. Anyhow... I appreciate your opinion and believe me it did not fall on deaf ears. I take all advice to heart and trust that the experts, and morality guides on this forum will lead me in the right direction. Feel free to keep up with the project, as I am going to start a new thread soon with before pictures and status updates of the rebuild.

Lonnie

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Why start a new thread for this ? .. cant you change the name of this thread ? .. PM a mod .

YD.

 

[gatorfan6908]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Alright... so far I have about 1% done of this entire project. As expected, I was set back by some other issues. Anyhow, I did a compression test on the outboard today. From top to bottom (1-6) it goes 124-124-118-117-117-110. I know I am going to have to do some work to the outboard... which leads me to my next issue. Is it smarter to do the work to the outboard first...? Here is my thought on it: I am going to have to do it anyways, and it will be easier while it is off of the boat. Also, while repairing the fiberglass, the motor would need to be complete so I can mount it back without worrying about taking it off again. Basically, I will build the fiberglass around the motor... Is this a bad idea?
And now since I am at the dawn of tearing this thing down, I honestly have no idea where to start. I am in the process of taking all the pics I need for future reference and noting all of the specifics as well. Any tips for things I need to take photos of that I might not have thought of yet? All help is appreciated.

On a side note... on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being impossible, how hard is a ring/head gasket replacement to do in my garage? I am a decently skilled DIY'er, just never ripped open a motor to do in-depth internal repairs. THanks for all of the tips guys!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Was this a warm or cold compression test?

Building the boat around the motor won't be possible if you need to replace the transom (and you more than likely will).

To start your resto, remove everything that is screwed or bolted down... and then remove the cap. Then it will be time to "dig in" on what's left of the hull insides.

 

[gatorfan6908]

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Re: Staring at this vessel in my yard... Is she worth fixing?

Sorry Jig, guess I worded that wrong... I didn't mean that I would mount the motor and then do the fiberglass. I was basically saying that I don't want to have both the hull repair and motor repair going on simultaneously taking up 97% of the garage. If I work on the motor and complete it, I should then be able to just leave it on the stand and push it to the side. Let me know what you think. I just don't want to get to a point with the restore of the hull whereas I have to then go and work on the motor before I can proceed. I think thats what I am trying to say... my mind is in a bind thinking of all I have to do with this project. Once I can get a good course of action developed I should be on the right track.