1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

[wlg]

Hello Everyone,
I have been gathering information from this site for going on two years. That is what led me to the boat I'm rebuilding. I became a member so I could share how and what I am doing in return for the education you have given me.

I am going to post all the pictures I have as quick as possible. I bought this boat in March 2011 and am now taking a winter break. No it is not done yet. Yes I was expecting a quick fix. The end result will be worth the wait.

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

I started out by cleaning it out. I needed a better look at what I was dealing with. It's amazing what you find as you start digging at things. I probably could have gotten away with floating this boat the way it was for a little while but that's not who I am. I did not like the bow that was in the transom with a 300 lb. motor hanging on it. My wife asked me what the big deal was. I asked her if she wanted to go cruising across the bay in a boat that the rear end might get ripped off of. So, the strip down began. One problem led to another and here it is winter. The pictures show most of the work done. I did not document every step.

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

My wife could not understand why I wanted this boat. We were supposed to buy a pontoon to float around the bay on. We have a seasonal campsite near Lewes, DE and we are there a couple times a month. After ten years and everyone elses boat we decided to get our own. I could not afford new and did not want to spend to much on someone elses problems.

Not very pretty.

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

More pictures. At five per post it will take me a little time.

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

It was amazing to see the transformation. I did some repairs that not everyone would agree with.

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

I had to replace the transom, repair the brace, install flotation, replace side panels. I replaced almost everything.

 

[craigweaver]

Welcome to iboats wig. You're gonna love all the help you get here. I'm rebuilding a 1982 Sylvan fiberglass bass boat right now and I think we're both running into a lot of the same things. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

[JDA1975]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

Is that MDF you have placed as a deck board? if it is, I would swap it out..MDF is notorious for swelling if it gets wet at all...if it is not, I am curious what you used?

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

All wood used in this project is exterior grade plywood. 1/2" for the side walls and 3/4" for everything else. I applied three coats or exterior porch paint on the wood and covered it with aluminum, carpet or vinyl. I know that this is not the suggested method for sealing wood but, the transom was 32 yrs. old and it was only painted. I recycled the floor because the previous owner had replaced it. I pulled it up because i wanted to paint it and check for the lack of flotation foam he mentioned. Turned out to be the right choice. Styrofoam weighed a couple hundred pounds and stringers fell over from lack of fasteners.

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

I am always buying some sort of aluminum or stainless steel fasteners. It gets a little expensive, but it's much better then the drywall screws that I had to remove. As you can see from the first pictures this boat was not cared for very well.

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

All comments, suggestions and questions are welcome. I look forward to them. When I am able to start working on my boat again I will be looking here for help. I still have a motor and trailer to do after the boat is done. I need to have her in the water by June. My wife wanted July, last year. My wife just said JUNE, you better have it in the water before that!!!!

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

More pictures

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

This is the last of the pictures that will fit for now. I am going to try a little before and after.

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

More pictures

 

[craigweaver]

Wig, you've done a great job on that boat! That thing looks like a brand new boat. I love the craftsmanship you've put into it.

You mention the motor needs work yet. Does it run or just needing to paint it up to look just as new as the boat?

 

[Trooper82]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

I second that, looks real good. I like what you did with the bow and the sides. I may incorporate into my rebuild.

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

Thanks, I was told by the seller that the motor runs. I think it will with a little work, but don't know yet. When I bought the boat there was still snow on the ground so running the motor was out of the question. I was planning on rebuilding the boat anyway so took the chance. I do want to repaint the motor. After a quick look over I found that I need to replace one coil for sure. the starter might need some work or the battery might not have been charged enough to turn it over. I can turn the flywheel by hand. I need to do a compression test before I dump to much money into it. I had picked up a complete parts motor with a blown power head for $200. What a deal that was. I already used the mounting clamps and tilt/trim unit. I had to cut the bolts on my clamps to get the motor off. I do have an ace in the hole. A relative is an outboard mechanic with about 40 yrs. experience. He told me the Force is not a bad motor and easy to work on. I have also read that in other posts. I can't wait to start working on it again.

 

[wlg]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

I have questions about my trailer. I am going to have to repair/replace the rollers and hardware. Should I stay with the rollers or switch it to bunks? I have been told that the bunks offer more support for the hull which I can understand. How hard would it be to switch to bunks? What all would I need to buy to do the job? I guess I could take a look at a bunk trailer to get a materials list together.

Your opinions please?

 

[WeldZilla]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

Well I am fan of bunks but. Last Summer when putting in at Ilwaco washington the tide was so low that it took 6 of us to get my 16ft. starcraft off the bunks and into the water. it was a real Bi*ch. Now my 22ft. sylvan I just rolled off the trailer and in. If you are where your ramp is never an issue then I love bunks they are superior I believe.

By the way I really like that Sylvan of yours.... They are a good boat.

WZ

 

[Trooper82]

Re: 1979 Sylvan Sportster 18' open bow rebuild

I am hearing that some of the lakes around me have ramps that are difficult on a bunk trailer. I have heard they make a bunk-roller, not sure how good they are, but might be something to consider, I know I am.