1983 Baja 184 BR project

[MrSlithers]

Hello felluhs. I'm completely new to the whole owning a boat thing but got a deal that I think I couldn't have passed up. It's a 1983 Baja 184 BR w/ trailer and brand new tires that I got without an engine for $500. Half the floor was rotted, bench seat was toast and some of the wood on the side pads are rotted. I'm in the process of replacing the floor and stringers but have a question on redoing the strings since only the rear half are rotted and the front half are solid as a rock. Do I replace the whole stringer and if now, how should I go about replacing the back half? Seems like a simple process but just double checking. Also, the boat's rated for a 175HP OB but I have access to a few 90 and 100 hp engines but will that be enough for tubing and the occasional wake boarding outting?

Also, I want to replace the rear bench and pass. and drive seats but have no idea what seat works with what mounts etc..... Are Wise seat products decent?


Needs new top paint and clearcoat also....

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: 1983 Baja 184 BR project

Might want to move this to the restoration forum. There are a lot of guys there that can help.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: 1983 Baja 184 BR project

You really really really need to take a good look at your transom. I'd be willing to bet that along with all the other rotted wood that your transom is as well. Bite the bullet and drill several test holes into your transom from the inside, only going halfway through. Carefully inspect the shavings for any signs of moisture (you can read how I checked mine in my restoration thread).

$500 is a decent price for a project boat (would have been a better deal if it were a Checkmate ). You need to bite the bullet and commit to doing a proper fix on everything, and once it's all said and done you'll likely have more money into the boat than it's monetary value - but if it's a boat you truly like it'll be well worth it for your personal satisfaction.

 

[MrSlithers]

Re: 1983 Baja 184 BR project

Besides resin and mods, everything is free so im all for it lol. Good deal when you know people and can do the work yerself. The transom is solid as a rock suprisingly. Mod's, feel free to move.

 

[oops!]

Re: 1983 Baja 184 BR project

and off to the dry dock we go !

welcome aboard Mr slithers.

gonna be a fun one to watch !

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: 1983 Baja 184 BR project

Welcome Aboard Mr. Slithers!

I like your little "project" there! I will subscribed to see how it goes!?

I have the 1982 version (as you can see below) I run a 200 Mercury and it is more than adequate for tubing and wakeboarding...I suspect the 100HP is also more than enough for those activities?! Your hull weighs in around 1,200lbs and is actually pretty quick (I have found out it is not a Checkmate clone or splash, some of Baja's earlier models however, were...14-16 footers).

If you have any questions on dimensions/layout, etc... I can help out as best I can. As far as the FG work is concerned, Oops, Yacht Dr, Friscoboater and WOG should have you covered, I'd take their collective advice as they have there hands in just about every FG/stringer/transom replacement in iboats...figuratively speaking and some literally!

As far as interior goes...click on my pic in my signature, it will take you to my interior redo!

Good Luck!

~Brett

P.S. we are all picture hounds, so if you think one picture will keep us interested, you'd be wrong...if 3 pics get your question/point across, use 6