1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

[sperry6591]

Hey just purchased a 87' Gemini Bass Boat from a guy on craigslist. Paid 900.00 for it, seemed to be a pretty good deal, she floats, and runs! Thats all that matters to me at this point. But I do have plans for her, and should have it done before spring. Only issues with the boat is cosmetic and some wiring. I plan on gutting the entire boat and starting with a good cleaning, new paint job, new carpets, etc. Will be re doing the entire engine compartment as well. Hopefully Ill be able to take some more pictures of my progress, but here are a few to start, hope you enjoy them.

Steve

 

[sperry6591]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Oh, and boat came with a brand new 54 lb thrust motorguide trolling motor / pedal, and x2 Hummingbird 385 CI DI fish finders, one for the console and one for the bow.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Welcome to iboats.

Nice fishing boat. That is set up the way I like them with a single console.....less to trip over when you are fighting a trophy fish (Thinking positive!) That trolling motor and outboard are a great combo.

Doing the carpet is a good idea......... before you venture into paint....try a good cleaning. It does not look too bad in the pictures and I have seen worse come back to life!

 

[sperry6591]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

thank you! After doing some exploring, I noticed a soft spot in the floor.. I knew before purchasing this boat that it would need work to get it to my liking.. but am in 110%. I ended up partially ripping up the floor which was lament, which revealed heavy rot underneath and saturated foam. I was wondering.. what is the best way to go about getting the rest of the floor up? also afterwards would I be able to lay some wood frame work and then marine ply wood/carpet and call it a day? any information would be great.. this will be my first fiberglass bass boat resto.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

GT1000000's bass boat build is a good resource:
1988/2014 Glasstream Resto-Mod

It may be a bit more challenging to remove all the decking & cap to access the stringers & etc that will all likely need to be replaced.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Wow......

Were there 2 layers of plywood there? Yup, that is what we warn people about. A small soft spot is the tip of the iceberg.

The best way is to uncap the boat. Remove the upper half from the lower half. I will not try an paint any pretty pictures and I will not soften the blow........you have ALLOT of work ahead. Chances are the stringers are shot and more then likely the transom looks like that on the inside too.

If you are going to accomplish this by Spring .....you need a garage (a heated one) and you will need some help too.

Lets do some quick evaluating. It is going to cost you some MONEY to do it right. Avoiding the right way is just wasting time and money.

You have some good things going for you. The trailer, the motor and controls and the trolling motor. I sincerely feel you will be able to buy an aluminum project boat and restore it for less money then the fiberglass one will take.

Decisions Epoxy repair (most money but strongest) vs fiberglass (cheaper but plenty strong) Marine plywood vs exterior (once again cost).

Read through what some of our fiberglass restorations look like. They are just about all the same.

 

[crovowen]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

subscribed-

 

[sperry6591]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Thank you for all the great info/links.. I've decided I'm going to tackle this project, with no deadline in sight.. upcapping the boat does seem a little out of my comfort zone, but after reviewing other posts/threads it seems as if it can be done! Just a question out of curiousity, how much would a small time boat repair place charge to replace the stringers/transom if need be? Thanks again, I will keep you all updated on this project, begining to end.

 

[sperry6591]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Look on the bright side.. atleast the bow deck is clean lol

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Just a question out of curiousity, how much would a small time boat repair place charge to replace the stringers/transom if need be?

A LOT

even if you tell them to work on it around the down time of other projects they are working on

Not sure where you are, so even a rough estimate is out of the question anyway.

Easily 2+ times what you have in the boat.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

I really would not suggest that you look to have it done.......you could call around however, I doubt you will like the cost. I am cynical and really do not trust anyone who could take shortcuts that will never be seen under the decking. Trust me..... we have seen ALLOT of horror stories here.

Uncapping is not as fearful as it sounds. Systematically it is easy. First find a work space and a place to place the cap out of the way. Recruit a few friends. Build an engine stand (not necessary but it helps). Pull the motor, remove the cap, take measurements and tear out the rot (have LOT's of trash bags) and clean the hull. Then reconstruct......... replace the cap........ add your carpet......remount the motor.

 

[V153]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Hull looks an awful lot like a Glastron bass boat? Regardless, it looks to me like that thang's a lil soggy.

If'n yer gonna do it? Do it right! Pop the top, replace the transom stringers & floor. Then pop the top back on. Simple as that ...

 

[sperry6591]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

phew wish it was! But I have decided to do it.. it'll be a learning experience hopefully it works out.. So first things first.. Im disconnecting the entire motor, as well as steering cables, controls etc, steering wheel, trolling motor the whole 9? Am I removing gas tank batteries before I pop the cap off?... After the cap comes off, my gut feeling says "NIGHTMARE".. all the hoses and pumps underneath... do those stay? Or am I disconnecting EVERYTHING? Another question I have is, once the cap is off, do I need to brace the hull with anything? or will it be fine? will the cap or hull warp if left unattached for a period of time? What am I going to need for tools?

 

[sperry6591]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

also, excuse my ignorance, but the rope inbetween what looks like the 2 sections, Im guessing removing that is the first step?

 

[sperry6591]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

after removing the cap, cleaning out the hull and removing all of the rot, will I be using marine grade plywood for stringers? Also, in your experience, is there a certain brand of fiberglass or epoxy best used to place the stringers into the boat? Also after the stringers are in.... Do i pop the cap back on and then add the floor in the opening? .. or is the floor put in before the cap? .. sorry, a bit overwhelmed but at the same time really excited.. thanks!

 

[friderday]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Let me assure you we have all been where you are right now. Each of us has felt that "holy crap, what have I gotten myself into" & "run away, run away fast"....However, I'll bet you'd have a hard time finding anybody who has regretted their restore...You will itch, bleed, sweat(oh, how you will sweat), & you will itch some more; you will make plenty of mistakes & post them here & think we are laughing at you...but the truth is, we have made them too, & most here will pick you up, dust you off, & point you in the right direction...with no judgment! You will forget what a full wallet feels like....but when you are finished, you will be cruisin', fishin', or whatever you do, & you will have such pride when people ask you who did your upgrade, & you reply, "ME"! Remember each day you work on her, is one day closer to splash day....Good luck...I'll be watching!

 

[sperry6591]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Let me assure you we have all been where you are right now. Each of us has felt that "holy crap, what have I gotten myself into" & "run away, run away fast"....However, I'll bet you'd have a hard time finding anybody who has regretted their restore...You will itch, bleed, sweat(oh, how you will sweat), & you will itch some more; you will make plenty of mistakes & post them here & think we are laughing at you...but the truth is, we have made them too, & most here will pick you up, dust you off, & point you in the right direction...with no judgment! You will forget what a full wallet feels like....but when you are finished, you will be cruisin', fishin', or whatever you do, & you will have such pride when people ask you who did your upgrade, & you reply, "ME"! Remember each day you work on her, is one day closer to splash day....Good luck...I'll be watching!

I just want to say thank you for the encouragement thats what I needed to hear.. Im thankful to have the support of everyone here, to aid me in such a daunting task.. I will keep you all posted, and as far as questions, you will be hearing from me most likely in the next 10 minutes! lol, thanks again.. I will be starting this process tomorrow, and have the next 3 days off from work.

P.S. I do not have an indoor work place.. it's been a bit cold out.. 25-40 range.. If I can bare the cold, will I still be able to start this task? or will uncapping the boat in cold weather have any negative effects?

 

[sperry6591]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Putting together a materials list... wondering what wood to use for stringers, also what type of glass or epoxy? thanks

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Exterior plywood will worl but it must be exterior (3/4") plywood.

There is an epoxy company in Rhode Island that sells bulk and a man who re-sells epoxy in NH (That is who I purchase from) if you google Epoxy NH you will find him and Paul the owner is a member of this forum.

Yes that rope needs to be removed to get to the screws or rivets that are holding the aluminum piece in place...... That's the rub-rail and it has to be removed because you will re-use it.

 

[friderday]

Re: 1987 Gemini Bass Boat Resto

Hulls become very flimsy when you take them apart. Be sure you support the hull with some sort of cradle or strap system. Take LOTS of pictures & measurements for reference so when you put her back together, everything lines up. Cold weather is great for demo...especially for grinding as you will be all suited up for safety. Cold weather not so good for kickin' the resin, but that's a long way off.