1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

[n00boater]

I bought a 30 foot fiberglass boat that needs major repairs. They were thinking of selling the hull as scrap fiberglass so there are multiple cuts at least a half inch thick from the top to the bottom of the hull and also horizontal cuts to match, from an electric saw i geuss. There are also 2 or 3 holes about 3 to 5 inches in diameter near the bottom. My question is if it will be possible for me to cut plywood to fit the size of each cut and hole then coat the edges with epoxy and hardener, have it cure in place and then cover it with fiberglass and apoxy resin. If it is possible (which I hope it is) What is the difference between regular and marine grade plywood? Is there a specific cheaper type of marine grade epoxy, hardener and/or fiberglass I should use? If it is not possible how else might I go about it? This boat will stay in the water and will also be carrying heavy weight so the hull needs to be in top shape and able to last a long time even in rough seas. I was made in 1987. Here are the pictures and supplies i'm looking at using as well as additional questions. Also I was looking for vinylester gelcoating because I thought it would be cheaper, but couldn't locate any brand. Home

 

[StevenT]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

My friend have you estimated the cost of making this boat sea worthy? Taking into consideration not just parts, and materials also your time. Normally I would say hundreds of hours. I think in this boat your looking at over 1000 hours.

 

[tazrig]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

Sorry to be the bearer of really bad news but realistically, you are looking at putting 20-50k into that project and thats just to get it to float never mind making it look pretty. Not to mention HUGE hours of labor as Steven pointed out. Just to replace the engine thats there and the one that isn't + some basic electronics you're EASILY looking at 5-10K and thats for used ones that may require many more thousands to get running well. The unseen fiberglass damage from the boat beginning to split in half is substantial in and of itself. I own a 1976 Formula. I know what goes into restoration and upkeep. My best advice is RUN, don't walk, away from this project. For 1/2 of what it will cost to fix, if it can be fixed, you could get a fairly decent used boat that runs of about the same size.

 

[n00boater]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

I will be taking that engine out and putting on an outboard engine. I'm not looking to break speed records just need it to be able to go around 12 knots. So 160 hp? Fixing that old engine will take time yes, but I'm hoping that if I can get it to run then I can sell it to buy an outboard engine (let me know if i'm reaching). If my idea to fill in the cracks with fairing compound, fiberglass and epoxy won't work, can you tell me why?

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

I bought a 30 foot fiberglass boat that needs major repairs.

This was a terrible mistake in my opinion. I wouldn't have that wreck on my property if someone paid me $1000 to take it.

They were thinking of selling the hull as scrap fiberglass.

Please tell us where there are buyers for scrap fiberglass.

I can't understand why you didn't simply finance a used boat that was already seaworthy.

The OP's logic boggles my mind!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

I bought a 30 foot fiberglass boat that needs major repairs. They were thinking of selling the hull as scrap fiberglass so there are multiple cuts at least a half inch thick from the top to the bottom of the hull and also horizontal cuts to match, from an electric saw i geuss. There are also 2 or 3 holes about 3 to 5 inches in diameter near the bottom. My question is if it will be possible for me to cut plywood to fit the size of each cut and hole then coat the edges with epoxy and hardener, have it cure in place and then cover it with fiberglass and apoxy resin. If it is possible (which I hope it is) What is the difference between regular and marine grade plywood? Is there a specific cheaper type of marine grade epoxy, hardener and/or fiberglass I should use? If it is not possible how else might I go about it? This boat will stay in the water and will also be carrying heavy weight so the hull needs to be in top shape and able to last a long time even in rough seas. I was made in 1987. Here are the pictures and supplies i'm looking at using as well as additional questions. Also I was looking for vinylester gelcoating because I thought it would be cheaper, but couldn't locate any brand. Home

Post some pics of this beauty and let us have a look!

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

Post some pics of this beauty and let us have a look!

He did...Home

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

I bought a 30 foot fiberglass boat that needs major repairs.

They were thinking of selling the hull as scrap fiberglass so there are multiple cuts at least a half inch thick from the top to the bottom of the hull and also horizontal cuts to match, from an electric saw i geuss.

There are also 2 or 3 holes about 3 to 5 inches in diameter near the bottom. My question is if it will be possible for me to cut plywood to fit the size of each cut and hole then coat the edges with epoxy and hardener, have it cure in place and then cover it with fiberglass and apoxy resin. If it is possible (which I hope it is) What is the difference between regular and marine grade plywood? Is there a specific cheaper type of marine grade epoxy, hardener and/or fiberglass I should use? If it is not possible how else might I go about it? This boat will stay in the water and will also be carrying heavy weight so the hull needs to be in top shape and able to last a long time even in rough seas. I was made in 1987. Here are the pictures and supplies i'm looking at using as well as additional questions. Also I was looking for vinylester gelcoating because I thought it would be cheaper, but couldn't locate any brand. Home

Why did you buy this thing ??? Who are 'They' . . . nothing about this is practical . . . Are you having fun with us ???

 

[n00boater]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

This was a terrible mistake in my opinion. I wouldn't have that wreck on my property if someone paid me $1000 to take it.

Please tell us where there are buyers for scrap fiberglass.

I can't understand why you didn't simply finance a used boat that was already seaworthy.

The OP's logic boggles my mind!

I would like to own a boat and not owe on it. Every boat that I looked at online would be gone the next day. This is the only one no one would buy, but they did destroy the hull by the time I got there. Honestly i'm looking for advice on how I should go about with the repairs. I don't understand where all these 5k to 20k quotes come from. I think I can get the hull fixed for under $500 unless you are kind enough to inform me as to why not.

 

[n00boater]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

Why did you buy this thing ??? Who are 'They' . . . nothing about this is practical . . . Are you having fun with us ???

They are Lanier Liquidators in Dawsonville Georgia. I geuss I can make an excuse as to why I bought it once I fix it, but I have to fix it first. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

There's a thing called irreparable damage and if your boat doesn't have some, it's mighty close! The cuts in your hull and the chunks removed are major structural damage.

$500 in material won't even come close to fixing a rotted out 16' trihull, let alone a 30' cruiser.

 

[n00boater]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

Do you think I should fill the cracks with fairing compound or mixed glass fiber?

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

I would like to own a boat and not owe on it. Every boat that I looked at online would be gone the next day. This is the only one no one would buy, but they did destroy the hull by the time I got there. Honestly i'm looking for advice on how I should go about with the repairs. I don't understand where all these 5k to 20k quotes come from. I think I can get the hull fixed for under $500 unless you are kind enough to inform me as to why not.

For the sake of the implied entertainment value, I'm going to continue with this.
You say you would like to OWN a boat and not OWE on it. Well my friend, you have made the number one boating mistake already. If you cannot afford to buy a running, seaworthy boat; you cannot afford to operate and maintain one either. Period! And I am extremely skeptical about your explanation that the boat was chopped up AFTER you paid for it! What? You would have the right to refuse it at that point and have your purchase refunded in full. Something is just not right with your story.

BTW, for the sake of vetting your story...how did you get the boat home? Have any pictures of the vessel in your custody, or is it still at the salvage yard on blocks?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

Your hull repairs are extensive and major, but they aren't your only problems.

Take a look at this thread to see what awaits you below deck:

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...yliner-victoria-2781-restore-bust-570740.html

Your hull repair and below deck repair combined is the reason everyone's repair estimates are so high, you'll easily spend $10 just getting your boat seaworthy.


Filling your cracks won't repair them, you'll need to apply a LARGE (read 4'x8' sheet of plywood) patch to the inside of the hull. Bonded in place and glassed over, then fill your crack with the most fiberous peanut butter known to man... and that still may not work.

As for the chunk cut out of your hull, I'm at a loss on how to repair that. A huge patch and then layup glass inside the gap to the 1/2" thickness.

I personally wouldn't trust any of these repairs in rough seas, your boat has had a wooden stake driven through it's heart and is dead IMO.

 

[n00boater]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

For the sake of the implied entertainment value, I'm going to continue with this.
You say you would like to OWN a boat and not OWE on it. Well my friend, you have made the number one boating mistake already. If you cannot afford to buy a running, seaworthy boat; you cannot afford to operate and maintain one either. Period! And I am extremely skeptical about your explanation that the boat was chopped up AFTER you paid for it! What? You would have the right to refuse it at that point and have your purchase refunded in full. Something is just not right with your story.

BTW, for the sake of vetting your story...how did you get the boat home? Have any pictures of the vessel in your custody, or is it still at the salvage yard on blocks?

It's still in the boat yard on blocks. I'm trying to get the money to have it moved to my aunts house. The boat wasn't chopped up after I paid for it, but it didn't show it in the pictures on their website. When I drove 80 miles there I went ahead and bought it anyway. It's no fault of theirs I just had my heart and mind set on buying it and fixing it up and so even though I saw the damages when I got there I went ahead and bought it anyway. I'm still optimistic that I can fix this hull for under $500. Did you look at the page I posted? I made some updates and would like your opinion on whats wrong with my ideas if they don't hold water. No pun intended.:joyous:

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

The vast majority of folks on this site are grown men with families that take boating safety very seriously. We are a hands on bunch and know this stuff inside out and backwards. The majority of replies you are going to get here are well meaning and sincere. I think I speak for everyone on iboats that you do not have the financial resources to repair that boat. Please consider it the loss that it truly is and move on to something else. Consider it a learning experience. And please post your general location so we might be better able to help you with future questions.

Good luck!

 

[n00boater]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

Your hull repairs are extensive and major, but they aren't your only problems.

Take a look at this thread to see what awaits you below deck:

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...yliner-victoria-2781-restore-bust-570740.html

Your hull repair and below deck repair combined is the reason everyone's repair estimates are so high, you'll easily spend $10 just getting your boat seaworthy.


Filling your cracks won't repair them, you'll need to apply a LARGE (read 4'x8' sheet of plywood) patch to the inside of the hull. Bonded in place and glassed over, then fill your crack with the most fiberous peanut butter known to man... and that still may not work.

As for the chunk cut out of your hull, I'm at a loss on how to repair that. A huge patch and then layup glass inside the gap to the 1/2" thickness.

I personally wouldn't trust any of these repairs in rough seas, your boat has had a wooden stake driven through it's heart and is dead IMO.

If I use a fiberglass backing and fill the inside with a compound do you think I could place this plywood on the outside and fiberglass over it?

 

[saginawbayboater]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

Anything is fixable!! Bringing this boat back to safe and sound condition will cost more money then the boat did when it was new. That thing is roached!! Not to mention the time, do you have a couple years?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

If I use a fiberglass backing and fill the inside with a compound do you think I could place this plywood on the outside and fiberglass over it?

No, patches go to the inside for strength.

You're going to have to completely gut your boat anyway, so you'll apply the patches after the boat is gutted and before you build everything back.

You wouldn't happen to live in Rhode Island, would you?

 

[saginawbayboater]

Re: 1987 Searay sundance major hull repair advice needed.

No, patches go to the inside for strength.

You're going to have to completely gut your boat anyway, so you'll apply the patches after the boat is gutted and before you build everything back.

You wouldn't happen to live in Rhode Island, would you?

The stickers are florida, prolly hurricane andrew vintage.