1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

[Druff1]

My first boat. Bought it form my brother ($1500 with trailer) with a cracked block from poor or no winterizing... thought i would share some pics...

It has a 4.3 V6 and an Alpha 1 outdrive.

 

[Druff1]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Here are a few more. The Interlux Bilgekote is awsome stuff!!! And the new long block installed.

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Hello Druff1,
Extremely nice boat. Great color.
I take it you already have the engine repaired.
You should really have some fun with this one.

 

[Druff1]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Yes, i purchased a new 4.3 from RapidO... I've only had it out for about an hour. Weather here in Illinois is pretty crappy now. It's gonna be a long winter...

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Real nice

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Nice work man. I plan on doing the bilge coat too.

 

[Druff1]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Got it out on the water for the second time. This thing has lots of power...

 

[Druff1]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

What do you guys think about making this a little cuddy? Is it possibe to relocate the radio to make an area with a little more head room? I'm a carpenter by trade, so i'm sure i can fabricate just about anything needed.

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

Hey Druff1,
I'm surprised know one has answered your question yet. I can't really answer it but I would thank it's a matter of weight and balance. Time and money. Hopefully someone wilh more knowledge will pipe up soon.
I still love the boat the way it is.
Good luck
Have a nice day
Bob

 

[Druff1]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

Thanks Bob. I'm not really gonna change the way it looks. I just want to put a floor and some cushions in there for my kids to lay on. Would like to finish off the underside with some carpet and maybe fab. some type of box to hide all the wiring.

I picked up a high speed buffing wheel today and it really brought the color and shine back into the boat! Ill try to get another pic of the before and after of that.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

I think it would be cool to have a little (claustrophobic) cuddy under there. Your kids would definitely love it! I would think it wouldn't be too hard to fab a box around all the wiring behind the dash. I would definitely carpet everything you do in there as there will, no doubt, be some head banging.

 

[dorelse]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

I always like the idea of a little cuddy...but then I put my 'what if' cap on. I've got kids of my own (ages 12 & 9), and here's why I wouldn't do it.

IF (I know, big if), god forbid, you were in a accident, adults are unconscious, boat goes down...its going to go down stern first. If the kids were in that little cuddy area, they're trapped and going to the bottom with the boat...no chance of getting out, no way around it. They're gone.

Trust me, I've had the same thought...if I built a little platform under here, the kids could sleep/rest etc. My thinking is that I'd be better off buying a bimini top and positioning it so they can lay on the bench seat, deck or sundeck.

If the boat went down, they'd at least have a chance.

I know, its really a really negative thought, but I couldn't live with myself if I lost my kids modifying something that wasn't intended to be there in the first place.

Not saying you shouldn't, its obviously your decision, but I chose not to for the reasons above.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

That's a great idea.

I'd do it.

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

Druff1,
Hey, I'm glad to see more folks have joined in.
I would love to see how the color came back to, we do love pic's here. I think the little cuddy would be great too. It would also give you a place to get your kids out of the sun on those long lazy lake days. keep us posted.
Just remember PIC's are great.
Take care.
Bob

 

[Druff1]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

Well the sun finally came out today, so i was able to take a picture of the top. I bought a high speed buffing/sanding wheel from Harbor Freight Tools for $40, and bought some 3M Cleaning and Waxing compound from the local marina. I can't beleive how good it turned out. There are some spots that could prly use a little sanding to get some of the scratches out.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

That boat is awesome. To bad the engine was shot but probably worked in your advantage as far as price. The cuddy woukd probably be easy especially with you being a carpentor. If the benefits out weight the costs then go for it. I personally wouldn't have much interest in it but I'm 225lbs and no kids. Wouldn't be practical for me but if you really think the kids would us it then go for it.

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

Wow
That's what I call a major difference. It's hard to believe it's the same paint.
Great job.
Bob

 

[bigredinohio]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

That's a nice buffing job and nice boat. I would suggest against the cuddy for that style boat. It's too small of an area and if kids want to have fun, throw then in the water or on a tube.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES remodel questions!

I had the same thought about making a little cuddy on my boat, I ended up closing the bow area off and putting in a hinged door for access, just large enough for me get my shoulders through so I'm able to access the electrical. Life jackets, oars, beach towells, mama'a purse, stuff like that always used to make it's way down around my feet now stays put and dry, also I put a latch that can lock up valuables with a key.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Re: 1990 Baja 190 ES had cracked block.

Got it out on the water for the second time. This thing has lots of power...

I recognize the background of your two on the water photos quite well.

I wish I had seen this thread, I would have let you have about 3 bottles of 3M cleaner/Wax/Oxidation remover.