1990 Ozark Deck Boat Restoration

[phil32]

Hello iboat community. This is my first posting I am restoring a 1980 Ozark Deck Boat. The boat was purchased by a fellow that had no experience in restoration and was over his head and totally frustrated. He made some mistakes right off the bat by not taking pictures and documenting everything and in addition not having anyone to rely on for help.

I have researched iboats for everything I could find and learn and have had some expeience redoing, fiberglassing and foaming small fiberglass fishing boats but this is a lot of boat and I could use any advice and experience you would be willing to give. In addition the thread of Deckers rebuild of his Deck boat has been invaluable.

So here is where I am.
One big plus is the stringers and transom are solid, i am sure this has been replaced at sometime. I have drilled and inspected it. This hull is thick

My immediate problem is repairing 2 damaged areas. 1 on the bow and 1 in the bottom of the transom. It looks as the transom has had some glass slapped on and painted over the bow is cracked with no attemt to repair it.
I could use some advice as to the best way to repair this as my first project to get the hull in solid shape before moving on to other challenges.
Thank You

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1990 Ozark Deck Boat Restoration

Welcome to iBoats!
Pics of the entire boat would help. What and where is the first pic. It that's the deck back by the transom you need to back off a bit so we can see a better overall view of it.
Second pic of the bow area indicates either a really poor paint job or gelcoat application over some kind of repair. Need to grind or sand off all the White junk and let us get a look at what's under there.

 

[phil32]

Re: 1990 Ozark Deck Boat Restoration

Thank you for replying the crack is in the bow i will get better pictures

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1990 Ozark Deck Boat Restoration

Well, the PO has attempted to Re-Do the substructure of the boat. However, IMHO it is NOT correct and will not support the hull in a fashion that will make it structurally sound. You really need to study Decker's build and consider doing yours the same as his. I'm still having difficulty understanding exactly where the crack is.

 

[phil32]

Re: 1990 Ozark Deck Boat Restoration

Again thank you for responding. First of all i intend to do exactly what Decker did in regards to the structure. Thats part of the mistakes the PO made. Im just trying to solve one problem at a time beginning with the damage to the hull. I will take more pictures and try to be more detailed in my discription of the problem.

 

[phil32]

Re: 1990 Ozark Deck Boat Restoration

Woodonglass, Hope this is more clear of the problem. The Crack in the hull is located on the Starboard side front. The repair is located on the Port side in the rear.