1991 StarCraft Islander 221v - with 4.3 v6 i/o conversion to bracket and total resto

[Rich11304]

Jb. I don't think I touched anything. I'm not very god with that photobucket stuff. I'll try to post new photos and see how it goes. I had a new 50 gal tank made. I epoxied it with three coats. I added side tabs to be able to secure it to the stringers. Originally the tank was foamed in which caused salt water to get trapped. This time around I cut a PVC pipe in half and riveted it on the stringers.

 

[Rich11304]

After that, I reinstalled the new plank that will support the tank. It's a piece of marine plywood that I expoxied and also covered with SteelFlex. Btw, I'm using my new pneumatic 1/4" pop riveter from Harbor Freight. Very solid.

 

[Rich11304]

After that, I had to squeeze solid rivets on the corners of the stringers to attach the back part. Did it with my son Bryan. The solid rivets 3/16 were bought at Grainger. I glued strips of outdoor carpets from HD to protect plank from tank.

 

[Rich11304]

I reinforced the port stringer with new aluminum riveted to the sides. That area looked like Swiss cheese.

 

[Rich11304]

Next I reinstalled the tank, using the tabs that were riveted to the stringers.

 

[Rich11304]

I also had to rivet the brackets on the inside of the stringers that will support the floor. As you can see, I had to cut where the the tabs would have interfered.

 

[Rich11304]

The original floor board that went over the tank was kiln dried pressure treated plywood. I removed the floor vinyl that was covering it. I let it dry, sanded it. After that I covered it with epoxy and SteelFlex for good measure.

 

[Watermann]

Looking good Rich, nice to see the forward progress :thumb:

 

[Rich11304]

Waterman, it's nice to get back to it. The weather has cool down some. The transom was installed.

 

[Rich11304]

As you can see, the rail was also reinstalled. First, I installed a new one that didn't have the little ridge in the back. It turned out that the little ridge in the back offset the angle of the transom. I had to drill out the solid rivets. Look for a new piece with ridge. Couldn't find it. Had to straight it out and coaxed the old one back in shape. The warp in the back is still visible. I'm hoping once the bracket is bolted it will be a little better.

 

[Rich11304]

The floor was also reinstalled. I'm moving the batteries forward. My two batteries will be installed right in front of the gas tank.

 

[Watermann]

Transom looks great Rich, I remember your unique process... that's what I call a meaty sandwich!

 

[Rich11304]

Waterman - Yes, I went a little overboard but I will feel safer when I bolt a 225 HP on the bracket. Today, I ordered Goodyear fuel hoses, 7ft of 1 1/2 ($6.80 a ft) and 7ft of 5/8 ($3.60) for the fuel vent. $76 with delivery. For the floor, I'm going with 1/2 MDO.

 

[GA_Boater]

Rich - I haven't looked in on your thread in a while. Are you planning on adding knee braces to help support the motor?

 

[Rich11304]

GABoater - I have to make a subfloor support to the portion were the I/O engine was. It will be anchored to the transom. I'll make a knee bracket on each side.

 

[Rich11304]

Today, I finally worked on floor support around the area where engine used to be. I repositioned the support brackets so that I have a nice space for below deck storage as I saw on a 1995 Islander 220v.

 

[Pcolafisher]

Rich, I’ve been lurking and watching. Really happy to see you back at it. I have a 1986 Islander sitting in the driveway as a proposed retirement project. Instead, I’ve been working on everything but and now the trailer springs and links have rusted through. Just seven years of waiting for me. However my grandsons are now old enough to give meaningful assistance. Now if I can keep from breaking my back again... Do you think your Islander can handle 225 HP? Mine has a 140 Rude and flew when I last used it in 12.
Cheers