'86 16' Glassmaster Bowrider

[carver63]

So I bought a boat over the 4th of July weekend and it's definetly a fixer-upper. Most of the padding is trashed. It will need new seats. The electrical is in bad need of repair. It will need a paint-job. I plan to replace all the wood in it.

The engine is sound and so is the stern drive. The body itself is in really great shape other than dire need of a paint job. All in all, there is nothing dramatically wrong with it and I can do all the work on it myself.

Here are the questions:

1. Can I paint it will other than gel-coat? I want to use a high-quality automotive paint and then clear-coat it. There will be some striping on it and I can do that as well.

2. When I replace the wood thats in it, should I use marine-grade or will treated plywood work? I can cure the wood and then paint the all the surfaces. Once that is done, I plan on glassing the outer sides and then painting that to match the outer hull.

3. I want to have the inner hull (is that the right term?) covered with rhino coating. Is that even possible and would it accomplish anything?

4. The windshields are sound, but I want to shorten the sides. My idea is to build a new frame from wood and then glass it in. I can remount the glass so that it slides into place from the outside and be secured with bolts. I'm thinking that the new windows will be stronger and I can increase the hieght just enough to see through comfortably.

6. Can I relocate the fuel tank to the bow and increase the size? There is currently a 10 to 12 gallon square tank on the left stern. My reasoning to move the tank is that I can use the extra room in the back for an additional battery and the extra wieght in the bow would help in trimming the boat easier. Also, this boat is very stern heavy. The additonal size will also allow for longer trips.

This is just a start. As this is my first boat, I'm excited but also somewhat ignorant. I have the skills to do the work, but I want to reduce as many mistakes up front that I can. Any information and suggestions are more than welcome and I can take all the criticism you can dish out.

Thanks!

 

[Dr. Boat Master]

Re: '86 16' Glassmaster Bowrider

1. Can I paint it will other than gel-coat? There is paint made for this that you can get at a marine shop

2. When I replace the wood thats in it, should I use marine-grade or will treated plywood work? Use Marine grade and seal with resin.
3. I want to have the inner hull (is that the right term?) covered with rhino coating. Is that even possible and would it accomplish anything? Why would you do this?

4. The windshields are sound, but I want to shorten the sides. My idea is to build a new frame from wood and then glass it in. I can remount the glass so that it slides into place from the outside and be secured with bolts. I'm thinking that the new windows will be stronger and I can increase the hieght just enough to see through comfortably.

5. Where is point number "5"?

6. Can I relocate the fuel tank to the bow and increase the size? There is currently a 10 to 12 gallon square tank on the left stern. There is probably not enough space

 

[carver63]

Re: '86 16' Glassmaster Bowrider

1.There is paint made for this that you can get at a marine shop[/COLOR]

2. Use Marine grade and seal with resin.

3. Why would you do this?

5. Where is point number "5"?

6. There is probably not enough space

I forgot 5 completely. I said I was skilled, not smart LOL.

Good enough on the Rhino coating. It was just a thought.

I'll use the marine grade instead of the treated. That was an idea to save on cost is all. I didn't think about the resin coating though. That makes more sense and I can treat most of it before installing it.

I've seen the paint at our local marine center. I can use that just fine. I'm planning on white anyways. Would a clear coat still work or would it be necessary after that. The reason I ask is that I want to put a purple pearl in it because of our local college football team.

Another question, we can call it 5 if you want, is would it be a good idea to install an additional air intake for the engine? I noticed yesterday that it was running a bit hot and thought that if I could get more air into the engine compartment, that would help. I would mount them on both sides of the engine cover, towards the top with openings maybe 6 inches long by 1-1/2 inches wide. This would create a airflow over the entire engine instead of just the rear of the engine.

 

[chadelliott]

Re: '86 16' Glassmaster Bowrider

I've seen a few guys on there restores use durabak for flooring, after they glass the floor in. I plan on using this on my restore in a sand color. They have a smooth or non-slip coating you can use.....

http://picasaweb.google.com/pacerdude/EntireDeckReplacement89Celebrity224se#5317828971908073330

This is a good example and what inspired me to do my restore and use this coating. Whatever you put on the floor get away from carpet.

A fellow captain I work with on the fire dept. is a retired manager of Sea Ray boats in AZ. He worked in the build process from mold to final interior finish. After several conversations with him a good multiple ply is only needed to restore the floor, stringers etc....He stated the only reason they used a marine grade ply was it was dryed, had water resistant glue and many plys to the sheet build because they did not treat the floors to water proof them under the carpeting.