86 Galaxy Cuddy Project

[Knight1396]

So I picked up this 86 Galaxy 201LX from Craigslist locally. Very cheap and on Trailer. I am going to restore this boat as best I can over the next year.
From what I can tell the transom and stringers are good, however, not ruling out the possibility of the replacement and repair of this as well. Floor is a little soft, so that will be where I will start into that.

It has a Merc 140 that I plan to pull and rebuild over the winter. However, If I can upgrade to a more powerful motor and can find a good one, I may go that route. This one is running and has some new parts but we will see how things go.

The reason for this restoration is for the simple reason that I need to learn about boats and the ins and outs of them. I have an 89 Bayliner 2155 that I remodeled earlier this year. I am happy with it. However, I really need to learn as much as possible as I do not want to rely on shops for repairs. Summers are too short around here to wait over a month on simple repair/replacement jobs. So I figure here is a way to learn all I can.

I have learned one thing about myself and restorations. I will work harder and with more dedication if the project looks good and is exciting. So, I work *** backwards. I have restored some 80's era Porsches and the first thing I always do to ensure completion is body work, paint, wheels, tires etc.. this way I am excited to get it on the road. So, I will start with renovating the hull, fiberglass work and exterior details. Then will most likely move to the interior..and over the winter, the motor and outdrive. With my Porsche projects, I cant have something out in the driveway looking all run down and get excited about working on it. So, that is why I start there.

I will post some pics here as I bought it and where it is today next.

Hope to gain some interest and insight from many of you as I am a boat noob and will have lotsa questions I am sure

JR

 

[Knight1396]

Re: 86 Galaxy Cuddy Project

Some pics.. nothing really great to look at but you will get the idea of what I am dealing with. Here are three from when I went to look at it. I have a couple more just gotta find them.

 

[Knight1396]

Re: 86 Galaxy Cuddy Project

Here are few from whats going on out in my driveway as of today. Started stripping it down.. test areas on the gel coat etc.. pulled alot of the wood work.. rails off and so on. Stripping decals is a pain in the behind. Started tearing up the floor but no pics of yet. Will keep posted on that.

Like I said, I hope to stay motivated and really going to not surpass $3000 invested into this boat. I dont plan to sell it when done, I know I could not even approach getting out of it what will go into it. I like working on it, its a nice change of pace from car projects.

I also recently redid a 97 seadoo GTX.. if there is any interest in that I can post a couple of pics..

Anyway.. thats where I am at with the Galaxy.
JR

 

[jonesg]

Re: 86 Galaxy Cuddy Project

Soft spots on the deck are pretty much a sign the stringers are rotting so get under the deck and check that out.
REmove screws on the transom and probe the hole to see if water pours out.
I see galaxies often on craigslist, they tend to get beaten up like bayliners.

I doubt they get many takers.
Complete repowers cost a few thousand.
http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/boa/1899409749.html

 

[Knight1396]

Re: 86 Galaxy Cuddy Project

Thanks for the input!
Yes I havent ruled out the possibility of all of this structural work, and actually if need be I will be into doing it. Like I was saying I need to get the experience. I am sure it wont be fun however..
I would also add that the reason I was looking for a Galaxy is that when I was a kid my parents had a Galaxy like this one that we went camping and spent most of our summers on.