89 skeeter SD 80 FS Restoration

[jburkesbrew]

I've got an 89 skeeter with a rotten transom, so I'm beginning a restoration project. Took the motor off this weekend, and, as expected, there is no transom. I'm actually surprised the motor didnt fall off during the last two seasons.

http://www.photobucket.com/89skeeterrestore

I've started to drill out the rivets to remove the cap. Any tips from anybody thats done this before? Does the cap have to be separated from the flooring on the inside of the boat?

Thanks!

 

[jburkesbrew]

Re: 89 skeeter SD 80 FS Restoration

Got the cap off. Looks like there is a good bit of rot in the floor and stringers as well. Marine plywood is on order and should be here by the time I have the demo work completed.


Not sure how the motor didn't fall off. There is no transom left. A quarter of the floor is shot, and the foam wetted out (still soaking wet even though the boat has been in the garage for 6 months). I'm going to replace it all.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 89 skeeter SD 80 FS Restoration

Welcome to iBoats!

Yeah the foam will never dry out. It all has to come out. All the wood...Everything Grind all the glass down to fresh and start from scratch. Lots of help here on the forum. Just keep posting pics and ask anything.

 

[jburkesbrew]

Re: 89 skeeter SD 80 FS Restoration

Thanks woodonglass. This is going to be a fun project I think. A lot of work, but maybe someday we'll be able to get a bigger boat to restore. This can be a test. The boat was given to me, so I dont have any money in it and the motor is in good shape. Unfortunately I'm also trying to build a room in the basement. My wife is more interested in getting that done of course. So I'm split between two projects. I'd rather be working on the boat.

I do have one question - whats the best wheel to use for grinding? I've tried a couple of different ones with mixed results. I haven't seen one specifically for fiberglass.

Thanks.

 

[oops!]

Re: 89 skeeter SD 80 FS Restoration

a rubber backed pad with a 24 grit resin disc.....36 if you cant find 24/s.

it makes quick work of glass and foam.

once the disc is coated in glass.....you can throw it in a jar of acetone...use a tooth brush on the disc...and it comes out almost like new again to be re used.

make sure you get a rubber backing pad...not a plastic one