Boat noob. Remove all of the floor?

[RicoSuuuuave]

Hello, my name is Chris, I am a boat noob , I understand and know some of electrical, mechanical, wood working, welding. Ect. But I'm very new to boats.

I've been looking on line in forums and this one seems to be the place to start out. So I bought a 73 Ranger bass boat, 115 how Merc. To play in the hot arizona sun with. Every thing works fine for the most part. However the deck has a few spots that feel springy if you will. Right around the driver's seat. I can see some one has patched up where the original one I assume started sinking through.

And of course from what I gather from the internet is my floor and everything under is pretty much shot. Drilled a few small holes and it had some black residue.


So question, do I need to take out the entire inside of the boat, storage wells and all, or just the basic floor part? And what is the recommendation for cutting it out? Skill saw? Jig saw?

Thank you in advanced, I look forward to learning and doing this project in I've done a hot rod, 4x4, bike and now starting the boat journey.

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/...e Uploads/IMG_20170629_125305_zpsz6teiifw.jpg

 

[tpenfield]

Most likely the entire inside of the boat will need to come out in order to get to all the rotted parts of the structure. A combination of saws will most likely be needed. My favorite tool is the sawzall with a 12" wrecking blade.

 

[ondarvr]

Start looking for other threads here on the same subject and you'll find a couple months worth of reading material, they will give you a good idea of what to expect.

 

[RicoSuuuuave]

I was afraid of that . I think I'll just junk it and take the 1400 dollar loss. Ty

 

[jbcurt00]

Strip it of everything you can remove, even if you decide to use a sawzall to remove some of it.

Then ebay/craigs anything you think you wont use on another boat.

Motor and trailer could be swapped to another boat.

A lot of older, inexpensive boats will have similar problems. Dig into this 1 and learn what to look for before you buy.

A decent trailer and running Merc 115 plus a few salvaged boat bits, could net most of your 1400. All of it and more if the Merc runs great

 

[kcassells]

wow... PB just is horrible with all there add crapola. I only saw 1 pic. Try using your camera settings at 2kb. Then you can simply file and paste attachments. I only was made aware of this last week. thanks to another ole' fart.

 

[RicoSuuuuave]

Yeah I really liked the shape and depth of the boat. I know I can. Replace the floor and wood under, just not sure about replicating all the storage compartments. Then again I could ditch them and make more walking room too.

 

[Crawfish Dundee]

You can make it wide open with only one seat if you wish, you are the the only one to please on this build. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

 

[RicoSuuuuave]

Hmm seems something bad may turn into something good. Could customize the deck. I'll some research. How thick is the deck so I know how to set my skill saw? I don't want to cut into anything I should not. Ty for the replies

 

[Crawfish Dundee]

. How thick is the deck so I know how to set my skill saw? I don't want to cut into anything I should not. Ty for the replies

A drill and drill bit will tell you how thick the deck is.