Complete Newb, a few questions + need help!(LONG, sorry!)

StayAfloatPlz

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 27, 2011
Messages
42
Hello!

First off, if I posted this in the wrong forum, feel free to move/delete! I skimmed thru the rules! :)

Just found this forum last week. I was looking to purchase a bass boat (bass hunter, pelican style plastic boat) for a smaller lake that I live on, when I aquired this gem from a good friend. At first, I had NO intentions of restoring, or doing ANY type of work on a boat, just wanted to get it wet and get to the fishing! BUT, the more I think about it and research ( I know almost nothing about boat restoration) it, the more it appeals to me!

I have a few questions, and need some advice/input. First off, can anyone tell me what type of boat this is? When I try to find info on it, there is just sooo many diff types, I get confused! (deckboats, cruiser boats, jon boats...it even looks like my boat could have been a center console boat at one time??) Also, would this boat be ideal for bass fishing on a small lake? I have a 30lb transom mount trolling motor(mount could use some work), a smaller foot-controled one(old Motor-Guide model, in this post: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=67453&page=1), and an outboard that my sis gave me FOREVER ago that i've never touched....it says Mariner 15, I attatched a pic of it as well...is this a 15hp motor?? Anybody know what year and model this is? Would it be possible or even ideal to mount on this boat??

I am going to continue to do alot of research, mainly here, but can someone tell me, or show me a link, what the very first step is in putting carpet, or maybe even a spray or roll-on liner, down?? There dosent seem to be any damage and it doesen't leak, but the deck is pretty rough and bumpy (i can, and will, get better pics) and I want to put something down to smooth everything out. I probably need to cover it with some kind of sealer first, no? I would REALLY appreciate any help, if something else should be done first in this Epic Remodel, let me know please! I have been wanting a hobby for some time now, and i'm ready to put some effort in!

But, if this boat isn't ideal for bass fishing, i'll have to look elsewhere, and that would be a huge letdown :(

If you guys are done laughing now at my lack of knowledge, please direct me to any info, or links, on the very first steps to take restoring this beauty!

P.S. The boat is a FishMaster (like I said earlier, finding info w/google has been HELL on this), and under that decal it says La Grange, GA, and R.S.B. Fiberglass Forms. I would like to know some history on this boat as well. I don't even know the year it was made!

The boat is definately (or, will be) an upgrade from the tiny jon boat that I had. It does seem to be perfect for what I need, but as you see, who am I to judge, lol. I will get some better pics tomorrow. The seat and pedestal shown in one of the pics isnt bolted down, I am trying to find a butt-style bass boat seat on craigslist, just wanted to start picturing what its gonna look like! Sorry this is so long guys, just kinda lost, but I would love to learn everything I can and do as much of the work as I am able to.

Thanks SOOOOO MUCH for ANY help that you guys can give me!

FishMasterLol1.jpgFishMasterLol2.jpgFront with old seat.jpgMariner15 Outboard.jpg
 
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relocyo

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 14, 2010
Messages
446
Re: Complete Newb, a few questions + need help!(LONG, sorry!)

Eh yah, welcome to iboats! There is gobs of info on your questions, and just as many opinions :D search function works great, but, is it a shadow in the first 2 pics or is there a couple big holes in the hull? But anywho, there should be a serial # on the transom at the starboard side (the right side looking at the back) that will say quite a bit, is there no title with any info? If not gonna be a pain to register, I dunno if I missed somthin in your post.

BUT that Mariner 15 looks sharp! There should also be a metal plug near the top of the powerhead with its serial/year model make number on it. Run that thru the channels and if it runs, it could be a sweet combo.... Also, long response .... :rolleyes:
 

StayAfloatPlz

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 27, 2011
Messages
42
Re: Complete Newb, a few questions + need help!(LONG, sorry!)

I will try to get all serial #s tomorrow when I take more pics...those arn't holes, just bad quality pics. I forgot about the darn title! Grrrr...will look into that tomorrow as well. The lake I fish on only really cares if boats have the community sticker(members who pay dues).

Thanks for the tips! If anyone else has any info/help to offer, im all ears!

Thank you Thank you!!!
 

StayAfloatPlz

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 27, 2011
Messages
42
Re: Complete Newb, a few questions + need help!(LONG, sorry!)

Hmmm, guess I need to somehow check the foam befor e I start doing any work on the deck?
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Complete Newb, a few questions + need help!(LONG, sorry!)

That boat should work just fine for your purposes. That 15HP Mariner is a very nice motor and probably a good match for the boat.

I'm going to go against the typical resto-forum grain here and suggest that you don't go looking for problems on this boat. If the transom seems sturdy enough, mount up that motor and fish!
 

StayAfloatPlz

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 27, 2011
Messages
42
Re: Complete Newb, a few questions + need help!(LONG, sorry!)

Ezmobee, at this point, that is sounding VERY appealing! My problem, is the more i try to do research, or look up the many helpful posts in this forum, the more overwelmed I get, lol. On the other hand, that also gets me more and more interested and motivated to do a resro job on my beauty! Grrrrrrrrrr.....wish I didnt have ADHD :( At this point, its looking about 50/50 on either mount and launch, or complete restoration...hmmmm maybe i'll just flip a coin....
 

StayAfloatPlz

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 27, 2011
Messages
42
Re: Complete Newb, a few questions + need help!(LONG, sorry!)

Eh yah, welcome to iboats! There is gobs of info on your questions, and just as many opinions :D search function works great, but, is it a shadow in the first 2 pics or is there a couple big holes in the hull? But anywho, there should be a serial # on the transom at the starboard side (the right side looking at the back) that will say quite a bit, is there no title with any info? If not gonna be a pain to register, I dunno if I missed somthin in your post.

BUT that Mariner 15 looks sharp! There should also be a metal plug near the top of the powerhead with its serial/year model make number on it. Run that thru the channels and if it runs, it could be a sweet combo.... Also, long response .... :rolleyes:

relocyo,

I first searched the boat for any serial or model numbers, and NOTHING! :( I think it was removed, I took a pic of where I think it was at some point:
2011-07-29 20.28.48-1.jpg
I also went ahead and took a pic of the logo, which is on both sides, haha:
2011-07-29 20.30.43-1.jpg
Also, there was a sticker on the side of the Mariner, but it was badly faded...the only words I could make out were "South Carolina", and "Serial Number", but info was completely BLANK. I did find a number on the motor itself when I took the cover off: 881-9727-0. I should eventually find out what I need about the motor, thanks for your help! I will post more photos I took earlier, they are much better quality..
 

StayAfloatPlz

Seaman Apprentice
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Messages
42
New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Some much better pics!

Front to back:
2011-07-29 20.05.52-1.jpg
Back to front! Lol:
2011-07-29 20.06.21-1.jpg
Side view:
2011-07-29 20.06.39-1.jpg
Bass boat butt-style seat/pedestal, picking up tomorrow..will it be a headache to put this in??
seatplustand-1.jpg

Does anyone else see the potential with her, or is it just me?!:confused:

Hopefully, I will eventually be able to answer alot of my questions in the original post with more research on these boards, and I will have alot more time this weekend....BUT, anyone can still feel free to chime in with advice and tips! Or links to threads!!

Thanks guys!!
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

I think that boat looks similar to a "Crosby Sled". You might want to search on here for some of those. This resto isn't 100% done I don't think but will show you some potential http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=177052&page=8
 

kfa4303

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Sep 17, 2010
Messages
6,094
Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

I think she's worth the effort, if all you want to do is cruise around the lake. I agree that you don't want to go opening a can or worms. If the floor and transom(section the motor is clamped to) are solid, then go for it. The motor does look great, so I think you've already come out ahead, whether you keep the boat or not. Check out the Mariner forum here at iboats and this link ( http://www.fiberglassics.com/ )
, it may be able to give you some info. Don't be surprised if you don't find a whole lot. There were lots of small, regional manufacturers back in the day so finding info may be tricky. Good luck. Keep us posted. We looooove pics ;) Congrats on the new toy!

http://www.fiberglassics.com/
 

StayAfloatPlz

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Messages
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Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Ok, not gonna worry about the foam underneath or anything. Decided to go with Herculiner, I got the whole deck/sides sanded, pretty much ready for for the stuff. I guess $75 is the best price i'll find? I'm prepared to spend a little more with the extra stuff too. Can't wait! I will post pics when done, HOPEFULLY by this weekend, then I can start seeing what condition this motor is in. This forum rocks, thanks again :)
 

StayAfloatPlz

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Messages
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Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

FINALLY got some time to care for my boat! Poor thing!! Lol, well after seeing the prices for the colored Herculiner, I decided to go with Grizzly Grip! Ordered it the day before yesterday, so should arrive Mon or Tues. I WILL get liner down in my boat this weekend, no matter what! Pics too, in my next post.....
 

StayAfloatPlz

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Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Finally got started, pics in one sec....
 

StayAfloatPlz

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Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

TapedRailCorners.jpg

FINALLY got time to get started, like I said earlier, went with Grizzly Grip (battleship gray, just chose a neuatral color) mainly bc of price. I thought it would be heavier/thicker, so some repairs, etc. still show, no big deal though. Most of it will hopefully not show after I apply the 2nd coat. This pic just shows the rail taped off (except the front, did that later) and the corners/edges, where I started with a paintbrush...
 

StayAfloatPlz

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Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

You can see where u started with the 2nd coat, 1 gallon wasnt enough though :( so im gonna order 2 more coats, I guess!
 

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StayAfloatPlz

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Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Overall, I am pleased with the product. My only regret, is not smoothing out some of the rough areas more, just thought the liner would be thicker, maybe i'll just order another gallon, who knows. Looks alot better though :)
 

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StayAfloatPlz

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Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

I had just hosed it down right before a cpl of those pics, thats why it might look wet....for anyone thinking about using this stuff, and you are doin the whole thing, not just the deck, 1 gallon will NOT be enough, just FYI (if it is 12-14ft, that would be my guess, anyhow)...cant wait to get back on the water!!!!7
 

StayAfloatPlz

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Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Finally got a base for my seat/pedestal and installed it, and spit-shined the outboard...looks good and clean under the hood too, to my surprise!
 

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relocyo

Chief Petty Officer
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Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Shoot yea man that looks sharp! How do you like the grizzly grip now that its done? Non skid enough? How many coats and gallons did you end up going through? Does it seem to clean up easy? Just curious as I havent seen it used before... Looks good though for sure!
 

StayAfloatPlz

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Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Re: New, better quality pics, for your viewing pleasure...

Thanks! A small area towards the transom still needs a 2nd coat, only got about 1.5 coats from a gallon. If I had it to do over again, I could have BARELY got 2 coats from 1gal, oh well, live and learn! Overall, very pleased, and clean-up was easier than expected. I only wish I would have done a little more sanding, it rolled on a little lighter than I thought it would, not in a bad way or anything! I also regret not going with navy blue (maybe?), but once things start coming together it will be fine. I ordered 2 more quarts, but that will go on next week. She is getting wet this weekend, its been a month now I cant take it any longer :)

I think a hull painting/gel coating is gonna be the next project, im addicted, no turning back now! Lol
 
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