Crestliner Transom and Stringer Work

[imported_Jeff]

I have a 1975 Crestliner M775 Muskie tri-hull open-bow, 140hp Mercruiser and sits on a Shore Lander roller trailer. I have been plagued with engine coupler failures. Cannot hold alignment. When hitting waves, the top seems to be loose from the bottom. I could hear a slapping noise and feel the floor flex. The lay-down seats would move up and down as if the floor was not attached.

I am told the boat had I/O drive boot issues and water leaks into the boat from around the out drive. The transom flexes in/out when I step on the drive. Obviously, the transom needs attention. With the soft floor and hull sections flexing, I also need to address the floor and stringers. The gel coat is excellent as is the engine and drive.

It appears the top half separates from the bottom. There is a rub rail all around, clamping the halves together. Floor area in the bow, as well as the center consoles and bow seat supports, are integral to the top section of hull. Appears if I separate the top from the bottom, this will expose the top of the transom as well as the inner lower hull, in the bow.

Am I correct in my approach? I am looking at using Seacast for the transom and stringer repairs. How much of this can I undertake at once? I am afraid of lower hull distortion if I remove the top and then cut out the rear floor. Is there a problem with it sitting on a roller trailer?

Can I do the transom and the stringer/floor as separate repairs? If so, which is better to do first? My concern is not knowing how the rear of the stringers are attached to the front of the transom. Are they anchored or do the stringers simply abut the front of the transom?

Thanks for your guidance.
Jeff

 

[rtpassini]

Re: Crestliner Transom and Stringer Work

i cant really help your situation. but i have a 75 muskie 550. you are one of the only others ive seen with similar year and model...i think its a rare breed. haha

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Crestliner Transom and Stringer Work

I foresee yet another total rebuild project in the making. At least you're in the right place for advice and you are aware of the problems with your boat. She unsafe IMHO. There are plenty of write-ups here.
You can build a support cradle and runners out of 2x4's pretty cheap. That'll give your hull support while working on the stringers and when you take the cap off. Seacast ....? If you're going to rebuild do it right with the proper building materials. You'll have a good boat and have spent less.

 

[DJ]

Re: Crestliner Transom and Stringer Work

Many have had good reseults with Sea Cast. But, it has its uses and I believe you are beyond that.

I believe your boat is beyond that, from your description. As stated, you are in need of a complete rebuild.

 

[imported_Jeff]

Re: Crestliner Transom and Stringer Work

Thanks for the advice. Wish there was an easier way but I believe it all needs to be done. Taking off the trailer and building a cradle is a good idea.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Crestliner Transom and Stringer Work

I have a 20' center console, transom was black mush and stringers were shot.
I left boat on the trailer but didn't remove the cap,
I cut the deck , its a molded inner liner, all around leaving a 3 inch lip and lifted the deck out.

Cut through the top of the transom and chainsawed it all out, seacasted that.
Then ripped out the stringers ( 2 plywood 3/4 inch x 8 feet x 20 inches tall)
New stringers have been cut and fitted and sealed/glassed but waiting for warmer temps to glue back into place.
Then the deck sole goes back with glass tape around the cut and final finish.

Compared to a complete gut job, theres no way I'd bother.
You can't just slip a new ply transom in there, it has to be tabbed to the hull sides, that means gutting everything out back there for access.

EVen with a cradle and cross braces a hull can distort.
But its fixable.

http://www.classicseacraft.com/foru...37&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=4&vc=1

One trick is to do one stringer at a time to keep the shape.