DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

[StevenT]

I'm taking on a project that is probably over my head. Second Project Boat: It's a 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Bowrider. I will be posting pix (and video also ). I have gone through some of the more "expert" threads on this site (FriscoBoater, WoodonGlass, Oops, Archbuilder...)... So, I know who you guys are and what you are capable of; I am calling on you heavyweights (and fellow lightweights) for help and guidance along the way.

This will not be one of those threads where I impart wisdom and experience to other DIYers... Rather, it will be one of those threads where the experienced guys "laugh" with me (at me) as I take this on. Perhaps other can learn from my mistakes that I will surely make along the way. There is no point in doing this (or anything really) if you can't have fun with it. So, I will do my best to keep you entertained, and you feel free to say whatever you want...

Currently I'm removing decking and foam. I'm working on the hull during my weekends and doing new interior upholstery weekdays after work. (should I do a seperate thread for upholstery?) I want to attract the upholstery Pro's too.

My goal SPLASH day is May 30 2012. I will be updating regularly. Thanks Guy's

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[Friscoboater]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

That looks like a really nice boat. We are all here to help you though this build. Just take a deep breath and jump in.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Welcome to iBoats.
Be glad to help when and where I can. Best to keep everything all in one thread so we can all follow along. What Motor and outdrive does she have? Have you confirmed the motor is sound? That's the first thing I would recommend. Then the outdrive. Those two things can get expensive in a hurry.

 

[Lou C]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Reminds me of my re-decking project of 5 years ago. It looks like an OMC Cobra, did I see, one rear exit manifold on one side, and a center riser manifold on the other? Never saw that before, LOL....Well it looks like you got a good start, and for sure you are on the best forum on the net to get help with this job.

 

[StevenT]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Thanks Frisco & Wood. Motor is a 5.7 OMC connected to a Mercuiser Alpha outdrive. Compression is good. I had it on the lake last summer for about 30 hours. I'm thinking of converting the engine to all merc. I have all the parts from my old 1985 Celebrity.

Whoever replaced the deck in the past left all the foam holes open, not good.

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[Friscoboater]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Is that two different risers I see there?

 

[GT1000000]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Howdy Steven,
Welcome to the drydock.

I am one of the lightweights that with your permission will be coming aboard to see the transformation and support anyway I can.

That shore is one purdy lookin vessel...

Have fun and best of luck,
GT1M

 

[bnicov]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Definitely looks like a hack job on an engine or riser replacement at some point in the boat's life. Do you have boat manifolds and risers on your old Celebrity?? The engines are either small block Chevy's or Ford's that have either OMC, Merc or Volvo Penta on the spark arrestor cover and have different fuel delivery and exhaust systems. You've got a 350 which is a good start. Bolt on the proper external parts and you should be good to go. Give that engine a bit of paint as it looks kinda knarly and since you are doing a resto on the boat, you may as well make your engine look nice too. Good luck

 

[glnbnz]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Hello there from a fellow DIYer and extreme lightweight. Who would also like to come aboard and watch your rebuilding.

As far as the separate thread for the upholstery I know that it is easier (at least for me) if you keep everything in one thread.

Good luck with the resto

 

[73Chrysler105]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Looking forward to the thread another lightweight here as well. If you really want all the merc stuff then just leave the motor in place and switch all the stuff over since the motors themselves are basically the same from one 5.7 to another. My guess is that a PO had a cracked manifold and swapped in one they had available with the rear riser and just put it on. It works just doesn't look right.

 

[StevenT]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Howdy Steven,
Welcome to the drydock.

I am one of the lightweights that with your permission will be coming aboard to see the transformation and support anyway I can.

That shore is one purdy lookin vessel...

Have fun and best of luck,
GT1M

Welcome

 

[StevenT]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Is that two different risers I see there?

Yes. I purchased this boat cheap. The guy had just been promoted and had to move to LA quickly. I knew it needed much work. I have merc parts on my Celebrity I'm junking and parting out.

 

[StevenT]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Howdy Steven,
Welcome to the drydock.

I am one of the lightweights that with your permission will be coming aboard to see the transformation and support anyway I can.

That shore is one purdy lookin vessel...

Have fun and best of luck,
GT1M

Thanks GT

 

[StevenT]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

I have a about a 2" lip around the hull. Do I grind that down to the hull? How do I remove it without damaging the glass on the hull?

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[Friscoboater]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

I left it in until there very last. It helped me get the hight of the deck once everything was out. Yes you just grind it out.

 

[oops!]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

yep....grind it out. now or later...makes no difference.
make sure you have written down the stringer height at different points on the hull.....and mark the hull for reference.

that is a really nice chap.

kind of a franken motor....but thats ok.

cheers
oops

 

[DustinJean]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

good looking boat I've always liked the look of the sx's, good luck on the rebuild

 

[StevenT]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Thanks Guys for all your comments and help. I'm beginning to cut out the stringers today. I'll post pix tonight.

 

[StevenT]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

I did cut some of the stringers out today and recorded some measurements. I plan on getting much more completed next weekend. Presidents day weekend 3 days. I'm posting pix of the work completed today and the project manager. She supervises via Skype. I feel blessed with most beautiful project manager on the planet.

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[Woodonglass]

Re: DIYer VS. Rot - 1988 Chaparral SX 1900 Rebuild - With Pix

Steven,

Not necessary to use the iBoats IMG tags too. Just copy the IMG tag from photobucket and paste it into your post.
Yep, Your stringers are TOAST!!!!! Make sure and wear a Full Face Respirator, Tyvek Suit and gloves when you start grinding them out. Try and "Tent" your boat when you're grinding to keep the dust from going everywhere.