Expected the worst. Im pretty sure that's what I got

[jzedan357]

Hey guys I'm Jeremy, new to the iboats forum.

Last summer I was given a 76' 21 ft. hawaiian jet boat that I learned how to

ski on when I was a kid. Any way my aunt bought this new and kept great

care of it. While cruisin' the lake last summer I noticed the deck was soft. I

finally decided it was time to get it ready for this year and opened up the

floor to see what I had on my hands. Not pretty, there's about 2" of water in

the hull that I will pump out when I'm done begging for your help. Right now I

know the stringers are shot but I was wondering how to check the transom or

if I should just assume it's shot too? The boat was stored indoors for years,

the interior is almost new and the 460 was rebuilt a few years ago.

Ive had it since august but I would say that water has been in the hull for

two months or so?? What now??

Thanks, Jeremy

 

[redfury]

Re: Expected the worst. Im pretty sure that's what I got

Hawaiians are neat boats. With the way that the water looks, I'm sure it's done it's fair share of rotting things out. If the water were clearer, I'd say you might have a better shot at not doing major work to restore the boat to safe operating condition.

Drain the hull and then take a 3/8 inch drill bit and do a few "core samples" on the transom around the outdrive from the inside of the boat. If they come out wet, damp, or looking like coffee grounds, then you've got a transom replacement on your hands. It's less scary than it sounds, but it is work. If you aren't afraid of that, then you just have to secure a place to do it and start accumulating supplies ( Pressure treated plywood would be first so you can get it drying ASAP ). Screw it to the wall of the garage for a month so it can dry and stay straight.

 

[jzedan357]

Re: Expected the worst. Im pretty sure that's what I got

Well I drained the water. It looked like I emptied a few kegs of guinness onto my driveway.

I plan on doing this project here in my garage. I drilled a couple holes in the transom a few inches from the outdrive and the shavings were dry and light in color, so I may be able to salvage this transom? I can take whatever pics needed to figure out a plan, I just lack knowledge/experience. I plan on doing the stringer/deck replacement over the next 4 weeks.

Jeremy

 

[redfury]

Re: Expected the worst. Im pretty sure that's what I got

I'd drill in a few more places just to be sure....because once rot starts, it doesn't magically stop. Places to check are at the lowest point in the hull, where the stringers meet the transom, and the edges of the transom where water may have collected...obvious areas that could have let water seep in over time are what you are going for. If the areas aren't necessarily structural to the transom, you may be able to cut them out and patch new wood in to make it whole...it just depends on the situation and access, not to mention what you want to put into it in terms of labor and dollars.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Expected the worst. Im pretty sure that's what I got

I have a 75 sidewinder and its rotten to the core.On an up note transom strength is not as major on a jet.I would however repair all damage.Sidewinder.com and socal jet boats are two more sites worth looking at.Restore that puppy and post it up here.Jets are a blast to drive.Im going to get on mine as soon as I get this bayliner done.Welcome to the insanity