Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. w/pics

[matt9923]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

http://www.auxodept.org/bestpractices.htm
they were lukey they were on a bar.
Hope thats not me lol
Matt

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

....Hope thats not me lol Matt

Yep. Another nice thing about the Niagara: if you get your drain plug ferules sealed right and plug all the <likely> random holes and oem seat bolt holes, that "moisture chamber" under the floor holds a lot of air. Probably can't sink if not overloaded.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

With all this talk about the Niagara, I was comparing mine with some others, what I noticed was that mine has a very different dash than yours or Marks, or any other I've seen pictured. Mine has a definite recessed area in the center of the dash, as does a second parts boat I picked up. Both are titled 1966, my first one is a three owner boat, I got it off the son of the guy who bought it new, the earliest registration that I found in it was 1967. (He never threw away the old ones, just kept putting the new ones in the boat. Both boats are in decent shape, both could stand new transoms but both were running and fairly solid boats. The one has modern steering installed, the other still has it's cable steering and 33hp Evinrude. Both have the same cutout for an original OMC tach, but neither have it installed. The one pictured has dual cigar lighter plugs which appear to be original since the dash appears to be factory cut to fit them just like the old tach hole. The one shown came to me with a 40hp Mercury, which runs great, two 6 gallon tanks and a Hummingbird fish finder.

http://i42.tinypic.com/wk0d28.jpg

Any idea how many times they changed the dash? I can see a definite change between 1965 to 1966 in the brochures, and a definite change in the post 1970 boats. How much else changed?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

.....What do you think about tubing, knee boarding, sking with this boat. After i rebuild the transom of course.
It will be 40hp but the bow will be up an the air I'm thinking. Maybe sand bags in the front.
Matt

I pulled my kids in a tow tube with no problems, and the bow was not up. It will keep the same attitude when towing a small load like kneeboard or tow tube. If you feel the boat is bow high, just adjust the trim to bring it down. Thats the nice thing about having a new motor with power tilt and trim!

 

[matt9923]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Thanks i will proably have a 1 person tube eventualy. Maby next season and a new transom. Thanks for all the help. Will my uflex cable bend up under the dash and starbord rail or will it stick out like the one in your pic?
Matt

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

...Will my uflex cable bend up under the dash and starbord rail or will it stick out like the one in your pic? Matt

My cable is tight to the hull, fastened under the gunwales out of site until it begins to exit about 16" forward of the transom. You can't can't can't get too tight of a radius out of any Teleflex cable or it will bind. I think what you are referring to on Mark42's boat is a pic of it while under construction.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Thats the old Safe-T helm. Its a bit larger diameter than the newer rotary helms by Teleflex. So it does show a bit. If you go with a rack system, you had better measure real good. The rack is wide, and the cable can't make more than a 8" radius bend. 12" bend is better, because the cable tends to wear fast on the bends.

Reelfishin, The dash in your Niagara is from a newer model year. There are three different dash configurations that I know of. Up to 66 is like mine, then in 67 it changed to a recess in the center and a tray on the port side. In 69 it changed again to just a tray on the port side.

Check out the attached brochures to see the 67 style.

Can't upload the 69 page, forum says its too big.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Mine is a 1972 and has a smooth dash all the way across, with a recess in the center of the top, no splash well, and the upgrade windshield frame. I did not realize that it changed so much- if we ever lose our snow I will post some snapshots of mine for FYI sake.

I actually think mine is the Saf-T-Helm: 3/4" fat red cable14-16" radius in the rear.

 

[matt9923]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Got the new steering system. Looks nice high quality and looks great. Only problem is it is a little to long but i can make it work, as well as the plate behind the wheel doesn't fit because i have a piece of plywood behind my dash making it that 1/2" to big. It looks fine without it butt i will fix it later.
They put a stiker on the wheel idk why but now some of it is stuck on their. No bigy but why do that? put it on the back of the wheel!!

Before an after of my control box. Looks decent, now how to paint it correctly. What primer and what paint? Where can i get good paint for cheep. I am a couple grand over budget

 

[matt9923]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

What do you think about getting rid of the splash well drains. To me all it is going to do is be more spots for water to get in and rot away my transom.
What is a good latex caulk floor boats and a good adhesive (like liquid nail)?
Matt

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

What do you think about getting rid of the splash well drains. To me all it is going to do is be more spots for water to get in and rot away my transom.
What is a good latex caulk floor boats and a good adhesive (like liquid nail)?
Matt

Its looking good so far! I think you better keep the splashwell drains. Just epoxy in the brass tubes, or even epoxy in PVC pipe and sand flush. It will be sealed well. Problem comes when you get a following wave pushed by the wind and they keep slapping into the transom, the water splashes up and falls into the splashwell. I took on a lot of water one afternoon just holding the boat bow into shore about waist deep, and the waves kept breaking on the transom. I finally got smart and turned the boat around.

There is a good polyurethane/silicone caulk made by boatlife. Check out their website for marine caulks.

Lots of guys here use PL brand construction adhesive in boat rebuilds. Its available at lowes or depot.

BTW, the steering looks good. Hard to get those cables the exact length.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

What is a good latex caulk floor boats and a good adhesive (like liquid nail)?Matt

I am not familiar with any latex caulking product I would use in a boat.

I am not a fan of silicones either; I would say use polyurethanes for adhesion and longevity - I have had a lot of great results from 3M 5200.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

I am not familiar with any latex caulking product I would use in a boat.

I am not a fan of silicones either; I would say use polyurethanes for adhesion and longevity - I have had a lot of great results from 3M 5200.

I agree that latex has no place on a boat. It just won't hold up. 5200 is great stuff, but it is not good as a caulk where a gap needs to be filled.

Best thing to do is go to the 3m and Boatlife websites and read about their marine sealer and caulk products. Then you can make a good informed decision as to what to use.

 

[matt9923]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

can i buy some cheep paint from napa or depot to paint the console? I need something cheep for now a primer and thick paint, maybe roll it on? Its not perfect so i want thick paint to cover up the sins.
Matt

 

[matt9923]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

i painted the control panel. Doesn't look as good as i wanted but fine for now.

I need to get a new sander, probably a 7" and some new pads.

Matt

 

[Davinciman]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Just get a 7" backing pad for your grinder and the follow up with a DA.
I just got a 7" one for mine, it was $20 CDN at princess auto, they have ones for $7 but....get the good stuff. Ask Ooops about P.A. he knows

Hope that helps ya.

 

[matt9923]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

OK i am getting the 6" Velcro, hook loop pad and then ill go to the depot and get some paper pads. Then i can fix up my spots i messed up with flap disks.
Matt

 

[matt9923]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Should i rivet the control piece in or SS bolt it? Also my boat doesn't have the side compartments like yours so how should i attach the new control box? Put 2 pieces of 2x6 glued together and glued to the hull behind it? If i use liquid nail will i be able to break it off if need be or is that permanent/grind off.
Matt

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

can i buy some cheep paint from napa or depot to paint the console?

I recommend ACE Polyurethane porch and deck enamel (oil based) for a real good cheap paint. I have used it for years on wood in boats and outdoor projects and have had great results with it. Don't remember if the label also says metal but I have put it on metal

Should i rivet the control piece in or SS bolt it? Also my boat doesn't have the side compartments like yours so how should i attach the new control box? Put 2 pieces of 2x6 glued together and glued to the hull behind it? If i use liquid nail will i be able to break it off if need be or is that permanent/grind off.

I used stainless machine bolts. They have pan heads and oval heads. I used pan heads and stainless steel "finishing washers" on the outside with the nut-end on the inside. I put a little 5200 under the washer- that's generally above the water line but in seas it gets wet. Mine have not leaked. I cut one machine screw which was too long and used nickel-plated brass cap nuts on the inside.

I wish my boat was back from winter storage so I can shoot a photo or two

I used a spar-varnished 1x12 to mount my controls. It fits under the lip of the "cap" or gunwale edge, and is through-bolted there with stainless machine bolts and nylock nuts. I cut the lower edge of the board to a scribe-mark which fits it to the hull shape, and back-beveled this scribed cut to a soft knife edge to lay fair into the inner hull side. I like the golden glow of varnished wood as a contrast to otherwise mostly painted decks and brightwork, etc. and of course in a Niagara it is all paint or gelcoat.

I would not const. adhesive mounting boards to the hull or plate. I would simple use the stainless-bolt and nylock nut approach. I would rather front-mount any support wood to the plate on the inside rather than make more holes in the hull (two are necessary). I think that answers your question unless I over thought it or didn't think enough

 

[matt9923]

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

Re: Fixing up my 14ft MFG Niagara. transom rebuild w/pics

I understand you, i already have 2 holes in the hull form the previous owners control box. I will get 4 ss bolts to bolt teh control panel to teh gunnell if that's what its called. (top rail thing) And glue a piece of wood to the back do it has support form teh hull and both my control box on he outside.

That sucks having to store your boat. I have 30 acres and have a few people storing their boats for free. As well as all my stuff....
As long as i don't look like trailer trash ill store peoples stuff and get some free fishing and favors.
Matt

cant wait to get the motor and get on the water!!