Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

[matantiques]

Hello all. Greetings. I have been stung by the project boat bee and need some help starting this project. I have been given an old 1963 aluminum boat, 40hp Johnson Sea Horse and old trailer. The floor and transom are all gone and rotted but I think I would like to fix this one up. Where to begin??!! I will be cleaning it up (gutting) it next weekend. Does anyone have any basic starting points that I need to know before I start on this journey?? I would like to use this boat around the intercoastal as well as near shore on calm days and nights.

Does anyone know what make this boat is? I would also like to show my progress on this forum for all to see if that is ok.

 

[pjc]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

welcome Mat,<br />first and foremost imo, do not be shy to gut ALL rotten wood. sounds like your project should be much less laborious than folks with glass project boats.<br />Please figure how to post photos so all can see what you are up to. <br />please keep us informed as to your progress---

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

You are fortunate in that your wood replacement will only involve bolts rather than fiberglass work. You will want to either seal the new wood really well or look into getting some good pressure treated ply. It will last much longer. Post plenty of pics, and good luck.....

 

[G DANE]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

Hi matantiques - congratualtions.<br /><br />I saw your boat by copying and pasting thishttp://www.members.aol.com/matantiques/boatpic.jpg -could be a starcraft.

 

[y2j]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

man thats one ugly boat in the state it is<br /><br />When you paint the beast it will look awesome.. You shoulda seen my boat it looked worser than that and after some painting it looked brand new <br /><br />Is it riveted? If it is i think a fill up the boat with water to check for leaks trick is in order But if its not check for cracks because you don't want the motor to fall off the back.. If your good with the welder you can make everything stronger yourself <br /><br />Keep up to date pics of your progress on here so we can also enjoy your project mate

 

[Columbia]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

When you replace the wood parts, especially plywood parts, be SURE to seal the cut edges of the wood even if you use pressure treated ply. If you don't use treated ply you should seal all the surfaces. You can seal the cut edges or surfaces with epoxy, several coats rollered on. Possibly you could recoat the cut edges of treated ply with similar treating "end cut" solution you can buy at lumberyards. I've never done this on a boat but believe me, new rot will happen sooner or later to your new wood if not properly sealed.

 

[Columbia]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

Oops, my reference to 'never done this on a boat' is to have used treated ply and redone cut edges with 'end cut' solution. The boats I've built were different style of boat. See pic..

 

[pjc]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

here is mats projy<br /><br />--------->click here- mats boat<br /><br />mat, ifin it were me, i'd use exterior fir ply, treat this ply by sealing with rotdocs CPES-(clear epoxy penatrating sealer)--cpes has an anti-fungal agent the doc claims to prevent dry rot---<br />--------------my opinion-----------<br />---------enjoy your project---

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

hey, that looks like Hydrophobia, cept with a different windshield, sure does look like a Starcraft Holiday 18<br /><br />Ive got to do the wood too, post lots of pictures of the restoration process, moral support yanno!<br /><br /><G><br /><br /> even, lol

 

[DJ]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

Looks like a Starcraft to me.

 

[rschnack]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

I read somewhere that you should not put pressure treated lumber directly against bare aluminum since it will react with it and cause pitting which can weaken the aluminum. You need to coat the aluminum first (zinc primer? ). Anyone know?<br />RCS

 

[DJ]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

rschnack,<br /><br />I believe that to be true. I woiuldn't use pressure treated wood anyway.

 

[BillP]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

That looks just like my uncles boat. He bought it new in the early 60s with a 35 merc and still has the boat with a newer 50 merc. I believe his is a 15' Starcraft and I know it has been used constantly in the ocean and river all these years. He really likes the durability of this one. About 4 yrs ago he replaced the original transom with pt ply. I may call him and see how it is holding up and will report. Last time we talked about the transom was 2 yrs ago and everything was fine.<br /><br />I personally would bed all wood so it was insulated from the aluminum. Moisture trapped there will cause problems. The metal fastenings against the aluminum won't be as much of a problem if you keep them dry either.

 

[matantiques]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

Thanks for all the replies to my post. I am learning new ideas and now I feel that I am not alone with this project. All input would be appreciated. I will post (try to at least) some pics now showing the condition of the boat as I progress. Thanks again and keep em coming!!<br />

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[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

looks like some nylon zip cords are in order for that snake nest running down the side, lol<br /><br />once the wood work is done!<br /><br />

 

[karrick]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

My 1971 17' starcraft looks very similar, but I have an open bow. I removed the floor in mine and am waiting on the funds to finish the job. I did save the front piece of plywood so I can pattern the new pieces. I thought it would be easier to pattern it then start from scratch and measure it. I saved the old buoyancy foam for the same reason as well. Chances are the foam in your boat has been a home to many critters, by looking at the pics . Good luck. Hope to see some more pics!

 

[matantiques]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

I have gutted the boat out completely including rotted floor and transom. The motor was a pain to remove because the mounting pins were rusted solid. I removed all of the old hardware from around the boat with the exception of the dashboard which is very difficult because the bolts are up under the gunwale and I cannot access them. Does anyone know how I could remove these or how I remove the top riveted trim? There are many screw holes that I need to patch up before I paint. I did a leak test by filling up the hull with water overnight. No major leaks seen but I did see some moisture around some rivets and along the transom area. Should these rivets be replaced? Should I weld around the transom? Does anyone recommend any particular aluminum filler or bondo? I will continue to post as I go along. Please respond with your ideas. Thanks to all!!

 

[matantiques]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

GET THIS!!<br />Someone drivig by my house noticed my project boat and asked if I was willing to trade for a larger boat. He says that he is looking for a small boat to fish the many islands here in Miami. He wants to do an even swap : boat for boat, trailer for trailer!! I went with him and saw the boat. I believe it to be a 21 or 24' V-hull fiberglass bowrider. Please let me know what you all think about this trade and if any of you know what kind of boat this is. Thanks for your help.

 

[tmac58star]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

Well you just have to decide if a) you need a bigger boat b.) do you want a fiberglass boat and c.) do you want to tear and replace the floor and transom in the f-glass boat if they are bad? If the floor and transom are solid and it has no holes, cracks, etc. and you really don't like your aluminum boat, I'd consider a trade. What does your gut tell you?

 

[matantiques]

Re: Free boat!! My first project boat!!!

Well Tim,<br /><br />I'll tell you the main factor in my decision, I am 6'4" and weight 330lbs. 21' fiberglass boat vs. 14' aluminum. I enjoy the easy handling of the 14' boat during the refurbishing but would love the space of the larger boat. I know it means a more intensive job so I am still undecided. I am leanng towards the fiberglass boat though. Thanks for your input.