Gonna need help

[flydown]

I stopped by to see a high scool class mate today and as I was talking to him, he just up and gave me a fiberglass boat that is sitting in his yard. I am not real sure of the size and I can't remember the brand. Anyway, the hull of the boat seems to be in real good shape and I could not feel any wiggle in the transom but I am not sure about it. The inside of the boat is weathered and cracked and the boat was made without any kind of floor and it has bench type seats. I can look at the boat and see in my mind what I would like to do with it. What I will need help with is the glass work on the inside.
My father-in-law was in the boat repair business and I learned a little from him. Also, I work for a windmill blade manufacturer that uses fiberglass so I know a little about the subject.

We us polyester resin with MEKP Caddox 50 catalyst.
When I get a chance, I will post pictures so we can get something going on this boat.
Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[rucaradio]

Re: Gonna need help

Get familiar with the forum "Search" feature. You're going to need it. Also, you should read the sticky on top of this restore forum.

Your first project should be getting core samples from around the boat (floor, stringers, transom) and seeing what wood is wet and rotted and what wood is still nice, clean, and dry.. Once you've got figured out what's rotted and needs to be replaced, you can start planning your rebuild strategy.

Again, pick up a copy of "Runabout Renovation" by Jim Anderson off Amazon. It's a wealth of info.

-D

 

[flydown]

Re: Gonna need help

I went and picked the boat up and took some pictures. I will get them posted asap. The boat is buitlt without a traditional floor. The floor of the boat seems to follow the contour of the bottom with no wood. It appears that the hull was filled with flotation and the top half sets on top of the flotation with no traditional stringers.
Oh yeah, it is a 14 foot Shakespeare boat built in Columbia, SC.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Gonna need help

Before you get too far along, I'd check to see if your bud has the title/etc. cause you may not be able to use it without a title depending on where you live. Titles are required in some states and getting one on a "found" or gift boat can be a nightmare in some places. Check it out before you spend any money on it.

 

[flydown]

Re: Gonna need help

He says that he has a title and he will produce it in a day or two. If he cannot find it, he will give me a bill of sale and the boat is currently registered to him. In Arkansas, with the bill of sale from the last registered owner, you can easily get a title.

 

[flydown]

Re: Gonna need help

I'm gonna go ahead and put some of my questions out there and let anyone chime in with an answer.

1- The inside of the boat is weathered and cracked. Should I try to take the two halves apart and repair the iside and then put them back together or can I do an overlay of glass on the inside of the boat?

2- If I do an overlay on the inside of the boat, should I use a particular matt pattern or can I use a chop.

3- I am wanting to put a floor in the boat and I will need to put some type of stringer in the boat. What would be the best type of wood to use for the stringer? I will be completely glassing the stringer.

4- If I use poly resin, how will I come out as far as cost wise and performance as opposed to epoxy?

I'm sure that I will have other questions but this will get me started.
I am not wanting to restore this boat to original but to customize it the way I want one to be.
I will get pictures up soon.