1968 Chrysler Commando 151<br /><br />The floor is spongy near the front, and the wood under the front deck in the storage compartment is all but gone.<br />The transom doesn't move a hair when I put all of my weight on the lower unit while it is tilted up...but there are obvious stress cracks on the inside, and the bolts for the engine are 'sunk in', so the wood is obviously partly rotten, but still 'stout' overall. However, I will go ahead and replace this while I'm at it.<br /><br />Here are my plans: <br />1) Pull the two halves apart, and obviously survey the damage. I am almost positive that it will need stringers as well, no big deal. <br /><br />2) Clear all the old rotten wood, and begin with a fiberglass shell.<br /><br />Now, here's where I need your help:<br /><br />How can I make the new stringers fit perfectly if the old ones are too rotten to make a template?<br /><br />Also, The hull has a few rubs/rashes in it that I would like to fix(it's 36 years old). I assume you glass/patch from the inside, and then fill the void on the outside? Is this correct? <br /><br />One other concern. With a boat of this age, the original paint/gelcoat probably absorbs water like most of them do. If I repaint the hull wiht a good epoxy paint, will I be able to prevent the sponge effect?<br /><br />For a 15ft boat, what can I expect to pay for materials to redo the floor, stringers, and transom? I plan to use just a good exterior ply, and encapsulate it with epoxy. I want to use a thick glass on the floor, and an epoxy paint.<br /><br />Any help?<br /><br />I guess It's hard for you to be specific until I actually tear into it. I hate to tear it up without knowing ABOUT what I can expect to spend. I plan to get a new boat within 6 months, so I dont want to spend too much. The main reason for repairing is for resale or so I can keep it in the family and have it last. So, either way, it needs to be done 'right'.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Shawn