Just got my first boat/project 87 bayliner capri

[dodgeit10]

Well Just got my first boat. My wife and I have talked about getting one for a couple of years but never had the money or time for it. Then I ran across a 87 bayliner capri for $300. I swooped it up and got it home. Floor is shot but I'm not too worried about that as I have 12 year of audio and fabrication expierience. I did get the motor to start so I feel good about the purchase. I will need to do the usual tune up things with the motor. I did notice a little fuel leak so I pulled the tank out and was unable to locate any holes. Should I get it checked out or replace it. I do have a family of 5 so I'm hoping to build this and make it safe and reliabel with out needed expenses.
I stated to pull the floor and the stingers look good but the side bracing needs a little love. Any thoughts on further work to do under the floor before I start the repairs?? Any input would be great. I have started to read this forum every night and am getting a lot of info. But any other would be great.

 

[pckeen]

Re: Just got my first boat/project 87 bayliner capri

Welcome to iboats forums, and congratulations on the purchase. It looks to me like the fiberglass is just pulling away from the stringers. If that is the case, while they may appear solid, they may be rotten. I just took out a wooden transom that, to the naked eye, would appear to be fairly solid - but it's actually black and wet throughout - totally shot.

If you do a quick search for advice on stringers on the forums, you'll see that the general advice is: drill some small test holes in them - if the shavings come out nice and golden...well...you're golden. If they come out black, then you have some work to do. Best of luck!

 

[dodgeit10]

Re: Just got my first boat/project 87 bayliner capri

checked the stringers they look good. I am almost ready for the flooring. I am think of t he engenerred plywood and glassng over it. iave had to remove some foam. what should I replace it with. can I use any 2part expanding foam or something specific.

 

[matt167]

Re: Just got my first boat/project 87 bayliner capri

Stringers and Transom can look good but be totally rotten. Drill into them with a small bit and see if they are dry. You can use CDX plywood for the deck to save $$, but only use ABX or ACX plywood for the transom. Don't bother with composits. It will not bond to fiberglass well and it's quite bendy.. The deck needs to be tabbed to the hull with fiberglass at the very least.. Urethane pour foam is what you want for floatation/ support.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Just got my first boat/project 87 bayliner capri

I think you are still in the denial stage. Its ok, lots of help here!

 

[dodgeit10]

Re: Just got my first boat/project 87 bayliner capri

Drilled the stringers in a couple of spots and all shavings came out golden. That helps to keep me in the denial stages Hope to have the rest of the floor cut and ready for mocking by the end of this weekend.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Just got my first boat/project 87 bayliner capri

You should drill some test holes low, inside on the transom. I am still helping out with an 88' Capri. My buddy was or maybe still is in the denial stage.
I would bet there is nearly a 100% chance the transom is rotten