My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

[saxrulez]

So I bought my very first boat! It's a 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165 with a johnson 120hp OB on it.

Engine runs great, the floor was replaced last year. BUT(we knew it was coming) the transom is rotted. The stringers look ok so far and he said they were fine when he did the floor.

The floor under the bow(under the fiberglass where people sit is rotted and wasnt replaced. I'm guessing b/c to get to this you'd have to take the cap off and they didn't bother.

I'm working with a pretty small toolset, but I'd like to take the cap off myself to better decide what to do about the floor up there and the transom as well. I need some ideas as to how to get the outboard off and somewhere to keep it while I do the rest of this work. I'm ok with paying a shop to take it off but I still don't know what the usual routine is for something like this. Once its off I don't know how to get it back home or how to get it on/off my trailer at that point.

As I've never worked with fiberglass and don't really have a great place to do it(just working in a carport atm) I'm debating on taking the cap off myself, redoing the floor, and paying a shop to do the transom.

The interior was crap so I've already ripped off EVERY piece of vinyl and am replacing all of them along with the wood they were attached to. Copycat covers here I come!

So long story short, 2 problems.

How do I get the OB off and where do I keep it?
What kind of money am I looking at to pay someone else to do the transom(if I can find a place to store the motor while I work on the boat, I'd do what I could to prep it for a new one.)

Sorry for the long post, just a poor guy trying to make his dream come true!

Before I bought it:


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[saxrulez]

Re: Transom replacement 1975 wellcraft Airslot 165

Re: Transom replacement 1975 wellcraft Airslot 165

The interior is WAAAY worse than it looks in those pictures so here is the boat just a few hours after i bought it!



Both of the side pieces of vinyl have been taken off since I took that pictures, just snapped a few before it got too dark.

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Here are the covers ready to be shipped off! Still one seat left to uncover.



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[saxrulez]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

So for now I'm keeping myself occupied with fixing what I know how to fix without a doubt which is the entire interior. Before I take this thing back out on the water(kinda scary that I even test drove it now that I've gotten a really good look at the transom), I want it to be 100% safe.

I'm really at a loss when it comes to replacing the transom. I'm going to take the boat to a service place tomorrow to see about having them lift the outboard off and see if they'd be able to keep it for a week or something while I do the transom.

I'm a LITLE scared about doing the transom myself, but I think I could probably pull it off with the amount of how to's on here. I'm also debating on using seacast.

All in all I still feel like it was a good purchase, I'm going to end up with a boat that looks INCREDIBLE when I'm done with the interior and once I fix the transom I'll feel muuuuch better about taking it out!


I definitely see now how one LITTLE project escalates VERY quickly. I am lucky at the moment and have BOATLOADS of time on my hands(pardon the pun).

The gas tank that is currently in the boat(you can see it in the first post) is just red, kinda big, and unsightly. It wont completely slide under the seats, any ideas for reconfiguring it to make it less of an eyesore/creature discomfort?

 

[opalized]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

Being a beginner here as well, i wil share alittle insight into what you are about to undertake, based on my current undertaking which is similar in many ways.
First tools
A good assortment of woodworking tools, table saw, circular saw, jig saw, and or chain saw, which in the case of the latter, better have a good vise to support anything you are working on so you never have to hold what you are sawing on, one slip and you will be missing body parts.
I used a few air tools, so then air compressor, sanders orbital, grinder, cut-off saw 4".
Now when it comes to fiberglassing
RESPIRATOR (very important)
Clothes you can throw away when done with the fiberglass part, that cover you're body from head to toe, otherwise be prepared to itch alot
scrappers, trowels, putty knifes mixing containers which you purchase, brushes, rollers, to include a roller made to assist in removing air bubbles, i found some great foam roller sleeves, seem to work very well and very reason priced.
Supplies
USComposite.com
I found the best prices on the web for my resin, my fiberglass clothe, mat, straw and expanding foam for under the deck areas. 75% less than many other places wanted for the same quality. Exspecially the expanding foam and its coast guard approved.
TIME
Better find someplace for you're motor, for more than a week unless you plan to work 24 x 7, even at that probably be a couple weeks when said and done.
A good wet dry vacuum wouldnt hurt
Find a source for bilge paint.
And READ, go through every post in here, and write down everything you read about suppliers, products, and procedures you can find.
Then research the products, find you're sources, make a shopping list, locate the items and the pricing for those items, then total it up, and once complete, you can begin, its a great experience but time spent preparing will save you much time and money once you start the process,

Wish you the best of luck with you're new project and a short time frame for completion

Dave

 

[jonesg]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

So for now I'm keeping myself occupied with fixing what I know how to fix without a doubt which is the entire interior. Before I take this thing back out on the water(kinda scary that I even test drove it now that I've gotten a really good look at the transom), I want it to be 100% safe.

I'm really at a loss when it comes to replacing the transom. I'm going to take the boat to a service place tomorrow to see about having them lift the outboard off and see if they'd be able to keep it for a week or something while I do the transom.

I'm a LITLE scared about doing the transom myself, but I think I could probably pull it off with the amount of how to's on here. I'm also debating on using seacast.

All in all I still feel like it was a good purchase, I'm going to end up with a boat that looks INCREDIBLE when I'm done with the interior and once I fix the transom I'll feel muuuuch better about taking it out!


I definitely see now how one LITTLE project escalates VERY quickly. I am lucky at the moment and have BOATLOADS of time on my hands(pardon the pun).

The gas tank that is currently in the boat(you can see it in the first post) is just red, kinda big, and unsightly. It wont completely slide under the seats, any ideas for reconfiguring it to make it less of an eyesore/creature discomfort?

Buy a used engine hoist , cherry picker, off craigslist, it will cost you less than having the yard pull your engine, cobble an engine stand together from 2x4's or get an engine stand to go with your hoist, it will come in very handy.
De-rig the outboard and controls, mark the wiring.

Pop the cap, leave the hull on the trailer if its a bunk trailer.
If not, I'd consider leaving the cap on and work around it.
Otherwise you'll need to build a cradle to retain the hull shape during the stringer job. Its probably simpler to convert the trailer to bunks and be done with it.

Gut the transom out, replace with ext PT plywood, seacast is very expensive, I used it mine, its ok... I guess but is better suited if you aren't going to cchange the stringers, if you're in there doing stringers you mght as well use plywood for the transom and save $400.
Theres nothing wrong with ply, carpets and foam are the enemy.!
Foam is to retain water and ensure the stringers will rot every 3 years.
Plush furniture screwed into the deck are another problem but we wants our creature comforts.
Resist the urge to install a below deck fuel tank, the bilge will be required to be vented per CG and its not a simple retro-fit. Find a better nylon tank on craigslist and build a box to enclose it at the stern or something that will fit under the splashwell. Run a fuel fill line to the gunwhale, short as possible and a vent line. They have to be done per the CG so investigate by checking other boats. The fill nozzle cannot be inside the boat.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

The good news is that's a real good hull and a really great motor. Should haul some serious butt on that size boat. Moeller makes TONS of different sized tanks http://www.moellermarine.com/aftermarket/fuel_storage_tanks you should be able to find a model that will fit neatly under your splashwell. Good luck with your project.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

Well the new transom and deck are in! I'm hoping to finish all of the seats and trim this week. I'm working on getting all the mounting hardware on the wood before having them upholstered at a shop here. A lot of progress though! I went ahead and splurged a little and the transom is coosa board.


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[jonesg]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

Oh you're good.!
It'll be done in no time.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

I'm at a pausing point right now. The deck is glass in at the moment. I really dont want to put carpet back in. It just seems like a waste for something that doesnt accomplish much. What other options have people used for floor coverings? I may even just leave it as fiberglass yet.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

Nautolex marine vinyl, Durbak, Kiwi Grip, paint with sand in it.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

Can someone give me some advice as to how to CORRECTLY install the screws into the bases of the boat seats? I'm terrified of water leaking through again, so haven't drilled any holes into the deck at all yet. So far the best I can come up with is just screw them in and silicone all around the screw after. Are there any better techniques?

 

[tdrudd87]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

The best way is to drill a oversized hole, fill with PB or similar, and then drill what you need into the new "plug". Doing it the way you described is how rot starts. Another OK way is to drill a pilot hole, shoot some 5200 in, and then sink the screw, so the wood and threads are sealed, not just over top of the head.

Good looking project, you're on your way to enjoying it!
Terry

 

[tdrudd87]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

Oh, the best best way is to simply laminate a mounting board on top of your deck and then screw into that, or build in Tee-nuts. Then there are 0 holes in the deck.

Terry

 

[saxrulez]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

The best way is to drill a oversized hole, fill with PB or similar, and then drill what you need into the new "plug". Doing it the way you described is how rot starts. Another OK way is to drill a pilot hole, shoot some 5200 in, and then sink the screw, so the wood and threads are sealed, not just over top of the head.

Good looking project, you're on your way to enjoying it!
Terry

Thanks, I knew that my way wasn't going to cut it, just wanted to see what the normal ways were! I should have the seats bolted down this evening and taking all of the wood to get it upholstered as well! If all goes well, I'll have a boat that looks mostly completed next week.

This is going to be an on going project for quite some time. My priority right now is to have it in good usable condition. Then I can take my spare time and work on all the smaller things that bug me about it. The outside hull, some type of floor covering(durabak is what I'm leaning towards at the moment).

Lots done, but so much more to do. This is where I left it last night.



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I struggled for awhile with how to mount some of the seats and trim without any screws going through vinyl or showing. I went to lowes to find something to solve my problem and discovered "speed nuts." They were invaluable for installing all these seats and trim pieces without any unsightly screws.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

Have you seen this thread? http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=347724 you may be able to do those wood panels yourself.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....



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IT FLOATS!!!! The bow/stern seats and trim panels are all at the upholstery shop now. The engine ran great! I clocked it at 42mph on my gps. It planes out VERY quickly. I'm so excited I cant even explain it. I still have a TON of cosmetic stuff to fix/improve, but it's in usable condition again. I have some work to do on the trailer this week as well.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

Well the trailer lights are back in working order. I am still waiting on the seats and trim pieces to get back from the upholstery shop. Well at this junction I've finally been able to take the boat out a few times this week! Been fishing the past couple days and caught a few small largemouth's. Since I'm still waiting on the upholstery I went ahead and dropped the boat off to have the engine gone through and replace the impeller, rebuild carbs, etc. It's been running great, but not knowing when things were last replaced bothers me, so I'm staying on the safe side. With any luck, I should have the boat and the interior back early next week now.



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[BLU LUNCH]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

Go the Seacast route for the transom you can do the transom with a couple of guys in a weekend , go to the site and use there calculator to figure how much you will need. I used 6 1/2 gallons and it was under 250. to do. It's stronger than wood, it floats and it will never rot again. I have a 6 inch jackplate and 150 Merc hanging off mine and that was done 7 years ago, no issues with the transom. The V-17 Wellcraft I just bought will get one of them its due..........
http://transomrepair.com/zk/

 

[saxrulez]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....

Go the Seacast route for the transom you can do the transom with a couple of guys in a weekend , go to the site and use there calculator to figure how much you will need. I used 6 1/2 gallons and it was under 250. to do. It's stronger than wood, it floats and it will never rot again. I have a 6 inch jackplate and 150 Merc hanging off mine and that was done 7 years ago, no issues with the transom. The V-17 Wellcraft I just bought will get one of them its due..........
http://transomrepair.com/zk/

I ended up going with coosa board for the transom. Once I looked under the "new deck" that I bought it with, I decided the cap needed to come off to do the deck correctly along with the transom. The entire deck has been fiberglassed in and used coosa board for the transom. No more transom issues! The coosa board wasn't something I planned on, but after talking to a local guy here that does all his boats in it, I got talked into it. No more transom issues for this boat!

I did drop the boat/engine off at a mechanics yesterday. I just didn't feel comfortable not knowing when the carbs were last rebuilt, impeller changed, etc etc. He was an older guy(60+) that has been working on johnsons/evinrudes his entire life. It looks like he is going to be done at the same time I get the upholstery back. I should have new pictures by next Tuesday/Wednesday with the new interior installed and some action photo's with the family on the lake here.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: My first boat 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 165! So excited! Hm transom flexes...oh....



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