Mystery boat....

[This_lil_fishy]

Well I got this old 1976 G.A. Pawson Ltd hull, Model: "Lightning". It's about 13 1/2' overall length plus the outboard engine. I am debating restoring it (already it pretty good condition minus the osmossis). But was wondering if anyone had heard of this manufacturer. At close inspection I don't know if the quality is equal to that of others like MFG or such. The fibreglass seems a bit thinner then I'd expect for this era. Any input would be appreciated.

Ian

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Mystery boat....

Some pics...I didn't buy it per se, I actually traded my aquariums for it. Threw about $100 into the motor and it runs top notch, so even if the hull is a waste I still won I think. Theres a soft spot in the floor right in front of the motor (I would think from fuel being spilled). And a soft spot in the bottom of the hull at the bow (feels like the wood came delaminated there). Otherwise is all seems solid and no other hollow thuds when knocking on the hull or transom. I know nothing of fibreglass repair, but am a quick study.

Ian

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Mystery boat....

super find, great little boat. that 50 is perfect for it.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Mystery boat....

Yeah, that's sweet looking. I had an early 70's Ebbtide trihull with a Merc 500 50 hp on it. It was a sweet ride. Others will be along to advise you on how to fix the soft spots/deck.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Mystery boat....

Thanks, so far I have completely rewired it, installed a complete fuse panel and a few terminal strips. Also replaced the rotted wood dash with an aluminum panel. The speedo didn't work, so I pulled it out and will be replacing it with new (as well as a tach, temp, and volt gauges) as soon as I find some I can afford. I am currently fixing four holes in the bottom of the hull. The new seats where screwed in with screws that went right through the hull. The previous owner 'fixed' this with some caulking. I pulled the screws out and have filled the holes with epoxy. I've sanded, then spot filled the imperfections, and painted (temporarily) with that plastic paint. I want to see if the water I was taking on was from the screw holes or not before I procede any further. I could use some tips on proper paint for above and below the water line once I've determined how far the repairs will have to go. The floor is glassed in . So to repair the hull or the floor further I will need to cut it out...seems like more work then the hull may be worth, but it is a neat lookin little boat.

This doesn't even cover the work I've done on the engine...carb rebuilds, link&sync, timing, plugs, wiring repairs. The previous owner really thought they new a bit about wiring.....ugh...


Thanks for the compliments.

Ian

 

[tcindie]

Re: Mystery boat....

If the transom is solid, use her as is for the remainder of the season and then start with replacing the floor and stringers later in the year. If you can get that all done over the winter you'll have a nice little boat in perfect shape just in time for next season.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Mystery boat....

That's my intention, if I can stop the water ingress I will use it to finish the fishing season (has a very shallow draft...great for the local ponds we call lakes). It took in about 3" of water at the stern keel location within an hour. Usually about 10 pumps of the hand bilge would empty out the water. Over winter I will cut out the floor and really go over things, including drilling some test holes in the transom (no cap, it's completely glassed in). I'll be keep my speed down to prevent hull damage at the soft spot in the bow....if it tears or cracks then it will be scrapped and I'll get me an ol' tri-hull...cause I always wanted one!

Ian

 

[tcindie]

Re: Mystery boat....

Foam is probably waterlogged causing it to ride low... that'd be my guess, especially if water is leaking or has leaked through that soft spot on the bow (or in the rear)...

At least yours floats though.. Pulled mine off the trailer the first day I had her, only to discover a hole through the hull from one of the rollers on the trailer.. DOH!

Either way though.. unless that thing decides to sink to the bottom I wouldn't scrap it. Looks like she's in good shape, and a bit of fiberglass work can make the hull more sturdy than it was fresh from the factory

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Mystery boat....

Thanks, oddly enough the soft spot was caused by one of the trailer rollers, I removed the rollers from each side on the trailer to prevent more damage. They were supporting the boat near the bow right where the hull starts to curve in towards the stern. My thought is that this pressure broke the glass in the hull holding the wood/foam in place. From the exterior you see no damage, but if you hit it with your fist it will push in, and you hear wood/foam thump inside against the hull. The boat now sits on four (new) keel rollers, and two bunks at the stern. I would think that is more then enough support for the little boat.

I agree, if there is foam in there, it will most definately be water logged and need replacement. I will know more when winter comes, I'll cut the foam out, check the stringers, re-inforce the hull where it needs it, and possibly refoam the entire thing similar to what some other threads mentioned for the tri-hulls. This has a very flat hull at the bottom, with about a 2-3" gap from the floor to keel. I think using the expanding foam idea would really make this a sturdy little fisher.

I 'think' the original intent for this boat was an early 70's ski boat. Even if I trim the motor out to the point of cavitating when turning it rides fairly nose down. I would imagine a skier would pull that up to plaining level. My neighbor fears the hull may be flexing causing this nose down attitude. I'm gonna get my wife to take some pictures from shore so I can see how it rides on plane.


Ian