new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

[casper75]

Hello all,
I am new here and I just wanted to say hello and tell you about me and my sons new project boat.
I just picked up a 1971 rinker built 17ft trihull, it came with trailer and 65hp mercury. Got it for a steal. The trailer is in pretty gvood shape, motor runs, and the boat is in fair shape.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

Hello

Welcome to Iboats. Not a bad looking boat. Obviously it need interior work. What plans do you have for it? Have you checked for weak spots in the transom, and deck? Does the hull have any kind of stress cracks? Stress cracks in the transom? Any known leaks? I see the keel looks like it's been patched in the past.

A basic test for checking transom rot would be to bump it and listen to the sound, and watch the give the glass has when you bump it. You can also also check the deck for rot by sound when bumping or tapping on it, but also on how much give it has in the floor when stepping around on it. The deck can also have some give when the stringers beneath are rotting out.

If you happen to undo a screw in the transom and water drips out that can also be a sign of rot.

Not sure on if that boat had foam floatation in it or not, but that could also be checked for saturation by taking a core sample of the foam.

 

[Stoutcat]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

Hi Casper!

Project boat? Man have you come to the right place!

My $.02:

* That is a beautiful boat!
* What do you want to do with your project?
* Have you checked for soft spots on the deck, slight cracks in the transom, etc.? (Is the boat slowly "weeping" water?)
* Did you actually get a chance to take the boat out? If so, how did she handle?

Awkward questions I know... But boats for a "steal" might set off alarms...

Alan

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

for it's age is in great shape. as said, check for saturated foam, and rot. we love father son projects. how old is your son. we have a lot of young members, that's why we keep it family friendly.

 

[JaSla74]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

Hi Casper. That's a good looking rig for its age. I'm sure you guys will enjoy it

 

[casper75]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

Here is what I know of the boat so far. I dont see any stress cracks on the glass that I can see. The floor has a little soft spot right behind the driver seats. The transom has been redone from the inside, and the transome is solid as a rock. As far as the foam goes I havent checked it out yet,dont realy know how to. Have not had a chance to take the boat out yet been super busy at work.

I got this boat for me and my son. He is 6 and the oldest of 4 and he is the only boy. So i wanted something for just me and him to be able to work on and then go out fishing in for our father and son times. He is so excited about the boat it make me feel good.

 

[oops!]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

hey casper.....welcome !

yer son's gonna love it.......a quick winter and hes gonna be fishing and tubing all the time !

one of our guys here .....(a crazy meat cutter )....just finished a very simelar boat.......allmost identical.........he did it from start to finish.....a really good job....(dont tell him that...)

look on this forum for a thread called........"pics of work so far".....jeserca.


just about anything you will want to do to your boat is covered in that thread.....from foam to gellcoat.....its all there.

and that package....a fifteen footer with a merc 65 is great.....rated for an 85hp.....but i think youll find that it is more than adequate for anything you want to do.

if you have any questions......just hit search.....if you cant find it......just post.....most of the time you will be answered in just a few minits.

cheers
oops

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

to check the foam, get a hole saw, that you use in a drill. 1 1/2 inch. drill a hole in several spots, saving the plugs. now take a piece of 3/4 or 1 inch pvc, cut some knotches in the end, like teeth. twist this down into the foam. push the core out, you will know immediately if the foam is wet. if all is good, get a tube of 3M- 5200, and reinstall the plugs.

 

[casper75]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

I drilled to hole on either side of the front . the foam seems very hard not spongy. How do I know if the foam is bad

 

[jonesg]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

wet = bad

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

as said it the core comes out wet, it is bad. it hold water, it has been known to take 700 lbs, of wet foam out of a boat that size. the wet foam also causes the stringer (frame/backbone) to rot. if your is dry, just cut out the soft spot and patch it.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

looks like a nice boat you and your son will have lots of fun.where do you like to boat at we live in PTC Ga, boat at lake Sinclair

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

what is PTC, GA? can't place it.

 

[cbavier]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

I got this boat for me and my son. He is 6 and the oldest of 4 and he is the only boy. So i wanted something for just me and him to be able to work on and then go out fishing in for our father and son times. He is so excited about the boat it make me feel good.

First welcome aboard iboats. As stated previously you will love this Forum. Anything you want to know about boats you will fnd here. Everybody is willing to help with a wealth of experience, knowledge and opinions. Now for a little personal bragging.

My Dad got me into fishing and boating at a very young 6 or 7 years age.
When I was 20 I bought my first boat. My Son was soon after born and at the age of Three or Four I took him fishing for his very first time in a 12 ft Aluminum boat. He was so small he had to stand in the bow to see over the side and with just the tip end of a fibreglass fishing rod he caught his first fish.
He caught his first fish, a perch and has been hooked on fishing ever since. He is now 39 years old. I'm 63 almost 64. About Ten years ago after he finished Marines and college we started an annual Fall week long Father and Son Boating/Fishing/Camping trip. It's a great time for just the two of us to spend quality time together. We look forward to it every year. From the time when the week is ending we are already starting to make plans for the next Fall trip.
I wouldn't trade our Father/Son week and bonding for all the money in the world.

Your on the right track and it looks like you got a real nice boat. It should serve you well.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

Looks nice and deep inside (not sure how to say it) sides are nice and high, it should feel very safe for the little guy.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

TD, Peachtree City Ga just south of Atl.

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: new here and I and I just got me and my sons project boat.

crazy meat cutter . listen hear old man!!!! LOL yea that would be meee !!! lol
Yep i just got done with my stringer and transom , working on the hull , fixing all the nicks and the spiders !!

Yours looks in really great shape , some one did the carpet and the seats allready , did they say anything on the deck and the stringers ??

Ok welcome aboard , amd keep us posted on how its going ??? John