New to boating just purchased a 1976 16' Super Sport

[natetanr]

Re: New to boating just purchased a 1976 16' Super Sport

The storage like you did is just was I was thinking.

I keep thinking of your advice EZ about the 75 being the perfect size. The 85 is around 100 lbs more so If I had the 75 then the kicker would be just fine but in this case I think your right about being over weight. Turning seams to be fine with without the bracket. Although its about 90% when I turn toward the kicker. The kicker is for trolling, I plan on doing lots of fishing. It also doubles for emergency and works well when I need to conserve gas. I was surprised how fast I went through 6 gallons with the 85hp. The other concern I have is when planed out and having the kicker leveraged up doesn't that put lots of stress on the transom with the leverage?

I'm keeping my eyes open for a 75hp. Or maybe I should sale the kicker and get a bow mounted electric?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to boating just purchased a 1976 16' Super Sport

The additional transom stress from the presence of the kicker isn't even a small percentage of the stresses from the 85 at WOT so I wouldn't worry about that. I put a bow mount troller on mine and it works awesome! And that's just a 12V 43lb thrust model.

 

[natetanr]

Re: New to boating just purchased a 1976 16' Super Sport

EZ did you have to modify the bow rails to fit your trolling motor? Which one do you have. Does it go fast enough for trolling?

So you dont use or have a kicker on your 18' SS.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to boating just purchased a 1976 16' Super Sport

You'd have to modify your bow rails. Mine were already cut at the first "knuckle" there. I don't troll, mainly just use the bow mount for repositioning. However, at full speed that little 40some lb thrust motor moves my 18' really well. Just for kicks my buddies and I were cruising through a no wake zone with it on my last fishing trip. If you stepped up to a 24V troller, you could surely troll with it.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/102_0897-Copy.jpg

 

[natetanr]

Re: New to boating just purchased a 1976 16' Super Sport

I'm really having trouble tearing into the flooring when I'm having so much fun with this boat. It fishes, it pulls the kids on the tube, it works. Caught the largest trout of my life yesterday while trolling at Bear Lake.

We took the kids tubing. I just pulled off the 8hp trolling motor when we went tubing so it didnt get in the way of the tow harness as well as lightened the stern.

As long as I dont have big waves and can put weight in the bow I think I can live with the weight of the 85hp Evinrude and 8hp Honda. I'm keeping my eyes open for a lighter 75hp 3 cyclinder or might just sale both motors and invest in a 75hp Etec or a newer 4 stroke but there is no rush so I can take my time while waiting for the right motor.

The boat worked wonderfully until the gas line developed a leak. I had a tool box handy and some zip ties so I was able to secure the fuel line and continue to have fun.

I had to beach the boat for a massive storm that blew through. Waves were 4 to 6ft high and really tore up the bottom of the boat so I really need to tackle painting as well.



What do you guys recommend for the bottom paint? I'm thinking Rustoleum Enamel mixed with a little enamel hardener. (tip and roll) How many gallons does it take?

What about the flooring? Can I use spar urethane on Auruco ply then cover with vinyl or do you recommend going with the 2 part epoxy. My dad did redwood decking on his sail boat that's real nice. Keeps the floor dry and is nice on the feet. The problem I see with this is the thickness of the redwood 2x6 planks. It would throw off the height of the windshield.

I have a month break between semesters so I think I'm ready to dive into the full restore. Only problem is wife is now suggesting we get a newer boat.

Problems that need to be addressed. Boat leaks, trailer is really tall and makes launching very difficult, flooring is rotten, paint is falling off, aluminum trim is pulling up, rusting bolts and hardware all over, stern could be lighter.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to boating just purchased a 1976 16' Super Sport

Rusto is fine for your bottom shouldn't use more than 2 quarts tops. If I had mine to do over again though, I'd strip it and leave it bare. You can Spar over Arauco for sure. I think epoxy is a little better but spar is pretty good too.

The majority of your issues with the boat sound like they could be easily resolved by your standard Starcraft renovation (tear it down, clean it up, buck an loose rivets, Gluvit, foam, new deck, put it back together). Looking back at your pictures, it does look like it could be lowered on the trailer a bit too. If that doesn't do it, you could just fab up a pair of bunks and have them as far out as possible so the keel is just above the crossmembers. This is my setup: http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2353.jpg