new to iboats & new to boating in general!

[hamlin.rn]

Hello everyone!

My new task is restoring a 70's blue fin......pictures soon to come, but hoping for some tips/advice prior to beginning. The deck seems to be in descent condition, however there is carpet, and it has sat out in the weather for 5+ yrs! According to many of the posts, it seems to be advised to replace the decking. My experiences in having been a carpenter for several years prior to becoming an RN, my experience should lend a helpful hand, however this is not a house, but a boat that I am working on Any advice is appreciated & welcomed! Thanks!

 

[jonesg]

Re: new to iboats & new to boating in general!

if the deck is rotted then yeh, but if the wood is ok ?

I don't know that I would replace decking that is ok.
Maybe you want to get rid of the rug.

In restoration the deck is the last thing, it starts with whats underneath, stringers and transom are more important.

 

[hamlin.rn]

Re: new to iboats & new to boating in general!

That is true, however, wouldn't I need to remove the deck to check the stringers? I also know that there was styrofoam that would float to the back of the boat as well when it was used last (my father had this boat for quite a few years). Thanks!

 

[jonesg]

Re: new to iboats & new to boating in general!

That is true, however, wouldn't I need to remove the deck to check the stringers? I also know that there was styrofoam that would float to the back of the boat as well when it was used last (my father had this boat for quite a few years). Thanks!

it depends on the boat design, I didn't have to cut anything to see my stringers because it has large hatches for the bilge and tank.
If its 30+ yrs old you can usually count on it being ready for stringers and/or transom unless it was always stored properly and no-one forgot to bed screws and bolts when installing the various gadgets on the transom.

What most of us find is a comedy or errors and quick fixes that were added over the yrs.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: new to iboats & new to boating in general!

Hold on a minute guys....isn't a Blue Fin an aluminum? No need to check the stringers there.....

 

[hamlin.rn]

Re: new to iboats & new to boating in general!

yes ezmobee, it is an aluminum boat.....that is why I was puzzled over checking the stringers out, but like I said I am new to the boating business What I was wondering is, if I see chunks of styrofoam floating in the back of the boat by the bilge pump, should I pull the deck off and replace the styrofoam? Also, if I do replace the deck, any tips/advice on that chore? I feel comfortable tearing right into the project, however I want to do it the most efficient/correct way as I can so I appreciate all of your help tremendously! Thanks again!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: new to iboats & new to boating in general!

I have white styrofoam sheets under my deck and white balls of foam are constantly making their way out. I wouldn't worry about it if your deck is solid. If you do take on any major restoration of your boat check out any of the Starcraft threads here in the restoration section and you'll find all the info you could ever want.

 

[hamlin.rn]

Re: new to iboats & new to boating in general!

Thanks for the advice! Will post pictures soon!

~the noobie~ (to boating that is)