Newbie questions

richmatt

Cadet
Joined
Sep 29, 2003
Messages
17
I've just (yesterday) taken the plunge and acquired a 1984 20ft Sea Sprite Cuddy with a 3.8V6 and OMC Stern Drive as a fixer upper. Everthing seems solid but it interior is a bit of a mess with dry cracked and torn vinyl. It hasnt been in the water for 3 years but has been winterized and stored with the bilge drain plug removed. The canvas top caved in under the snow last winter and so the interior has been exposed to the elements for 8 months or so and so is in need to some deep cleaning and replacement where necessary. Mechanically the engine look in reasonable condition but the stern drive shift cable will need to be replaced along with (i presume) the water pump impeller in the lower leg.<br /> <br />I have have read a few posts here and now I am beginning to get worried about the bouyancy foam which I believe I'll find under the floor. I found an exposed bit next to the engine bay last night and it felt damp to the touch. How will I know if its soaked all the way through - will it be obvious from the way the boat sits in the water? How do I get the old foam out and how do I go about replacing it. The floor above the gas tank is soft (its wooden) and will need to be replaced but the rest of the floor (above the foam?) is solid (fibregalss?) and I dont want to have to replace a good floor if I can avoid it.<br /><br />Any advice would be gratefully recieved, thanks. :rolleyes:
 

SCO

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
1,463
Re: Newbie questions

I like you bought first then obtained my education im boat renovation. In my case the soft floor meant rotton stringers and transom too. You have the option of selling the boat before you go farther, but I think you'll have to open it up. The floor may be the last to go soft, from the inside. Second step if you are ready for the challange is to cut open an inspection hole(s)in the soft portion(s).What's the first step you ask? I suggest you search for terms like rotten, stringer, transom, soft, floor, seacast, and read up before you do anything else. Youll see pics of what to expect and what may be involved
 
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