Opinions on possible rebuild

[dcarver]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

It is trailered so I'll check tomorrow and see if I can see a torn bellow somehow and then I'll take it to the boat ramp and look for water coming in.
As far as the resto goes, if the stringers and transom come out good, what's the best plywood for the deck. Marine grade or would birch/pine/spruce with the right coating and fiberglass be enough?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

A lot of the members have been using the Arauco brand Ext. Grade plywood from Lowe's, Menards, or Home Depot with Great results. Coated with Resin and a few layers of mat and it will last for years if properly cared for and maintained.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

It is trailered so I'll check tomorrow and see if I can see a torn bellow somehow and then I'll take it to the boat ramp and look for water coming in.
As far as the resto goes, if the stringers and transom come out good, what's the best plywood for the deck. Marine grade or would birch/pine/spruce with the right coating and fiberglass be enough?

Torn Bellows wont always be an easy thing to spot, you may need to rise or lower the out drive, and turn the wheel too after she's in the water. Hope it's an easy find for you.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

I would suggest you check the bellows before you get her wet. Make sure to run your finger in all the groves specially on the opposite side from you that you can't - easily - inspect visually.

 

[zool]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

There are other things to check besides the U joint bellows or shift cable bellows.

It can leak in at the top of the gimbal ring where the steering shaft passes into the boat. There is a seal which holds the water out but the shaft is hardened steel which can rust and ruin the seal.

Water can also leak into the boat from a corroded exhaust pipe....

Then theres the outside chance that your transom is weak and flexes, compromising your seal and letting water in under load.

 

[dcarver]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

So I checked out the bellows. Definitely torn. I don't know which one is which but the largest bellow I could clearly see and feel separation. I'm unsure of the others but at least I know one is torn.