Opinions on possible rebuild

dcarver

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 7, 2013
Messages
49
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

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,929
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

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 28, 2009
Messages
1,814
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

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 19, 2010
Messages
1,305
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

Captain
Joined
Aug 19, 2012
Messages
3,432
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

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 7, 2013
Messages
49
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.
 
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