Rebuilding the Bug

[bdbuster]

It's time to jump into a project with both feet and I know the right guys are here to help along the way, been reading this forum for years. I have a 1990 SF 175D and it's time to build it the way Skeeter should have. Everyone knows that the Skeeters of that era had issues with transoms getting weak but mine is shot from bow to stern. The previous owner had a bump board screwed to the front floor which allowed water to get in, I found a small soft spot and knew I had a little work ahead of me. Everything else I found was a bit shocking and could be from the boat sitting the better part of 2 years.
Going to be a complete tear down and rebuild. I have my son on board to help and some guys who can help with the heavy lifting. I want to do this right because I love the boat and the price of anything decent is ridiculous.
Here are some pictures of what I found and of course, everything is completely rotted away.

 

[SHSU]

It's time to jump into a project with both feet and I know the right guys are here to help along the way, been reading this forum for years. I have a 1990 SF 175D and it's time to build it the way Skeeter should have. Everyone knows that the Skeeters of that era had issues with transoms getting weak but mine is shot from bow to stern. The previous owner had a bump board screwed to the front floor which allowed water to get in, I found a small soft spot and knew I had a little work ahead of me. Everything else I found was a bit shocking and could be from the boat sitting the better part of 2 years.
Going to be a complete tear down and rebuild. I have my son on board to help and some guys who can help with the heavy lifting. I want to do this right because I love the boat and the price of anything decent is ridiculous.
Here are some pictures of what I found and of course, everything is completely rotted away.

Looks like a nice project. How old's your son? If old enough, make him sand the fiberglass

 

[bdbuster]

He's 21, he will be sanding plenty

 

[bdbuster]

No Title

Pulled the rub rail off and it was easy to see that the boat has been apart before. Maybe to access the gas tank? I'm not sure but I hope it wasn't to do any structure work because that was a miserable failure.

 

[SHSU]

You going to pop the cap? If so, don't forget to build some form of structure under hull so it retains its shape.

 

[Woodonglass]

Take a BUNCH of pics and measurements before popping the cap you'll need em on the go back Also nylon straps help slot for retaining hull shape

 

[gm280]

I like the lines of it and would like to follow along. Great suggestions given above. You can't take too many pictures or measurement before hand. You certainly don't want to de-cap the top and repair the hull only to find out the hull is now wider then the cap and it won't fit back on. So the side and hull supports are a must. I also like to plot the measurements on a drawing to see how it was originally. The drawing doesn't have to be anything professional, just a mere sketch to see the measurements. JMHO

 

[bdbuster]

No Title

Finally got a little time to start messing with the boat today. First things first, getting it off of the trailer and ready to work on.

 

[bdbuster]

No Title

Have the supports finished. Time to strip it and get ready to pull the cap.

 

[bdbuster]

No Title

It's been a while since I updated, my father passed away and had to take a break. I have got a good start just in time for winter. To say this thing was a mess would be an extreme understatement but when I'm done, it will be much better than new.

 

[oldrem]

Sorry to hear about your father. Mine passed a few months ago. Make him proud.