Restoration Thread Best Practice?

[IslanderVT]

With the warmer weather, I'm getting going on a restoration of a '88 Seebold 21' I/O.

It started with a soft floor and gas smell, and has grown into replacing the gas tank and most wood under the deck.

Thankfully most of the rot is under the deck...the engine compartment got plenty of air and is solid (also I think plywood was used around the engine vs. dimensional lumber for stringers and bulkheads), and the deck under the bow stayed dry and is fine.

I've already done a lot of searching on here and OSO, and that's prepared me well. Thanks everyone for all their contributions here...its a DIY wonderland of knowledge.

My question is....what's the best practice for starting a restoration thread?

I've got the basic idea...I'm looking for the key points that make it a helpful reference for others.

I don't have a lot of free time, so I won't be another FriscoBoater with videos and all (but thanks, yours are at the top of my most helpful list, especially the Carlson). But I can post pics of progress, and I'll have tons of questions as I go along.

What's the best way to store and attach photos?

What's the best way to ask questions without getting off track?

What tips do you have so I start off right?

I assume people don't like dense paragraphs of text, so I'll break it up as much as I can...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Restoration Thread Best Practice?

Open a Free Photobucket account. Use the IMG Code to paste pics into your thread. Search the forum first. A lot of your questions will have been answered already. Use Google. You'll be amazed at how many iBoats threads will come up with Google searches. List out all the things you need to do and prioritize them. Try to give them a timeline and then try to stick to your timeline. Be realistic. Know your limitations and ask for help when and where needed. We'll be here for you.

#1 - Work on Her EVERYDAY even if it's only 5-10 mins. NO EXCUSES (Ask me how I KNOW THAT!)

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: Restoration Thread Best Practice?

Every time I Google something boat wise I wind up at iboats! It almost works better than using the search feature on here haha

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Restoration Thread Best Practice?

Pictures are best. Threads with few pictures get few responses. Just start a new thread called "1988 Seebold 21' I/O Restoration" or something like that, post a bunch of pics of her current condition and your progress and just ask your questions along the way.

 

[GWPSR]

Re: Restoration Thread Best Practice?

And as you've no doubt noticed, keep all of your questions, updates, rants, pity parties all in one thread. It helps make sure people will see it, especially if they subscribe, and it really helps the rest of us keep a new question is context with your project. There have been a couple of new guys that start 2 or 3 new threads per day with single questions in each. After a while, people will begin to ignore those, especially as this place heats up in a few weeks with active projects.

I applaud you asking about best practices. The advice given by members ought to benefit others as well. Welcome, and good luck!

 

[QC]

Re: Restoration Thread Best Practice?

I agree with that ^^^^ with a side note that if you get into specific engine/drive issues, props etc. then those belong in their specific sections. You could also argue that specific electrical issues belong elsewhere as well. Some of this is subtle of course. Building battery securing frames would belong here. Charging batteries would belong in electrical.

 

[jmmacky]

Re: Restoration Thread Best Practice?

Try to give them a timeline and then try to stick to your timeline. Be realistic.

Don't be disappointed if you don't stick to your timeline. Everything boat related ALWAYS takes me twice as long as I think it will to complete and I NEVER get done what I want to/think I will in a day! Maybe that's just me though!

Good luck with the resto though Islander; there is tonnes of information and experience on iboats to help you along.

 

[IslanderVT]

Re: Restoration Thread Best Practice?

Thanks everyone for all the feedback.

I've started a restoration thread...link below.