Restoring an older fiberglass tri-hull....

[thakang67]

Hello everyone...A friend gave me this older Fiberglass Tri-Hull and I plan on turning it into a nice little flats boat. It was a Starboard helm boat originally but I plan making it a center console with a nice little casting deck on the bow and possibly another at the stern. I have already removed the transom and most of the deck that was rotted out. The stringers arent in too bad of shape but I was planning on running another besides the ones in the boat and glassing over them...What do you think? The boat also has a thru-hull live well that I plan on closing off and putting an airator system in it. I'm trying to get some pics of the hull but I can't seem to get them to attach but my question about that is, can I sand the hull down real good where the gel coat has chipped and apply gel coat over the existing coat or do I have to remove all of it? I would rather not but if I must I will.
Thanks for any input

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Restoring an older fiberglass tri-hull....

Gut it .. its already dead..so gut it out and plan your new floor just how you want it.

Gonna cost a few pennies..but if your up to it then go for it.

YD.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Restoring an older fiberglass tri-hull....

Here's a link to review, although there are a ton of other here with some great advice. Have fun!!

You're in for a boat load of work...sorry...had to say that.

 

[thakang67]

Re: Restoring an older fiberglass tri-hull....

Thank you TD and IDHAN...I did realize that gutn her would be the best thing to do. With that being said, would you guys or anyone else, be able to tell me as close as you can tell me what type of boat or similar it is. It's 14' by 5'6". Here are some pics of the hull... Thank you all for your help and advice

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Restoring an older fiberglass tri-hull....

No idea as to the manufacturer, but truth is...it doesn't matter. ;-) Looks like a fun project, but it will take a lot of bucks and a lot of time to finish it off. Search around for low prices for goods you will need, but don't take it just because it's cheap. US COMPOSITES is a good place to start for getting your pricing together. The forums here...look for oops, woodonglass, and you know YD, and there are many others to review their threads and learn from the masters. The important thing to understand is you need to study what they have done so you know what to do so you will minimize your errors. Errors cost money. Most important...take you time and have fun.