Should I ?????

[sdf4647]

I'm starting to rebuild a 77 ranger Fish & Ski. I started removing the wood in the transom, No problem. I'm thinking of taking the cap off the boat. I've checked the stringers(good) I'm at the point were if I dont fix and make sure all is good under the deck it will **** me off. I rather do it all, than kick myself in the *** later . My question is should I replace the transom with plywood or pour Seacast what is the best?(strongest) The transom glass inside and out doesn't even have a crack in it. I'm not in a rush to get this done.I bought this boat to restore, It will be like new when I'm done. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Should I ?????

Money $$$$$$$$$$ is the deciding factor

 

[sdf4647]

Re: Should I ?????

I dont cut corners. This is the first boat I'll be restoring. I want to do it right. Like I said ,How ever long it takes ,I'm gonna try to do it right the first time.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Should I ?????

Since you are on the right track ........ I would plan on removing the cap and doing it all right the first time.

We have had some people use Nida Bond (Cheaper cost vs Seacast) and rebuilt both stringers and transoms with both materials. Personally, I would opt for exterior plywood and polyester resin/fiberglass. It takes a bit longer but the cost is easier.

You can get an equally strong transom using either route and considering your boat is a 1977...... how long do you intend on keeping it???? before you get bigger boat fever??

 

[sdf4647]

Re: Should I ?????

I no what you mean about big boat fever.(LOL) I grew up on Lake Erie (Buffalo). Now i'm living in Colorado a bass boat is what I think is the best for the area. I usally get attached to things I build, So I would say I'll have it for a while. I have a friend in Ny that has a 2009 Yamaha 150hp off a boat that burnt.(Low Hrs ) All it needs is a new top cover. So I'm committed.

 

[ezwitter]

Re: Should I ?????

i agree with bob cost is the factor but with that said my 2 cents is i just love projects good luck

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Should I ?????

In my opinion, if you have the cap off, just go the wood route. I think Seacast and the like are great products for replacing the transoms on otherwise solid boats you don't want to rip apart but if you're pretty much in full rebuild mode anyway....properly sealed wood will last a LONG time.

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: Should I ?????

I just finished working on a 76 ranger bass boat, here is the thing with taking the cap off. Ranger used wet strips of fiberglass to seal the top together with the intentions of not having the 2 parts come apart again. it is not impossible to get it off, but it will be a huge pain in the rear end to do! I opted not to take the top off since I could replace the entire deck,stringers, and foam without taking it off. I then cut off the transom cap, used a chainsaw to grind up the the rotted wood, and used the NIDA-BOND to pour the transom. It ended up real nice, and i was happy with how everything turned out.

Unfortunately due to a series of events, I had to sell the boat before i even ever got it on the water.

Good luck on your project, and we will all be watching!

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Should I ?????

Since you are on the right track ........ I would plan on removing the cap and doing it all right the first time.

We have had some people use Nida Bond (Cheaper cost vs Seacast) and rebuilt both stringers and transoms with both materials. Personally, I would opt for exterior plywood and polyester resin/fiberglass. It takes a bit longer but the cost is easier.

You can get an equally strong transom using either route and considering your boat is a 1977...... how long do you intend on keeping it???? before you get bigger boat fever??

Can't say it better.

 

[sdf4647]

Re: Should I ?????

Well I started in on the boat ,The floor was a mess after thawing out.The stringers, well the same.Still postive its a labor of love. Don't start a project if your not sure.All I can say 300.00 for the boat ,When it's done. It will be mint.Less 46,000.

 

[sdf4647]

Re: Should I ?????

I will add, The stringers I thought were good ,Wow when you get into it , You learn alot.The area I was at ,was nothing like the end. Plan for the unexpected!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Should I ?????

Here's what I have found out in my "Short" time at boat restoration. The ONLY thing you can count on is..... YOU CAN'T COUNT ON ANYTHING!