some advice on what to do

I

Iced

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IMG_20151107_103935034_HDR.jpg IMG_20151115_093343507_HDR.jpg IMG_20151107_104044579.jpg IMG_20151115_092821698.jpg IMG_20151115_092854136_HDR.jpg IMG_20151115_092926764.jpg IMG_20151115_092934720.jpg IMG_20151115_092938309.jpg IMG_20151115_092952836.jpg IMG_20151115_092943656_HDR.jpg IMG_20151107_104044579.jpg IMG_20151115_093216032.jpg IMG_20151115_093221952.jpg IMG_20151115_093241817.jpg

so a friend of mine gave me this 1979 14' challenger. i would like to turn it into a good fishing boat. I have been lurking on this forums for quite some time now, and i thought i would post pics, and get some ideas.. It looks like the boat had a right side console up front. was thinking about putting in another one, but idk. going to rebuild the back of the boat and make a new seating area, i would like to put in a live well, and was thinking about powering it with a 25 hp short shaft
 
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DeepBlue2010

DeepBlue2010

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Hi, Please don't upload the picture as file attachements, click on the attach pictures button and when the picture uploads, select full size. It is much easier for us to view and follow compared to clicking each one of these links not to mention safer also.


She needs a lot of TLC, start by digging in and see what needs done. I am sure it will turn out to be a full resto though. Check the transom, stringer and deck. Any sign of rot - wet or dry - bring the tools and the PPEs and start the journey. Looking forward to see her in the water. Best of luck
 
gm280

gm280

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Oh yes the usual rotted issues again. Seem that is the usual trait these older hulls all have in common. I see the hull being totally gutted, grinded and rebuilt. And that does mean transom, stingers and flooring. Anything that has wood in it needs to be removed. BUT, I also see a very nice finish boat that will give you years of great quality service as well after the rework is finished. And I second DeepBluie on the pictures. Really hard to click through the pictures this way. Maybe you can think about a upfront stick steering idea. Then the usual console and console weight to built such will not be needed. IDK. JMHO! :noidea:
 
I

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Sorry about the pic issue, didn't know there was another way.

I thought these fiberglass boats were made from a mold, so no rot.. I was really hoping I didn't have to do a full resto, but deep down inside I guess I knew I would.

Stick steering? I'm gonna have to Google that.
 
DeepBlue2010

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The fiberglass hull is made out of fiberglass, of course. But the structural support elements such as transom, stringers, deck, etc are made - most likely - from wood and glassed to the hull. $1500 is not a bad budget specially if you have good inventory of tools
 
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Just out of curiosity. DeepBlue. Do you think this boat is all 1 piece, or do you think its 2 pieces(top cap & bottom)?

Also. If I cut out the platform that is in the front will it mess with the stability? Would def like to make a custom platform
 
DeepBlue2010

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I can't be 100% sure but it looks like a one piece hull to me from the pictures you posted. About the platform, do you want to remove it and replace it or just remove it and do without it?
 
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Iced

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i want to remove it, and replace it.. I also want to remove those on the side as well.. if i put foam down on the bottom, i think i will not need those side supports protruding into the boat
 
TruckDrivingFool

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They may act as bulkheads and provide needed support to the sides of the hull.

As for stability just keep in mind that the higher you move weight the less stable.

Hard to tell much from the small pics so trying to get a grasp on size, I'm guessing it's 14-16' range is it set up for a tiller motor right now?
 
DeepBlue2010

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Well, replacing the casting deck (the platform) will not affect stability. If anything, it should be stronger after you are done. If you are worried that the hull will flex without it during the build, you can stabilize the hull with steel cable extended from side to side to keep the hull in shape.


After you start the demolition and as you post pictures (wide angle and close ups) we can get a better sense of what elements are structural and what elements are there because some builder thought it would be cool. I personally don't mind the sides. I would open hatches in them to store my fishing gear though (rods, reels, downriggers, tackle) man, there is a lot of things I can keep safe in these storage areas.
 
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i thought of opening the sides for storage, but i think they are filled with foam..

I do not plan on going much higher than the deck is now.

it is 14ft.

sorry about the pics again. they come up big on my screen. i will have to get my daughter to do the pics from now on..lol

i have alot of plans, but i have to get out there, and start on it.. soon grasshopper
 
DeepBlue2010

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Well said. Just start and it will come together like a jigsaw puzzle. We will be here to help
 
bonz_d

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Nice thing about this type of hull is that once you get it all broken down and cleaned up you can pretty much redesign the interior any way you want. I would think a 25hp outboard will power this well.

Those side boxes are for flotation foam because like the old glass Lund's and Tuffy boats there isn't a lot of space under the decking but you will find that out once you open it up.
 
sphelps

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Yep the boxes down the sides prolly have foam And it had a mahogany rail down it to store rods and stuff .. The hatch lids were also mahogany ..
It would look sweet to go back similar to original .. JMHO..
 
gm280

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Iced, It all depends on what you are planning to do with the hull as to how stable is will be. If you are going to install a typical console for the steering wheel and such, then you can raise the front platform and use it as a casting deck for fishing. But if you are going to use stick steering then no you don't want to raise that deck any higher at all. And here is why.

If you are navigating the boat from a console (usually installed on the starboard side of the boat) then the stability while driving will be good. However, if you are going to navigate the boat form the front platform using stick steering, then you need to keep it as low as possible because the higher you sit while moving, the more unstable the hull becomes as well. It changes the C/G of the hull the higher you make it.

So once you make the decision on how you will setup you hull, will determine how other things will have to be setup. So let us know what you are planning to do with your hull and we can guide you that effort. JMHO!
 
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Sphelps thanks for the pics, I've been looking for what it originally looked like. First pic empty boat. I know the boat had a steering console due to the wires coming out of the right(starboard?) Side.
I do not want a steering console, it just gets in my way, especially if I'm trying to be quick about something.. I was thinking about putting in a gas pedal type of deal, ya know like the ones in excavators. You push the pedal forward to go forward, and push it backwards to go in reverse.

As far as those side pieces. I think maybe if I put foam panels up along the sides as well as the bottom I can eliminate them, and make new storage bins. And hopefully will have good buoyancy.

I may either cut out and rebuild the casting deck, or just cut in some compartments in to the existing deck. I want to put trolling motor with pedal, and a 5 gallon bait well upfront, with a seat. Although I was thinking of building a 5 foot platform so I can get in the air. Think air boat type and control boat from the front deck. That may not work on this river. The Delaware is kinda funny, and I'm just learning it.

Want storage for batteries, 6 gallon gas tank, fishing rods, and a live well. Tackle, paperwork, life jackets, etc..

It's November so winter is upon me. I'm a little hesitant to start this project for that reason. I think if it is OK out this weekend in gonna drill out the rivets and take off the rub rsil to see if its one piece or two..
 
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Chrisravosa36

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Looks like it will be a blast to restore! I am starting out on a MFG Carefree (Runabout 14ft). sphelps is right it looks to be about a late 70's early 80's model (as the ad describes) I found a few more pictures that also look like your boat.

(The Boat Closest to the Dock, but doesn't have the back deck?)
http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/File:Mfgb77005.jpg

(The Boat closest to the Bushes, but agin does not have the back deck like yours)
http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/File:Mfgb76014.jpg

Those are pretty close to what you have! Im Guessing your model was either not displayed on this website, or somebody took out the back seat and replaced it with a back deck. If I were you, id take a look at the stringers, transom and foam condition first. Strip everything and get at it!

Good Luck, Chris!
 
I

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how can i tell if it is a single hull, or two piece? should i take out the rub rail? i will put pics up soon
 
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