Another 1976 23' Inboard Restoration

[TunaMeltdown]

Originally Posted by Blue_Heron

Dan,
That's a very ambitious list of repairs and upgrades. My only suggestion at this point is to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. You're looking at probably two years worth of weekends with quite a few summer evenings thrown in to boot. Either that, or paying someone else to do a lot of it. The results are very rewarding, but a lot of guys that take something like this on find out in the middle that it's just too much. Good luck with the project. It's definitely worth it if you (and your wife) can stick it out.
Dave

Thanks for the concern. I knew when I purchased the boat that sooner or later it was going to need an overhaul. I'm going to start with pulling the cap and re-coring that. While that is off I was going to check the transom which I am almost certain is wet. I also want to put in a tuna door so it only makes sense to re-core the transom while adding the door. The scuppers also need to be fixed and I'm planning on running them through the transom. The floors are soft so the deck has to be redone and I'm sure when I tear that up I'm going to find soaked foam in the stringers. My wife is actually for me doing this project and doesn't want me to sell it. It's a boat that once done the way I want it will be in the family a very long time. I got my father, brother, and a few friends that are willing to help and put their time in as long as I take them fishing when it's done. I'm not striving for yacht quality. It's a fishing boat and will always be a fishing boat.

[CHANCE1234]

It's a fishing boat and will always be a fishing boat.

Amen brother! That's my theory too. Build it strong and pick away at the little stuff as you fish it

[Rondo]

If you're using plywood with polyester resin for your project, prime the plywood with resin thinned 20-25% with styrene and an appropriate amount of hardener ( Make sure that the plywood is fully aired so that any residual chemicals evaporate off the surface.) Give it a couple of coats and let it set in and dry. Your glasswork will then adhere to the plywood with a much stronger bond.

[pelican]

Originally Posted by Rondo

If you're using plywood with polyester resin for your project, prime the plywood with resin thinned 20-25% with styrene and an appropriate amount of hardener ( Make sure that the plywood is fully aired so that any residual chemicals evaporate off the surface.) Give it a couple of coats and let it set in and dry. Your glasswork will then adhere to the plywood with a much stronger bond.

you can try that,but...

polyester bsed resins,contrary to popular belief are not the best choice when working with wood

epoxy is allways the best choice...


a smart choice is to use composites - a quality composite like penske/coosa board will give you a core that will last,versus wood.composites,a quality composite is allways a better choice...

[pelican]

Originally Posted by DonV

Sweet, nice looking boat to start with!!!

Suggestion, go with the highest density 3/8" scored divinycell for the recore. If you have specific areas where you will be using screws then maybe some plywood or hardwood there. I am working on my port gunnel right now, the divinycell is nice. I've not skimped on the resin and I'm positive it will never have to be done again!!

Good luck!

no need for wood - the area where fasteners will be located,just remove the core t the inner skin,fill that area with a thickened epoxy - west sytem mixed ith 403 adhesive additive is an excellent choice.after doing this,"machine" screws can be used,versus self tapping "wood" screws,example,you want to use a 1/4 - 20 screw,jut drill the epoxy @3/16",dab of caulking,run the fastener in - it will "thread" the epoxy...

thru bolting and sleeving are the preferred methods for composites...

[pelican]

Originally Posted by Blue_Heron

Dan,
That's a very ambitious list of repairs and upgrades. My only suggestion at this point is to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. You're looking at probably two years worth of weekends with quite a few summer evenings thrown in to boot. Either that, or paying someone else to do a lot of it. The results are very rewarding, but a lot of guys that take something like this on find out in the middle that it's just too much. Good luck with the project. It's definitely worth it if you (and your wife) can stick it out.
Dave

i've seen this quite a few times - work starts,and the owner gets in over his head - it happens...

material costs add up quick:
quality composites/glass/resins/primer/paint

electrical supplies/hardware/misc supplies - all these add up quickly

owners attempt to do these kind of jobs,without a work place,meaning,working outside - bad move,especially in your area...


performing all that work,and not using the best materials available,and performing the job to the best of your abilities,is a very bad mistake - a quality rebuild,should appear that way through the entire job,from what you will never see,to the finish coat of paint - when you take a shower,you don't put your dirty work clothes back on,right ??


be sure to go into a project with a realistic operating budget -honestly evaluate your skills,the work isn't rocket science,however,it does require "skills"...

[zendora]

I'm sure we all appreciate the great advice, but just let the man work. It's his boat, he's got plans for it, he thinks he can get it done and he's got help from friends. Dan, good luck, looking forward to seeing this project.

[TunaMeltdown]

Originally Posted by zendora

I'm sure we all appreciate the great advice, but just let the man work. It's his boat, he's got plans for it, he thinks he can get it done and he's got help from friends. Dan, good luck, looking forward to seeing this project.

Thanks, no harm no foul. I'm looking at it all like constructive criticism. Everyone helping with the project including myself is mechanically inclined so I think we'll be able to figure it out. The only issue I see is money but if that becomes a problem it will just take a little longer to get finished. I don't have the money to pay someone to do the work and the boat is getting to the point where it would be irresponsible and unsafe to continue running it in it's current condition.