1985 20' MA restoration photos

[TopSeacret]

Alright I've wanted to do this for awhile now and I'm finally getting to it. I have been a long time looker here on CS and have been able to learn a ton from you guys! I hope that this thread will add to the knowledge accumulated here on the site.

The boat was purchased maybe 15 years ago and restored at that time by father. We blew the old 1985 200 Merc in '08 and the boat sat until 2014 when this restoration process started. Since the boat is already completed I plan to post pictures starting at the beginning working forward.

We started by pulling the console, t-top, leaning post, engine, teak trim pieces and carpet under the gunnels. The deck was sound with exception of one soft spot up forward of the console.





70 Gallon tank out came next





At this stage we were thinking to put the livewell here; up forward of the console directly in front of the fuel tank. The idea was to get as much weight out of the boat altogether and then attempt to direct it forward as much possible. We ended up leaving this forward compartment storage, shortening the fuel tank and putting the livewell in the deck behind the leaning post.

[TopSeacret]

We started lookin around for power and came across this 05 Opti coming off a 23 Seacraft. I had zero intentions of powering the boat with a 225 but after some quick research we learned the 200, 225 & 250 weigh the same so what the hell. "That there is too much HP" said no one ever. At least no one I associate with!

[TopSeacret]

Holes filled, faired and the beginning of primer.









At this point we had picked out a new console from birdsall marine. We sold the old console and ttop together to go with something narrower and less weight.



As you'll see this console really works great for these narrow boats. I could not be happier with it

[TopSeacret]

Fuel tank came in, 45 gallons.

[TopSeacret]

[TopSeacret]

We planned to create a rod holder box that was removable and could be replaced with a cooler when not fishing. It was our goal to keep the boat extremely clean and as simple as possible without compromising function.

[TopSeacret]

At this point the boat was sent out to complete up to paint.





Pop up cleat and Nav light were cut out and glassed.

[TopSeacret]

[TopSeacret]

The fuel is slid all the way forward leaving room for the livewell.

[TopSeacret]

console door cut out