Restoring an older boat

[j]

Anyone have any tips on restoration. I'm "fixing up" an older Princecraft, I have no idea what year. It's a 15' fibreglass with a 50 HP Merc outboard. The motor has it's own problems , I've been told it needs a switchbox. The motor is mid 80's. The boat doesn't leak, I don't think, there are no cracks in the body anywhere ad the windshield isn't cracked either. I will need to get some seats however.

Anyways, i pulled the plywood floor out, Its was rotten in a couple places and was going to get either pressure treated or marine plywood to replace it.

I'm hoping to somehow buff & wax the exterior body to get it's nice look back. And what about carpet covering for the floor...just basic interior/exterior stuff?

It's not going to be mint again, just nice looking I hope and definitely usable.

I have never done this sort of thing before and I am basically winging it so any info would be appreciated.




Jay

[Cyber]

First thing to do since you've taken the floor out is to be POSITIVE it doesn't leak b4 you replace the floor.

If it's still sitting up on blocks as in your picture, put the plug in it and put 6 to 8" of water in it. If the water doesn't run out anywhere, it stands to reason it isn't going to come in anywhere.
Finding that out B4 you replace everything will save you major headaches.
I've restored a few in my time and a hairline fracture or a pinhole can cause you lots of grief!!

[archer379]

if you use pressure treated plywood be sure to reseal any cut edges. My brother did one a couple years back and sealed it all with fiberglass

[archer379]

if you use pressure treated plywood be sure to reseal any cut edges. My brother did one a couple years back and sealed it all with fiberglass

[MLR]

If using pressure treated, use stainless fasteners, just regular fasteners will rust apart in less than 3 years.

[Astro-Mike]

check out bass boat central or scream and fly, those guys have done a ton of restorations. you should get some good info there.

M

[muskie_magnet]

Check out this site. Tons of information up there from guys who have been there, done that.

http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=408

[Raminator]

i would send that Merc to dave scott in carp,he is a merc tech,and specializes in the old motors,full machine shop too for honing and getting the old compression up to snuff,he will have new and used switchboxes,but I would have it gone over during the winter months,it will need a water pump as well.

[j]

Thanks for all the replies Hawkers, I appreciate them all.

muskie_magnet that site looks good, I will be browsing it.

Raminator, you got a company name and # for that guy?


Jay

[Cyber]

If I'm not mistaken he's talking about "Aim Outboard Recyclers"

He's on Tansley (Court?? ) just off Reis Rd behind Reis Case Dealership on Carp Rd., a little north of Richardson Sideroad.
I don't know the Ph. # off hand. Might have a website??

The guy really knows his stuff!!