So, finally getting into the boat part of this project. The last couple weekends were busy getting the garage insulated, etc. It'll be tight until I get it off the trailer, but since I'm working on the interior and engine for now, I'll be good to go.
Starting with the interior, to get a look at how much needs to be done on the floor. I knew I'd be going through the floor, but didn't realize that it was done before, too. And a crappy job. Previous owner threw down a single sheet of plywood, with one coat of epoxy (thinly applied) on the top only. Not even any means of sealing the joint between the old plywood and the new. And the screws were unsealed. Also, beneath both seats, was a mix of screw types ranging from slotted wood screws, to 3" long Philips lag screws. So while I haven't pulled up the newest lumber, I'm expecting some bad stuff lurking beneath.
Interestingly, everything below the rear bench seat and all the way into the engine compartment sounds/feels as solid as a rock. But I'll be pulling up the carpet from the cuddy wall all the way to the engine bay, and may cut a hole or two to get a scope in there just to make sure.
Most of the gelcoat, at least on the shell of the boat, is in good shape. A few nicks and gouges here and there, but nothing I can't handle.
The biggest challenge for gelcoat repair, may be the "wing". It's crazed and cracked all over. May just remove the wing and have it completely re-gelled by a pro??
Engine is clean, no signs of leaks, etc., and ran well (at idle, on the garden hose) for the entire time I was checking this boat out prior to purchase. Once I get into any of the mechanical stuff there, I'll post as well. In the mean time, it's still disassembly of interior panels, seats, etc., just to get to the rotten stuff. I will have to get new lenses for the gauges (they all work, and numbers/needles are all clean/sharp) because the plastic is heavily "etched" from the sun, age, etc.
But all told, I'm pretty stoked to finally get after this project. In one of the pics, you can see that hideous color combinations they used for the interior. I'm torn as to whether to stick with the stock colors or, as the prior owner did, slowly recover in a little less "in your face" (ie - delete the pink, yellow, blue) and stick with the teal and white. 19CSS folks will notice that the prior owner also eliminated the multi-colored pin stripe. I may keep the minimalist look, too....
Jamie