Project 2nd Chance… 1977 v-20 CC

[Mikeyz]

Well, I wanted to wait for winter before I started this rebuild, But what hell it's not gonna fix itself. I picked up this boat on trade so don't have a lot into it (YET). I am planning to do a full restoration with this boat and have the hopes of making a nice bay boat that can go skinny if needed. I am going to be pulling the top cap to fix any stringers and redo the under floor foam. I also want to install a big live well in the floor (that’s the main reason the cap is coming off). I have never done a project like this before so I am hoping to get some help from the pros on this forum and will have some good local help also.

[Mikeyz]

A few pics of the day I picked up the boat

[Mikeyz]

I pulled the motor off today to find a mess. I knew when I got it she needed a transom but I didn’t expect to find mashed potatoes for what once was a transom. I also found some stringer damage back by the transom. I guess now I know I was right to follow my gut on this one and pull the cap. I would hate to do a lot of work only to find a mess under the floor at a later date. I did get a good start on this until the rain delay. Well I guess the console can wait until tomorrow.

[Destroyer]

Looks like you're off to a good start. Sweet looking boat.. worth saving for sure. GL with it.. keep us posted with pics... we all love to see other peoples projects..gives us hope and ideas..well done

[Mikeyz]

I didn’t get to much done Sunday. However I did get the console out and the floor cover for the fuel tank. I started to pull the foam out around the tank only to find the smell of gas. I guess I will be adding a fuel tank to the list of things I will need. I guess do it right once or fix it 20 miles offshore and hope you get home right.
I have a question? How do you fix two BIG holes in the floor from the old captain’s chairs.
Oh Oh I know screw down a cooler seat over them and make the next guy fix it.
(Thanks buddy)

On a good note today I stopped by a boat salvage yard after a nice fishing trip on the kayak. I talked with the guy for awhile he has poly tanks that will fit I didn’t get a price yet but wanted to know if this is a good or bad idea. The boat currently has an aluminum tank. What would be the better tank get a new aluminum tank or go with a poly tank? His yard also has some live wells and fish boxes cut out of the floors of other boats. I think I might try a get one and cut it down to fit so I am not starting from scratch.

[RWilson2526]

Keep up the good work. Great documentation... Like Destroyer said we love lookin at that stuff. Especially when its somebody else doing the hard work!.

IMHO I think a poly tank would be superior to a aluminum tank as far as longevity is concerned. Although if you dont foam in the new aluminum tank I'm sure it will outlast the boat. (probably would even if you did foam it in) If you could find a used poly tank that didn't sacrifice fuel capacity (if capacity is even important to you) for cheaper than an aluminum one that would be my plan of action.