Cap is off

[jasoncooperpcola]

Originally Posted by Kracker Jack

Holy smokes Batman!!!!! That's a lot of work dude.

Yeah. I was hoping the stringers would be ok. Still fighting the fuel tank. Already broke one strap. Lifted the boat about a half inch off the trailer and wanted to let it sit for a while. Ten seconds later i heard ripping saw the boat drop and a strap end fly up. This is getting fun now. I have already tore one bulk head out and sawed under the tank.

[smokeonthewater]

two words..... cable saw


BTW good work and don't sweat the "broken stringers" That's just the glass skin.... your skin would tear too if your bones rotted away.... rebuild it like it was and it'll be PLENTY strong for as long as the wood lasts.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Originally Posted by smokeonthewater

two words..... cable saw


BTW good work and don't sweat the "broken stringers" That's just the glass skin.... your skin would tear too if your bones rotted away.... rebuild it like it was and it'll be PLENTY strong for as long as the wood lasts.

You think 3/4" stringers will be ok with a bracket and possibly a 225/250hp outboard or twins? Right now I have a 2.5L Merc 200 to go on it, but I am considering some modifications to it that will put it at least at 225. I was thinking twin 100/125s later on.

On the joint where I tore the bulkhead out, the wood was like dirt on both sides. I think if I am going to go thru the trouble of rebuilding it, I would rather do it right and keep all the water out of the wood.

Finally got the fuel tank out! I hooked a bigger strap around the tank lifted the boat again but this time I drove wedges under the tank. Scary at first because I did not know if I was hearing ripping glass or ripping foam. I was really surprised at how the foam itself tore in places rather than releasing from the tank. Have I mentioned I hate the smell of putrid rotted salt water?

[Cam]

GREAT pics of your work.. I really appreciate the fact that I now know what my boat looks like under the skin. Thanks a million....

[draglink]

Damn man thats HUGE progress right there! Love the picture updates!

[smokeonthewater]

by all means seal it up for sure.... my monte carlo has 3/4" stringers and it has twin 260 I/O's

My personal opinion is that the hp doesn't have a great deal to do with the stringer size.... I've seen so many boats in which the stringers were hardly even connected to the transom....

I'm not a boat builder but I'd say that as long as your transom is solid and tied in to the stringers, cap, and hull, then the weight of the engine (balance of boat) will become a problem before you have to worry about structural failure.

[Kracker Jack]

I'm looking at your pictures and I'm having flashbacks!!!!!! It's making my stomach nasueas!!! Lol!!! Man I remember when mine looked like that. It was shear determination to prep that hull for stringers. I look back at it now and smile, knowing what I acommplished. I wish you were closer so I could come help you. Just remember its all worth it!!!

Like smoke said tabbing your transom to sides of hull and tabbing your stringers is key. Also alternating direction of your 1708 will also improve strength. The 1708 patches that I put on my transom that were almost 18 inches wide and progressive will also distribute weight of the motor. The patches were put at motor bolt hole pattern on the inside of the transom.

[Union Laker]

Nice work I am glad the fuel tank in mine was just replaced & All the work done in there, Just have a few soft spots near the back floor.

BTW nothing smells better than Low tide in the morning.

Keep it up you guys I need some inspiration ..... Nice work so far

[jasoncooperpcola]

I just realized something I need to do.....

The infloor livewell HAS got to go! I dislike it almost as much as the bottom paint. Going to get a BFH now and fix it.

[RWilson2526]

Great pics....the time to fix my floor is coming near and i know that pulling the cap is the right way to do it....doesnt look so bad when seeing it like that