So I took the plunge a couple of months ago during football season and bought an old hull + trailer for $500 because I liked it's shape (knew I would have to wait until season was over to start work - I coach for a local HS). Here is the original CL ad:
Anyway, I started working about 8 days ago on the trailer first (wife agreed to the project only if the trailer was safe first). So I re-did the leaf springs, seals and bearings (plus added bearing buddies), jack, winch, bunks, rollers and lights.
Last week I bought a 2006 2 stoke 25hp yamaha short shaft - it looks very clean and runs very smooth (electric and manual start in case I end up adding a battery to the skiff).
Now it is time to start working on the hull itself. I took old hardware off: cleats, old rub rail, and the transom bracket.
The transom bracket was too tall (20") for the short shaft motor, and I needed to take it off to start sanding down the inside of the hull.
Hmmm that doesn't look like a good sign. Took a brass sleeve that was barely glued into the drain tube to find:
Looks wet to me. In addition, there is delamination
The transom feels incredibly solid. I have slammed my rather large fist at it at full force and it did not make a sound, did not move, and felt strong. But since I am at the beginning there is no need to skip essential steps. Do not want to end up like @tcaseycook (no offense man, I truly feel bad for you that you found out about a bad transom at the end of a refurb).
Any input that you may have along the way, or if you see me screwing something up, please let me know. Here is one more shot of the hull (please excuse the mess of the garage). Although she is only 14' long, the 61" width (at the gunnels not the bottom) makes for a pretty roomy boat and I like the idea of restoring a 1967
Anyway, I started working about 8 days ago on the trailer first (wife agreed to the project only if the trailer was safe first). So I re-did the leaf springs, seals and bearings (plus added bearing buddies), jack, winch, bunks, rollers and lights.
Last week I bought a 2006 2 stoke 25hp yamaha short shaft - it looks very clean and runs very smooth (electric and manual start in case I end up adding a battery to the skiff).
Now it is time to start working on the hull itself. I took old hardware off: cleats, old rub rail, and the transom bracket.
The transom bracket was too tall (20") for the short shaft motor, and I needed to take it off to start sanding down the inside of the hull.
Hmmm that doesn't look like a good sign. Took a brass sleeve that was barely glued into the drain tube to find:
Looks wet to me. In addition, there is delamination
The transom feels incredibly solid. I have slammed my rather large fist at it at full force and it did not make a sound, did not move, and felt strong. But since I am at the beginning there is no need to skip essential steps. Do not want to end up like @tcaseycook (no offense man, I truly feel bad for you that you found out about a bad transom at the end of a refurb).
Any input that you may have along the way, or if you see me screwing something up, please let me know. Here is one more shot of the hull (please excuse the mess of the garage). Although she is only 14' long, the 61" width (at the gunnels not the bottom) makes for a pretty roomy boat and I like the idea of restoring a 1967