[Copahee Hound]

This may look familiar to a few microskiffers, as I know I'm at least the 5th owner.

After searching for my minimalist dream skiff for awhile, I finally found it. I got it knowing it needed a new floor, gelcoat repair, and new paint/non skid. So after a couple estimates, I quickly realized it would be the worst financial decision to pay a pro. After the advice from Kevin at East Cape and some friends, I'll be attempting the restore myself (I've never done anything like this). The plan as of now is to restore it back to original. The layout actually worked really well for my style of fishing (and quick trips to the beach for the wife). So here we go...

1- Remove everything. DONE!

2- 1" Foam/dinycel core floor with epoxy and 1708?. (I have no idea what kind of foam was used originally) Done

3- Cored front bench with a guttered hatch (could be more difficult than I imagine) instead of the cheap plastic hatch covers. Done

4- Cored rear deck with guttered hatch, move the electrical inside, and add a freaking CUPHOLDER- Using the Yeti cupholder for now

5- Glass in one PVC chase tube along both sides of the floor, one for fuel line to the bow, and the other for the electrical. Done

6- Repair holes on gunnels from previous rigging tube. Done

7- New rod holders on gunnels. Done

8- New paint and non skid. Done

9- Learn how to repair gelcoat! Done

10- Replace rub rail- Reusing the old one for now

11- Complete re-wire. Done

Contemplating adding shark eye nav lights, but not against getting battery operated or going completely without as I won't be using this skiff much after sunset.

Still up in the air about what core and glass to use for the floor, bulkheads, deck, etc. and Ill have to order it all online as we don't have any supply shops locally.

Opinions, thoughts, criticism, help all welcomed

 

[Backcountry 16]

Pm @Whiskey Angler he restored his not to this extent but he can definitely help I'm sure. Your gonna love it I've had one about 8 months and it's a cool little boat. I'll be watching this restoration.

 

[bryson]

Love these skiffs -- hopefully I can get over there some to lend a hand; can't wait to see this unfold!

 

[hunterbrown]

If you decide not to make your own hatches I’m selling this one. Also boatoutfitters.com can make you any size you need but they get pricy.
https://www.microskiff.com/threads/aluminum-framed-console-access-door-boat-outfitters.70096/

For rod holders if you don’t want to make your own with core and glass, anytide on this forum could probably make you a set out of starboard.
https://www.shallowwatersolutions.com/

For gelcoat, search boatworks today online, he has some really good videos on color matching.

Loved my gladesmen, they’re neat little boats. If it was mine I’d extend that front deck back a few feet and do a solid bulkhead with a hatch or an open bulkhead. Looks like really clean work so far.

 

[Backcountry 16]

Agree with Hunter extend that front deck some more. Looking good.

 

[Battfisher]

@Boatbrains can make you a drop in hatch cheaper than anywhere else, and @anytide (shallowwatersolutions.com) can make rod holders, tiller extension for the outboard, stick it pin holders, etc. You can also patch up your hull and then prime and paint with a 2 part urethane - I did that on my Gheenoe rebuild and it turned out great.

 

[LowHydrogen]

Good looking project, I'll be watching this one!!

Any boat you can launch with a golf cart is a cool boat (what this site was really for)!

 

[Sublime]

What resin was the original built with? I wouldn't mix resin types?

 

[GoGataGo52__20]

I always loved the look of these little gladesman!

 

[Copahee Hound]

@Backcountry 16 I believe Whiskey's build is the inspiration for all of us who dive into a Gman resto. I've read his thread multiple times and love how it turned out. I like low casting platform for a poling platform in the rear as well. I do like the thought of extending the front deck, but the current layout gives me full access to keep a battery, 6 gallon tank, 2 life jackets, throw cushion, anchor, and a small dry box within easy reach. And for beach days, holds the beach chairs up front and out of the way. Extending the front is not out of the question though. Can you give me the length of our front deck? Just in case my bench hatch doesn't work out.

@bryson If I had known about the Conchfish before I bought this, it would have been the way to go. I'm sure I have as much time in demo and sanding as I would building a strongback, setting up stations, and laying foam. And I'll definitely have to stop by and see yours and get some pointers!

@hunterbrown Thank you but your hatch is actually too big for the bench dimensions, and Andy's videos seem to be very well explained for someone with no clue, like me.

@Battfisher Boatbrains, being the guy he is, has already reached out and given me a list of materials and direction to get started.

 

[Copahee Hound]

Good looking project, I'll be watching this one!!

Any boat you can launch with a golf cart is a cool boat (what this site was really for)!

The golf cart was definitely a major factor for buying this skiff, our neighborhood has a tidal ramp to launch so I don't have to travel far, unlike the bay boat.

What resin was the original built with? I wouldn't mix resin types?

I don't know, but it is my understanding that epoxy would bond just fine. I could be completely wrong as you can't believe everything you read on the internet.!

 

[Sublime]

Here is what @Chris Morejohn said in another post.

 

[Backcountry 16]

Front deck is 72 inches total. Good idea on chair storage for the sandbar never thought of that.

@Backcountry 16 I believe Whiskey's build is the inspiration for all of us who dive into a Gman resto. I've read his thread multiple times and love how it turned out. I like low casting platform for a poling platform in the rear as well. I do like the thought of extending the front deck, but the current layout gives me full access to keep a battery, 6 gallon tank, 2 life jackets, throw cushion, anchor, and a small dry box within easy reach. And for beach days, holds the beach chairs up front and out of the way. Extending the front is not out of the question though. Can you give me the length of our front deck? Just in case my bench hatch doesn't work out.

@bryson If I had known about the Conchfish before I bought this, it would have been the way to go. I'm sure I have as much time in demo and sanding as I would building a strongback, setting up stations, and laying foam. And I'll definitely have to stop by and see yours and get some pointers!

@hunterbrown Thank you but your hatch is actually too big for the bench dimensions, and Andy's videos seem to be very well explained for someone with no clue, like me.

@Battfisher Boatbrains, being the guy he is, has already reached out and given me a list of materials and direction to get started.

 

[bryson]

My understanding is that epoxy works well to repair poly, but not the other way around. Epoxy adheres much better than poly, so it makes it a good repair material. I think it would be a good choice for this project, but you would want to use epoxy from here on out if you chose to use it now.

I'm sure there are others with more experience that can tell me if I'm right or wrong in that.

 

[DuckNut]

Here is what @Chris Morejohn said in another post.

View attachment 93328

This is his comment on building a fuel tank.

 

[Sublime]

Yes, the discussion was a fuel tank but he also says secondary bond which is bonding anything on to something existing. Or at least that is the way I read it.

 

[DuckNut]

Wait a minute...

Foam does not absorb water. The experts on the web have maintained this stance for years.

That can't be foam looks like a sponge!

 

[Chris Morejohn]

Yes, the discussion was a fuel tank but he also says secondary bond which is bonding anything on to something existing. Or at least that is the way I read it.

You read this correctly. What ever I write on this site and my blogs is just my personal opinion.
My experience with epoxy as a secondary bond to polyester has been very mixed. West systems brand is a great product... but they like to sell their products. So they like to sell home builder repair guys a bunch of goods that cost you a fortune, when in reality it’s like they are cutting the drugs so thin and charging so much.
I buy glass bubbles in 50 lb bags. Costs $250.00. If repackaged like West or in the local store it’s worth around $1200.00.
The key thing with epoxy against polyester is the surface preparation. You have to grind back to raw glass, which means no Gelcoat at all. If the epoxy goes over old Gelcoat or paint or dirt eventually water will get under that edge and it can fail. Same as polyester resin. So it’s not a miracle glue like they want you to think.
When recoating new polyester work with epoxy you have to let it gas off or you will see blisters later.
The next thing to consider is polyester builds tend to be stiffer than epoxy thin coatings. So if the hull has some flex it could flex the new epoxy layers edge up.
I like to keep my products together when repairing.
If patching big holes using epoxy or polyester make sure you glass from both sides so it makes the patch like a rivet. Otherwise it might pop off.
In building one-off hulls I would say build the hulls outer skin using epoxy resin and then all the rest of the build using polyester to save $ and time.
In this way your only glue joint it’s just the sheer. Use epoxy glue- putty there.
I have 3 skiffs that I built that were cut in half by boats running over them and I rebuilt using the same polyester resin as built. They are still going strong.
Either resin it’s all about the surface preparation and making sure the new build will not flex enough to pop the new repair off.

 

[East Cape]

What resin was the original built with? I wouldn't mix resin types?

"Vinylester" on the infusion and blended on the skin coat. Good to see you bring her back to life and its a shame to see owners before you treat this G'Man this way. This is a 07' that I built in late 06'. There were only 4 of us back then and I did the lamination on this and Marc did the assembly/rigging. We had two small shops spread across town. This was a fun period back then as we fished 2-4 days a week and did 3-4 skiffs a month. We are here if you need anything too?
Kevin

 

[culligan]

The floor on these layouts just didn’t last way too thin would always flex behind the bench seat leading to a compromise. Everything else was great I would buy another but with the cap. Great to see you bringing her back to it’s full potential plus some much needed extra. Can’t wait to see it finished good luck buddy!