Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Looking good, you can cut a console for me anytime. keep up the good work

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

After a couple of weekends dealing with domestic issues I was able to get after it again last week. I started off by taking some of the coosa board scraps and attaching them to the sides of the hull with Cabosil to serve as a ledge support for my future deck (an idea copied from Strick). It was a real PITA but after they cured I glassed them in with 1.5 oz matt. This was my first time using matt and wasn't real happy with the appearance but it is rock solid and will be hidden to view after the deck is in.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02911.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02913.jpg

Not very much work accomplished before I had to go fishing again. This time it was the Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament. It's a real treat for those who may have never participated. Around 500 boats this year which is well off the average but was a blast anyway. The fishing wasn't great and a 42 lb'er took the $40k on Thursday and a 40 lb'er took the cash on Friday. The prize for the aggregate of both days was roughly 62 lbs. This pic is leaving Mayport the first morning. Boats as far as you can see.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02918.jpg

Due to the number of boats, you have a predetermined check out on north or south. This is the south side.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02917.jpg

Taxpayer dollars at work! US Navy Seahawk helicopters were everywhere as we came back into the mouth of the St. Johns River, compliments of the US Naval Base at Mayport.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02930.jpg

For a while I've had thoughts about reusing some of the original forward compartments in different areas during the restoration. While dealing with the larger of the two I found some rotten coring on the bottom of the box that I hadn't noticed before. I'm stripping that to be recored and patching the other hole that had been filled in with caulk and painted.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02935.jpg

Another area that I addressed was adding additional layers in the corners of the transom. I'm not looking for overkill but do realize this will see additional stress after I add a bracket.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02936.jpg

I used three layers which consisted of a layer of Woven Roven, 15 oz. biax and another layer of Roven to finish this up.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02937.jpg

Here is where I need some constructive criticism. This is what I'm thinking, this second panel forward of the transom will leave me approximately 12" of space to house my bilge pumps, washdown pumps, fuel fiter, etc. I will add access hatches and additional structural support to tie it together.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02939.jpg

This is a dry fit with one of the original compartments. I need a large fish box and felt this could serve the purpose in a convenient area.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02944.jpg

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Will,
Looking good. From the way it sounded in the post you want to put all the pumps, etc in the space between the transom and the next wall. This 12" space will be maddening to work in. Not only is it small in width it will be deep. Hard to access. The area where the fish box is going would be a better location. You could use a smaller fish box and put the pumps in the floor behind the fish box with an access hatch in the floor. Just my two cents but, being a tournament fisherman, you know what a PITA it is to change a live bait pump offshore. It would be nice to have a nice clean area in the bilge that will house all pumps, fuel filters, transducer, etc.
BA

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

After giving some thought to your comments BA17, I went ahead and ordered the pumps that I will need. Once I receive I can lay everything out to see how much room I have to work with and what changes may be needed to make my idea work if possible. Not ready to scrap my plan just yet but also don't want to paint myself into a corner.

While waiting I moved ahead and started stitching up the center console. I'm using the left over coosa board anywhere I can and will glass over it after all the pieces are in place. I have some 1 1/2" coosa left over from the transom and am thinking about using it to core the sides of the console where a t-top will fasten for maximum strength.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...DSC02966-1.jpg

View from the inside.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02967.jpg

I went ahead and glassed the notch at the transom as well.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02973.jpg

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Continuing with the console. You can see how the screw holes in the flange were gouged from previous movement between the console and deck. I'm going to use 2" glass tape to reinforce the bottom of the flange and then fill in the holes with thickened epoxy.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02977.jpg

This tape is the easiest fiberglass product I've worked with to date. Wet out very easily.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02982.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02983.jpg

Divider wall between the forward compartment and the rear area. I've got a feeling that a subwoofer will be calling this home in the future.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02993.jpg

Jumped back over to the top cap. I'm removing what's left of the plywood and balsa coring and preparing to reassemble. I've also marked the area of the inner liner to be cut that will form the new gunwales that will have an open bottom.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02997.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC02998.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03002.jpg

With my fuel tank ordered I cut 6 pieces of left over 3/4 " Coosa 26" long to form the slats for the fuel coffin. This picture shows the biax that was cut 42" long that will be glassed to the inside side of the stringers.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03010.jpg

More to follow:

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

The windshield you gave me fits perfectly! I just need the mounting hardware which is on order now. Thanks for helping me out.

One more – did you by chance save any of the aft portion of your top liner when you removed it? I’m talking about the stern where the two aft compartments and motor well used to be. I see it on the ground in your pictures. If you have it and are not going to use it, I would be glad to pay you for what you think it’s worth. I’m removing that Porta Bracket and cutting back to a 25 inch transom, and the compartments that are there now will have to come out. They were built during the last rebuild that put the Porta Bracket on.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

It is still sitting in my yard. Give me a call.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

With Ron Brooks requesting the rear boxes I wanted to make sure I wasn't giving away something that I would need in the future. After taking some measurements I realized that when I had cut it out during the intitial tear down, my gunnel caps weren't going to be long enough. Glad I caught this. That would have been a real shocker to get ready to install the top cap and realize it was 14" short. In this photo you can see where I marked what had to be cut.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03027.jpg

After cutting I clamped into place before glassing to the top cap.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03073.jpg

My first trial with a mold release went pretty well. I was trying to figure out how to glass in the large opening in where I had cut the storage compartment out of the center console. I used some hardi board that I waxed with Partall #2 then brushed on about three layers of PVA. After fastening this to the outside of the opening I then turned the CC upside down and begin applying layers of 1708 from the inside. Now some sanding and filling the rest of the voids.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03025.jpg

Another thing I did was build this short 18" table. Since I don't have the luxury of a covered area for my entire project, it allows me to keep the CC off the ground during rain events to keep it clean and it's easy to lean and tilt in any direction to access the area I need to work on at any given time.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03075.jpg

Back to the top cap. In the process of removing all the old coring I got to a point that I could recognize an old repair.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03015.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03011.jpg

Everything sanded and cleaned up.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03017.jpg

New coring. This will be installed with Cabosil and glassed over with 1708.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03021.jpg

There are some cracks in the top cap that will have to be fixed.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03076.jpg

I'm using a Dremel tool to grind out the torn glass and will patch from the inside with strips of glass.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03077.jpg

Putting the final wrap on the inside of the transom. This is a final layer of 1708. Next step will be building the equipment mounting pads for my pumps and fuel filter.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03070.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03072.jpg

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Nice to see this one coming along. Instead of the dremel on those cracks, you might want to just take it down w/ your grinder and flap disk. 12 - 1 or so. Even if you have glassed the inside surface, I would still take the gelcoat down and feather in some x-mat or 1208-3/4 mat to keep the crack from telegraphing and re-cracking from flexing. I had it happen to one I did after doing the dremel thing too. Keep it up! Looking good.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Will,

I have the back piece you gave me - a little heavier than I thought so I am glad I brought a friend! I'll be starting mine after Sept 20. I have some fishing commitments between now and then - and it will hopefully have cooled off some.

You're doing a fantastic job! The windshield fit perfectly and this aft compartment will allow me to repower on a 25 inch transom rather than that Porta bracket I have. It moves my COG way back and the boat sits aft heavy in the water.

If you need some help some time just call me. I would love to help just to learn more!

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Ron, I hope that piece works out for you! Just make sure you get plenty of fishing in before you start tearing it down. I imagine more than a few days away from the water will be tough on you!!

grgrmouse, at your recommendation I went ahead and ground down the four areas in question yesterday.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03079.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03081.jpg

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

You'll be happier later, trust me ;) Are you gelcoating or paint?

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

I'll be painting.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Looking good bud. On those cracks when in doubt always grind them bigger! that way you are giving more surface area to the glass to bond to. I see your boat had not shortage of rot either.

The coring looks like it is working out well for you.


What is next on the agenda?

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Alright. Like Billy said, the wider the grind out, the easier to fair. Especially w/ a longboard. A good ratio is 12 to 1. When you fair out, careful not to mix in too many air bubbles in the fairing compound. I learned to fold in the hardener so it lessened the chances of air intrapment. Evercoat is what I usually use.
Keep it up.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

BTK, I really want to get the transom area wrapped up which is dependent on me picking up a pump this weekend that I had ordered incorrectly. My fuel tank should be deliverd next week which will allow me to install some of the bulkheads. I've been jumping back and forth from area to area which is not ideal but a lot of it is dependent on the weather and how much time I have in the evenings. I have been planning to laminate my deck in a similar manner to yours and have accumulated most of the items I need to build a table to have it laid up. We will see how that goes.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

You may have mentioned it, but are you planning on finishing with a bracket?

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Its amazing how much [censored] you accumalate and have to buy for a little silly 20' seacraft! I still have 2 shelfs in my garage filled with extras and leftovers from my boat.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Zach,

I'm planning on buying a flotation bracket from Hermco.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

These are pieces of Divinycell H80 that is 1/2" thick that I've cut to size to core the top cap.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03110.jpg

I used Dura Bond Epoxy to bed the coring pieces. After mixing it up I used a notched trowel to spread and groove it.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03113.jpg

After the coring set up I used a razor knife to bevel both edges of the Divinycell and glassed it over with a 1 1/2 oz matt.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03115.jpg

Jumped back over to the face of my rear compartment and cut the access panel locations. On each side will be a 12" x 16" hatch with removable lid and the center will be a 20" x 14" hatch that will be hinged and swing to the left.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03151.jpg

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Just when you think all of the cellulose is gone you find more.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03152.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03153.jpg

Fitting the inner liner and top cap. I want to glass the opening of the original storage area so that it is flush with open access to the anchor locker and hatches further back. Trying to figure out where to make the cuts to refit.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03154.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03159.jpg

Some of the top cap cracks that have been repaired.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03156.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03158.jpg



After cuts were made. I'm leaving the center strut temporarily for stabilization while I'm working on it.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03161.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03162.jpg

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

You'll be happy with the bracket.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Will,

WOW.....wood fears you :o Nice work...you are really doing an awesome job :D

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Thanks. All the post on here provide plenty of motivation!

After cutting the rear hatch opening I needed to reinforce the back. This piece was a semi structural 5/8" board since they didn't have what I had used everywhere else. I'm using 3/4" Coosa Board strips to reinforce it and provide a stop for the center hinged hatch.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03201.jpg

These are the equipment pads that I'll glass over to mount the fuel filter, raw water pump, sump pump and two thru hulls for the seacock and transducer. I've simulated working on these and should be able to install and remove without too much trouble.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03202.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03206.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...DSC03209-1.jpg

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

I don't mean to raise any real serious questions but while your mounting pads look terrific, I would question putting your D/S transducer that close to the transom. I seem to remember recomended setbacks of around 18" and a larger offset from the keel. You might want to check it out before you crank up the "portable hole" that's not too portable.

Just my 2 cents.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Thanks BigLew! I'll definitely check the installation recomendations and if it is an issue will probably just go with an externally mounted transducer.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

I hope to never go back to a transom mount transducer. I installed the Airmar tilted element through a similar block and am very, very satisfied. It may lose bottom when backing really hard or catchin' air, but that's it.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

reelescape1, are you telling me that yours is mounted as close to the transom as my pads are shown in the picture? Looking at the picture the pad to the left would be for the thru hull transducer.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

I can't see the pics here at work :( Pics of mine are on this site somewhere if you want to look or I'll measure for ya. I'm not saying mine is where it "belongs" but it works. Mine had a HS pickup on starboard side so that's where I put the ducer on port. The manufacturer should tell you what they reccomend.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

From everything I've seen on your very careful and efficient tear down it looks like this boat was not previously restored...at least to the level of what you and I call restoration. The previous owner may have replaced the rub rail and painted the boat but everything else that I'm seeing under the deck and at the inner transom is factory work.

You are doing a great job and when it's finished you are going to be so happy knowing what is under your feet is solid and sound. Keep up the good work!

strick

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Strick,

thanks for the compliments. I've reviewed your posts many times for ideas and guidance during my project. I even joined the "two" SeaCraft club last week with the purchase of a '71 Seafari. Not sure if I'm going to keep or not since I was mainly after the trailer but it sure feels good for now!!

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

He He it's a disease many of us are afflicted with, collecting seacrafts like they are Barbi Dolls that is. There is no cure either...you just have to hit rock bottom at some point I suppose. :D

strick

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

I have been working on my fuel tank coffin and bulkheads the last few days. I installed the slats and temporarily laid in the 1/8" neoprene (60 Durometer) strips.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03293.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03296.jpg

I need to know if these are strong so here I am standing on two of the six. I go about 220 so I pretty comfortable with the installation. Nevertheless, I added more cloth in the corners and another layer across each slat for maximum strength.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03298.jpg

In this photo I've laid in two PVC Sch 80 1/2" pipes to drain the fuel coffin in the event of any water intrusion. These will pass under the area for my rear fishbox that will be foamed in.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03294.jpg

Added the first and second layers of matt to the rear access. This will be glassed in shortly. You'll notice where I've added the holes that the cockpit drains will be mounted in.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03275.jpg

You can also see the door for the middle opening in this pic.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC03278.jpg

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Had a chance to get some stuff done this weekend. I primed and painted my fuel tank after hitting it with 150 grit sandpaper. This was my first experience with a spray gun and it went pretty well. I suspended it from some scaffolding so I could work around it easily.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC00001.jpg

I also used BilgeKote to paint my fuel cell and rear bilge area.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC00023.jpg

I added a partition to seperate the area where the fuel filter will be mounted from the bilge and washdown pumps. Wasn't sure if this was a coast guard requirement but thought it might not be a bad idea to isolate the fuel filter in the event any vapors might be ignited by some of the electrical components . You can see the hole where the rigging tube will pass through. Also added another strut that will later help support the rear cap as well as add lateral strength.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC00024.jpg

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Looking good!

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Ron,

Awlgrip is not something to be trifled with. That said, probably the most important prevention is a managed source of clean breathable air. The fumes and the product itself is what is dangerous. It attacks the liver. And it is nasty stuff if it reaches the liver.

It is an excellent product and can probably be managed in a brush or roller application process with quality VOC filtration capability. It is when we began to spray it and risk the inhalation of the fumes and the product itself that things get really dicey.

If you intend a spray it, spend the time it takes to get yourself familiar with proper precautions. Good luck.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

A couple more pics. I've installed the rigging tubes and getting ready to install the fuel tank. In the second picture you can see the stainless unistrut I fastened to the stringers. There are four of these and will be used to fasten the tank in place.


http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC00029.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC00028.jpg

Rigging tube passing through the fuel filter compartment.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC00032.jpg

I used a hole saw to drill out the rear drain. You can see where the new one was centered vs. the one from the factory. I guess that mass production doesn't lend itself to the same tolerances of someone in the backyard.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...h/DSC00031.jpg

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

I'm assuming that PVC pipe goes back to the bracket compartment and all the rigging passes thru it? If that is the case, that 90 might cause you some grief, particuliarly with the shift/throttle cables, I would opt for a sweep 90. Rest of it looks right nice.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Caymanboy, the rigging tube terminates into the bilge compartment which would then leave the exposed cables to turn into the opening in the transom to access the bracket. Per someone else's recommendation on this forum I used the thinner wall DWV PVC because it weighs less but also couldn't locate a longer radius "sweep" that you describe. I need to investigate further because I don't need that to become a problem when I get to the point of pulling cables. Thanks for your advice.

Re: 1978 SF restoration, my first one.....
 

Will with that rigging tube you might want to use 2 45s instead. I dont think the throttle cable will bend that much on the ends. with the 2 45s you will use the holes you already drilled just space the 2 45s with a 4" peice between them. Problem solved.