'77 Sceptre Rebuild
 

Ok gents, we started the overhaul of our 1977 Sceptre. The first pic is when we got her in '08. The rest are from the last two weeks or so. I'm gonna need lots of pointers and advice, as I have never undertaken any kind of project like this. Please be patient with me.....I'm a complete newbie at fiberglass and repair. (And apparently posting pics too! Can't figure out wht some pics are huge and the others are small??) The plan is to enclose the transom, add a bracket, add a bait tank in the transom, recore the floor (has a few soft spots) totally repaint her and upgrade the wiring and electronics.http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h.../f350003-1.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft002.jpg http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft003.jpg http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft004.jpg http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft005.jpg http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft006.jpg http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft012.jpg http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft014.jpg http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft015.jpg

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild
 

The images are not showing up.

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild
 

Lets try again: My son and I bought this boat in '08 and we knew that we'd be able to fish her for a little while and that we were gonna need to re-do her. Well, we fished her for the last two seasons and we finally got brave or crazy and decided that it was time to do something. We were just gonna paint her and then redo the floor next year, upon removing the Lenco's I found water dripping from the holes.....we all know that ain't good, decided to go ahead and tear her on down....floor, transom, repaint her and then upgrade the electronics and wiring. I'm hoping to enclose the transom, add a bracket (need advice here..IE: brand and etc.) add a bait tank in the transom and of course recore the floor. Started a couple of weeks ago and sanded the starboard side back down to gelcoat...had two coats of paint (what a PITA), then moved to de-rigging the engine and preparing to remove it. Removed the transom bait boxes and finally got around to removing the engine. Next we're going to remove the hardtop and start on the transom...removing the old core. Need some pointers on all of this, as I have never undertaken such a project and have very little fiberglass experience. Here are a few pics: http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h.../f350003-1.jpg When we first brought her home.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft002.jpg Starboard side sanded down.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft003.jpg Where I filled and have started fairing the starboard vent.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft007.jpg The bait boxes removed.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft018.jpg Starboard side box gone!
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft017.jpg Port box gone!
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft021.jpg The main reason for the whole project!

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild
 

Glassing in the vents was a mistake..
Thats why the deck is still solid!
It vents the inner hull of moisture that would be normally
trapped.

Just my 2 cents worth.

See ya, Ken

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild
 

NoBones......the floor was soft in some spots to begin with. It's not like I cant cut them back out u know?? Thanks for the advice! CAN someone delete the empty pics in the original post??? Please

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild
 

admin@classicseacraft.com

Request deletion via email..

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild
 

I was able to get the vast majority of the transom core out today with the pry bars and lots of luck and pulling! I have another question......what is the best (easiest) way to get the rest of the core out that is stuck between the outerskin and the stringers??? I'll try and post some pics later on my progress. Also, what type resin is preferred for transom and floor....I will probably be going with marine ply......can't afford the composite stuff!!

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild
 

Here are some pics as promised yesterday...Please note where the inboard engine WAS mounted and give me some ideas about this. I want to add some height to them so that they will support the floor (deck...sole) whatever you want to call it. I will be moving the batteries (somewhere) and adding a larger fuel tank. I sure am glad I found some Tyvek coveralls!! (Still itching a 'lil though.) Another thing.....since it was an I/O, there was no center stringer...it ended about 3 ft from the transom, should I make a knee(???) to tab to the new transom when I get there for more support or should I extend the center stringer to the transom anyway??

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft098.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft097.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...eaCraft099.jpg

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Got the majority of the grinding finished today and made a trace of the transom with a 4X8 piece of foam and fitted it, to use as a cutting guide for the marine ply if we can ever find some here in eastern NC.....amazing I can find one sheet but never two at the same place! Anyway, here's the obligatory shop vac pic and our fitted cutting guide.
Also a pic with the fuel tank removed.


http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...craftrb001.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...craftrb010.jpg

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Makin some serious headway..looks like you have alot of property to do such a project...very nice..keep pics coming
-Fred

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Ok gents (and ladies) I've finally gotten my marine plywood and cut it to fit....2 pieces of 3/4". Now, how do I put them together??? Do i mix my epoxy resin and thoroughly wet one out and place the other on it and weight it down...or do i wet out some matt or 1708 and then put them together and weigh them down?

BTW Fred....I haven't forgotten you and the console pics....they'll be coming sometime....I promise!

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

I am sure there are different thoughts, but here is what I did.

Coated each board both sides with resin.
Let it soak in and dry (like the next day)

1708 on each side of the board (after scuffing first)

Now you have two boards that are laminated with 1708.

When these are dry scuff the two faces, coat with resin and lay another piece of 1708 between them and clamp very tight.

When done the whole thing should weigh about 100#.

If others have done it different they will chime in I am sure :D

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Thank You trader......I really appreciate u taking the time to respond!

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

That is what is so great about this forum.

Pass Forward...ask questions and they will get answered.

BTW if you check out Stricks, here we go again, thread you can find almost any question you have. That thread is my reference for a lot of my questions.

Keep the pics coming....

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

I would use that method but would suggest a few revisions.

1) I wouldn't wait for things to cure between steps. It will eliminate the need to sand, and the bond will be much stronger.

2) Hold it together with a bunch of drywall screws with washers. This will give even and strong "clamping".

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 06-12-10
 

Well finally we finally quit procrastinating and finished sanding the hull sides down to old gelcoat (port) as the starboard side has been finished for a couple of months!! We also removed the bow rail and are in the process of removing bow pulpit to recore it (rotten also). I've also pictured my newest and most sought after PRIZE! I found a gent on another fishing website here in NC that had a Armstrong (by the looks of it) bracket for sale.....$300.00.....what can I say....I snatched it up quick!!!

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...craftrb015.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...craftrb013.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...craftrb014.jpg

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 06-12-10
 

That bracket looks like a Gil.

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 06-12-10
 

Thank You SBD......I researched it and it is indeed a Gil Bracket! I was fortunate enough that it was 12 degrees as was needed for my transom.

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 06-12-10
 

Can't go wrong if its the right angle at $300.

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

I will agree with you on this...with the exception of the first penetrating coat of epoxy.

If you prime the board first and let it dry you then know how much the wood sucked in the epoxy.

If you don't prime the board the cloth will suck the epoxy away from the wood and the bond will not be as firm.

Hope this is clear.

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Agreed.

However if you wait until the hot coat is tacky, but not cured, the absorption will be over and you'll get a great bond...best of both world. The cloth will be tricky though.

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Well, we finally got around to removing the hardtop, the rodholders, outrigger mounts and the rear hardtop legs today......poor 'ole girl looks a little naked! I took the advice I was given about resins, (thanks to all that replied!) and ordered 15 gals of epoxy from US Composites (I had purchased some from them last year...they were a little bit higher, but I received good customer service from them).

Now, how hard is it to remove the cap and recore the gunnels and bow area???? There was a bit of soft or almost non-existant wood in there in some spots. Suggestions here please...is this feasable or not?

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

I did this two years ago. I will be in NC late July as that is my home - Morehead City. PM me and I will either tell you about my experience or email you.
ET

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Contact Ebeach on this site. He did this to his a couple years ago.

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Got our resin in from US Composites and started laying some glass....started with the fast one.... we removed the bowpulpit and recored it, laid one layer so far of 1708, when that cures going to sand and add another layer, then fair it out. I then mixed some resin and wet out the transom plywood so that it might be in better condition and not soak up too much resin when I start our layup. I plan on doing 2 layers of 1708 on the outside (facing the bow) and one on the inside (going against the outerskin, which will already have a layer of 1708) I need pointers or advice here if I should use the aforementioned schedule or something else....better! Thanks

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...craftrb023.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...craftrb022.jpg

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Not sure you need 2 layers facing the bow. Others will chime in.

Be sure to check out Stricks link or mine and make sure you set up a clamping system for the transom.

Most of us just use 2*4 with bolts thru the transom.

I saw on the sight here some one made a couple of BIG C clamps so he would not have to fill the holes.

Be sure a drill in a bunch of resin relief holes in the plywood so the stuff can ooze out while clamping.

Check out 65bowriders link also. She had a good pictorial on installing the transom.

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

I was told by a professional that thru bolting is not necessary to set the material for new transom. As long as you have it held in firmly the cabosil will do all the work. He recommended dry wall screws from the exterior which is what I used. Mine hasn't been tested yet so I can't confirm any of this...

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

H E R M C O AND THE ANSWER IS :eek:

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

We got the transom core in today, laid on 1 layer of 1708 facing the outer skin and while it was setting up we mixed a bit of cabosil and epoxy and throughly wet the outer skin, set the core in and used the drywall screws to pull the core to the skin....added the weep holes and will start the inside layup sometime next week (hopefully)! Going with 1708, 1.5 oz matt and then another layer of 1708, does this sound reasonable?? :D

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Here are some pics of yesterdays fun....

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...craftrb024.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...craftrb025.jpg

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Looking good. I was just curious were you got that marine ply at? The marine ply that I am familiar with is relatively knott free. There was a guy on Classic Mako who recently bought some marine ply that looks similar to what you have there. I guess the quality depends on which kind you buy? keep up the great work.

http://marine-plywood.us/images/Doug...FirCollage.htm

strick

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Hey Strick,

We ordered it from a local lumber supplier....I thought it was kinda knotty! However, there was very few voids visable when I looked at it......at least on the edges......does MDO sound right, a local boat builder told me that is what he used and it was generally a better quality product, IDK? Anyway, thanks and hopefully it will last as long as the original transom! I appreciate your feedback and am gonna need more pointers!

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Buce..looking real good..your moving along now...
Questions for you....what type of crops are you growing (soybeans and corn...a little tobacco too???)..how many acres..also you have some neat outbuildings...love old farm bldgs etc..specially down here in FL we have some great FL Cracker style Architecture!!!!
Did not mean to derail...Keep the pics a rollin'
-Fred

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Hey Fred,

Theres about 20acres +/- behind our house that is leased.....about 12ac corn and the rest is beans. Sold the tobacco allotment some yrs ago, when my father-in-law quit tending it! Did u see my dash layout btw? not much help there I don't believe....we're going to do some changes with it also!

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Well, we finally got back to the ole girl! In the meantime, my son and I have replaced the stringers and floor in his '77 Arrow Glass bass boat, that was a weeks worth of work there....I'm sorry I didn't document it's restore. I used poly resin throughout that deal, as I had found a supplier that sold it in bulk for $21 a gallon (if you supplied the containers)!

Anyway, we've got one layer of 1708 on (horizontally) on the inside after doing a filet(?) of cabosil all around. I extended the 1708 approx 3 inches to get some bite. I am planning on running another layer of 1708 vertically to turn the grain opposite and then another layer horizontally and finally vertically again for 4 layers at 3, 6 9 and finally 12 inches overlap. Does this sound reasonable? Remember it will have a bracket and outboard installed.
On the outer transom I have built up where the notch was with 2 layers of 1.5 oz mat and 2 layers of 1708, this is all being put down with epoxy resin.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...rebuild001.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...rebuild002.jpg



http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...rebuild003.jpg

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

Well after all this time we finally got some time and super weather to work on the transom layup some more, got the remainders of our layup done...1708, 1.5 oz mat and finally the last layer of 1708, we couldn't have asked for a prettier day...75 degrees and sunny :cool:. Now, what would ya'll suggest: removing the cap and preceding with its restoration or the floor rehab??

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

True marine plywood has NO voids!!
MDO is used by sign makers for wood signs.

Just my 2¢ worth.

See ya, Ken

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

True marine plywood has NO voids!!
MDO is used by sign makers for wood signs.

Just my 2¢ worth.

See ya, Ken

[/QUOTE]]

Thank You Ken....and your POINT was exactly what?? That was posted months ago and now you grace me with your wisdom?? What gives??

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 4-21-10
 

]

Thank You Ken....and your POINT was exactly what?? That was posted months ago and now you grace me with your wisdom?? What gives??

[/QUOTE]

Oops... That be me bad not looking at the date from your
post. I guess that I missed that part somehow in July..

My apologies..

Your work still looks good!

See ya, Ken

Re: '77 Sceptre Rebuild update 3-9-11
 

Well, we've finally finished the transom layup and decided to finish de-rigging the boat and remove the cap for it's rehab. Since we are adding a transom bracket and a livewell in the transom we've decided to move the fishbox- storage area towards the stern. I figured with the additional weight we needed to move the batteries and fuel tank forward a bit. I'm planning on adding the battery box just before where the cabin starts. I'd appreciate some pointers or advice.....Ken I welcome your criticism too :cool: :D ;)
Here are some pics of todays fun:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...raftcap002.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...raftcap001.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/h...raftcap003.jpg