Just Picked Up 1969 20'....Need Restoration Advice
 

My father and I just picked up a 1969 20SF. It has a usable 140 Suzuki on it. The interior and exterior paint have to be redone, I want to replace the leaning post, and put a t top on. I need any and all advice on the proper way to go about doing these repairs as this is my first restoration on a classic hull. The main things I am trying to get at now are the best order in which to complete each step. I figured to take everything off of the boat that I can, to facilitate in getting the best paint job possible. This is not going to be a total redo like I see many of the boats on here are, but get the inside and outside looking good and make it fishable. Please help as we need all the advice we can get and bare with me as I am sure I will have more questions. Here it is:
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...20seacraft.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...1217/stern.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...d1217/side.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...ed1217/bow.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...7/console2.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...17/console.jpg

Re: Just Picked Up 1969 20'....Need Restoration Advice
 

Heck, it looks fishable now. If you dont want to do a complete resto do a sniff test in the fuel tank compartment, if no smell its probably ok but a pressure leakdown test would be better; hook the trailer to your vehicle, tilt the motor up and jump on the lower unit. If you dont see any flex in the transom where the motor is bolted then it should be good for a couple years; next, walk the entire deck, if you feel any soft spots jump on them a little, if ya dont fall through, the decks alright for a while; check your wireing for corrosion and loose connections spray some B-9 on the terminals and check that everything works; check steering and control cables ; check your bearings and tires on your trailer; If everything seems ok , go fishin

IMO , I wouldn't waste the time or money to paint the inside unless I was going to do a total resto; I would fill and protect any screwholes to prevent any water intrusion..I'd try somekind of finish restorer on the outside before I repainted. Take the time to do searches on this site and you will find everything you need to know, Richard

Re: Just Picked Up 1969 20'....Need Restoration Advice
 

You need to make sure the deck is solid enough to hold a tee top. if it is the orginal deck it may not be! just something to think about!

Re: Just Picked Up 1969 20'....Need Restoration Ad
 

That is a nice boat, it was for sale here as well. My father had the little brother to your Suzuki 140, the 115, on his 19 mako and it is a GREAT motor. Had some odd corrosion but was great on fuel and oil.

welcome aboard.

Re: Just Picked Up 1969 20'....Need Restoration Ad
 

Oh, the transom is only a couple of years old and the deck feels fine. My concerns are that the tank is in the console and I would really like a smaller footprint on the console so that a cooler could be upfront instead of a seat only. I realize it is fishable now, but want to do a half redo; as in paint, leaning post, t top, cushions, livewell, trim tabs. I just need to figure where to start. I guess ripping everything off to prepare for any fiberglass work and painting would be first.
Thanks for replies.

Re: Just Picked Up 1969 20'....Need Restoration Ad
 

Changing up the console is something that many of us here have done. I cut four inches out of the middle and removed the seat in the front to make room for an ice chest. I think it is right at 28 inches wide now - just about the same width as a 94 quart ice chest.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k3...DSC00205-1.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k3...DSC00203-1.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k3...DSC00206-1.jpg

I'm not certain about your boat but you may have to deal with a raised lip that the console is attached too. If your tank is in the console, I would think about putting the gas tank in the floor like the newer boats. This would be alot of work as you would have to cut a hole in the floor, fabricate a hatch cover and lip in the floor for the hatch to rest on. In my opinion, very worth it to get the tank in the deck where it belongs and free up space in the console. -will

20' Console Mods
 

Can some other people post pictures of how they modified this version of the 20'CC console?

Re: 20' Console Mods
 

here is some pics of when i did mine. i have the same console as you did .

Re: 20' Console Mods
 

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...P6242080-1.jpg

This is what I did with mine. Used some leftover Brazilian cherry flooring to cover up all the old cutouts. Consider repairing your old unit.