Today was seemingly productive, I got a few things accomplished. The first task was to redo the wiring for the lights on the trailer It appeared as if rats or decades of neglect had taken their toll. The trailer is a 1976 Seminole (any one know anything about those?) tandem with 4 mix matched tires or 13" rims. Gonna need new axles tires springs basically you name it. The galvanized frame is in great shape.
As it pertains to the trailer, does anyone have any experience with registering one of these with the Florida DMV? The seller couldn't find the title, however he had two registrations and the vin is legible (surprisingly). I was under the impression that any trailer over 2000 lbs needed to be titled. The old registration lists the weight at 870. It still has his old tag on it 4 years expired. Any information and or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Moving right along to the hull, as I mentioned earlier I planned to remove the console and the fuel tank hatch. I was able to get the console unscrewed rather easily due to the rotted floor (the only good thing about rotted wood). and moved it aside. The console is gonna be a project all by its self, its had some additions and subtractions of electronics and fixtures on it over the years. I plan to keep this console as I like the origional pieces on he boat and structurally it doesn't have any serious damage, just cosmetics. I think I can rehab it in a weekend. I was reading in one post about using duct tape as a backer for filling holes with epoxy, I think I am going to give that a shot. I am going to keep the provisions for the mercury outboard trim and key switch. Whenever I upgrade the motor I plan to add a teak or mahogany plate over the holes.
With the console up I got at the fuel tank. After removing what seemed to be a couple of caulk tubes of 5200 that were sloppily applied whenever the tank was done I was able to get the hatch off. Its in excellent shape with no damage or delamination issues. The tank looked good, there was a sticker on it that said AAA fabrication, Hialeah, FL. The gallon size was correct for the hull, however the date stamp was illegible. It seems to be in good shape, I immediately noticed no smell of fuel in the bilge or eminating from the tank, thought that's a good sign. I didn't see any corrosion on the topside, but that's as far as I could see. I attempted a removal, but it wouldn't budge (yes, I took the retaining screws out) I am guessing due to what appears to be 30-40 gallons of old fuel in it that became visible when I pulled the sending unit. Anyone have any ideas on how to get rid of this amount of fuel. It doesn't seem real stale (like the kind that causes atrocious varnish) but still not fit to be run. I am thinking of siphoning it out a little at a time and pouring on concrete or dumping it in the tank of my old IDI Diesel F250 with 30 or so gallons of diesel (Ive done worse with that motor and it keeps on going).
I kept coming across sand all over inside the hull. Its definitely sand like we have on the east coast of Florida, little bits of shells here and there. There is probably 20lbs of it in the boat. I also came across what looks to be insulation (the yellow stuff, not the pink) was that a factory thing? I see no purpose for it being there.
That is all for now. By the way, I know west marine sells a brand of epoxy that doesn't blush and I cant remember the name, anyone remember? I really want to get on this console project while I am waiting on ordering my marine ply.
Tilted the console up and went to work. I cut most of the wires as they were trashed anyways, they should make good chasers for the new wires though.
The fuel tank is finally reavealed
Fuel Filler hose literally fell apart in my hand.
