1987 23 Center Console Project

[Chrismacholz]

I wanted to start a thread since I'm starting down a path that I can already see is starting to become a big project.

I've had the boat about a year and a half now and I'm getting really familiar with all of the issues that can appear on a 30 year old boat. The previous owner kept the boat in great shape, but it's been about 15 years since the last repower/rewire and I decided I would tackle a rewire project this winter. We routinely took the boat 15-30+ miles last year and I want one less thing to worry about when we're out there next year.

Since I was tearing all the wiring out of the console anyway, I thought it would be a good time to pull the console, open up the tank hatch, and take a look at the original tank. I also have a few soft spots around the console that I would like to take care of while this is apart.

As usual, it's turning into a bigger project than I expected. I'm doing the work in my driveway, so it will be slow for a bit until things warm up.

Feel free to follow along, I could definitely use some pointers along the way.

Here is what I'm starting with:



And here is a drawing of my deck soft spots (and interior pics) I've been sending around for estimates. I'm having someone take a look at it over the weekend to give an estimate to fix these spots. If its too costly I am going to attempt the repair myself this spring.



As for the wiring, it's a real corroded mess right now. Look at this main feed for the switch panel...