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

[wtenglish]

ROBCAR, thanks for the compliments. Next step for me is to pop the forward boxes and gunwales out. Unfortunately I can't work on it this weekend but should be able to get after it next week.

[wtenglish]

Finally got back to work this afternoon. I had a friend help me but will definitely need a lift when I start putting this back together.

[BigLew]

Just an FYI. Strick didn't brace the gunnels on his 20 when he took the liner off and it spread out enough that he had to split the liner and reglass it once he got the 2 pieces back up in place. He probaly added an inch or so to the beam measured at the rail!

[wtenglish]

BigLew, thanks for the advice. I took quite a few measurements before anything was disassembled and am planning on a suitable cradle and crossbracing before I start putting it back together. I hope to hold the original dimensions and perform QA/QC checks periodically through the restoration in case I need to make some adjustments.

[billythekid]

you are doing a really good job on the controlled chaos of tearing the boat down. As one of the other guys already said Stricks boat spread from not having a brace across it. I would make one so it was removable with two screws while you were working inside and then be able to reinstall after the days work is over. what are you plans for everthing? From the pics and how fast you are going it doesnt look like this is your first rodeo. Keep up the goods work and the pics coming.

[htillman]

Strick may chime in but the problem with the boat spreading is he put the floor back in and did not check the width. So measure the upper cap width and the hulls width, like everyone says, stabilize it. I removed the upper cap from my 23 but did not have a problem with spreading since the inner liner (floor) stayed intaked and kept the boat from spreading.

[wtenglish]

Strick may chime in but the problem with the boat spreading is he put the floor back in and did not check the width. So measure the upper cap width and the hulls width, like everyone says, stabilize it. I removed the upper cap from my 23 but did not have a problem with spreading since the inner liner (floor) stayed intaked and kept the boat from spreading.

ET23, I've checked the dimensions a couple of times since I removed the deck, inner liner and gunwales and haven't seen excessive deflection at this point. I was planning on taking it off the trailer and blocking it but the trailer actually provides such a good cradle that I may wait until I have some of the structural members back in place before addressing the bottom.

[wtenglish]

you are doing a really good job on the controlled chaos of tearing the boat down. As one of the other guys already said Stricks boat spread from not having a brace across it. I would make one so it was removable with two screws while you were working inside and then be able to reinstall after the days work is over. what are you plans for everthing? From the pics and how fast you are going it doesnt look like this is your first rodeo. Keep up the goods work and the pics coming.

BTK, that is a good idea and I may give it a try. Another method that I read on one post was to cut a dado in two ends of a 2x4 and just drop it down on the pre-measured locations. I definitely need to hold the original form and avoid any rework if possible. A lot of the design is still fluid right now but a couple of things I'm hoping to accomplish will be able to accomodate a 175hp to 200hp 4 stroke engine with a 16-20 gallon livewell in the stern. At this point I'm thinking about purchasing one of Hermco's brackets for twins and having it drilled for a single for the additional flotation. I've got some sanding to do and it will give me a chance to put more thought into the details. Nobody told me this stuff's addictive, I'm having a hard time focusing on the day job!

[Bushwacker]

.. a couple of things I'm hoping to accomplish will be able to accomodate a 175hp to 200hp 4 stroke engine with a 16-20 gallon livewell in the stern. At this point I'm thinking about purchasing one of Hermco's brackets for twins and having it drilled for a single for the additional flotation.

Will, it looks like you're off to a great start on your restoration! However I'd respectfully suggest you rethink the power selection, as the combo of a bracket, 500 lb motor (ask the mfgr what the WET weight is will all fluids and cowling installed!) and a big live well = a seriously stern heavy boat with a min planing speed of 20 mph plus! No matter how big the flotation chamber is, it won't help once you're on plane! Consider the Zuke 140 if you want quiet and low fuel consumption, or an early lightweight Merc if you want lots of power, or if you want quiet, lots of power AND low fuel comsumption, a small block V-6 E-Tec!