chi-girl
Well-Known Member
thats why i bought an old but mint 17ft shetland boat as it has never been messed arouind whith by previous owners.
Fletcher Arrowbolt 21 - Project (70's/80's?)
- Thread starter rbcoomer
- Start date
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
While i love posts like this and know the finished boat will probably look better than when it left the factory, but surely it will cost way more than buying a newer boat?
if its a classic you are wanting, there are a load of fletchers of the same year out there that just need minor work to get to a 'showroom classic'
Each pic you post seems to throw up more horror stories lol, cant wait to see the finished item, but would probablyat the amount of £££ gone into it.
Part of the pleasure for me is the restoration and even an example that appears in 'showroom' condition can hide many ills! I went for one that I knew needed work on the basis that I would know the eventual condition of everything hidden and learn a lot from the process. My budget is around £5K including the boat, but if it overruns I'll still keep going - just might take a bit longer!
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
I think most of this one is original, just a few things have been 'fixed' some time ago were well covered up due to their nature - like the floor!
Warpa
Well-Known Member
Part of the pleasure for me is the restoration and even an example that appears in 'showroom' condition can hide many ills! I went for one that I knew needed work on the basis that I would know the eventual condition of everything hidden and learn a lot from the process. My budget is around £5K including the boat, but if it overruns I'll still keep going - just might take a bit longer!
5k
That will be a nice boat if it gets done for that, even if it cost a few more k's i reckon you would get your money back, not that you will want to when its done
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
5k
...provided we don't factor in the 'labour' element...
Warpa
Well-Known Member
...provided we don't factor in the 'labour' element...
If you and friends are doing it we like to call it a labour of love
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Well, finally some dry days. Spent some time last weekend figuring out the frame for the camper cover and fixing up a temporary extension to it to hold up the tarpaulin and withstand the weather.
Started this weekend with the aim of removing the cuddy section of the boat. Although I originally hoped I wouldn't need to remove, the fact that the stringers are wet (not rotted) really meant it all had to come out. I could have tapered the stringers and joined in new sections, but given that the damp would have been drawn back into the timber, I decided it was best removed completely. However, as the pictures below will show, this ended up being the right choice...
The other job I wanted to get progressed was the bulkhead and although the stringers run through the bulkhead, they were reduced in height to around 1" from the bulkhead aft and similarly, the timber used for the engine mounts and engine bay forming, extend just 1" forward of the bulkhead. Basically, it appears the bare timber framework was laid out and the tabbed in/glassed over as required. The downside of this method was that once moisture had penetrated at any point, it tracked through and soaked all the timber throughout. I will be resin coating all new timber prior to fitting and given that the strength is in the fibreglass and tabbing, I have made the decision that the bulkhead will be both thicker and not dissected by the stringers. This will allow me to complete the section forward of the bulkhead and the lift the engine over into the cockpit whilst I strip and refurb the engine bay! Removal of the motor in current location would be impossible, so this will alleviate the need to move the boat.
Ok, here goes for the pics...
Trim off the tabbing from the old floor - perhaps should have cut closer when I removed floor, but being a 'blind cut', decided on the cautious approach. So this was the clean up.
Cross section of bulkhead - the black area to the right being the engine bay and the left half the starboard floor stringers. The original was 9mm ply, but I intend to double this given that the bulkhead is only half-height (top half being formed by rear seat to facilitate engine access).
Having started to cut away the stringers from the aft end, it became apparant that although solid but wet higher up, the bases had largely rotted away.
Cutting down each side and then breaking away seemed the best means of removal - although solid, this wood was so wet that the vibration of the cutter caused liquifaction - with water oozing from the surface!
Method used was to cut through the base of the fibreglass (into the stringer)...
...then up the sides...
...and finally, decapitate from behind!
Once cut, a screwdriver prys up the fibreglass...
and pulls away from the stringer.
A bit of cleaning up, one side removed.
Both sides cut out enough for grinding back and glassing in new bulkhead. Note that the 1" protrusion of the engine bay carriers has also been removed at this stage. These will be replaced anyway and new ones glassed onto the bulkhead, but not through. Additional bracing at either end will compensate for any reduced latteral rigidity.
The problem with the cuddy is obvious in this next picture. Although the ply floor ended just past the threshold, the stringers continue forward - as does the buoyancy foam - complete with it's water...
Interior removed, cuddy floor looks solid and being fibreglass only (no plywood) you would think ok...
However, having decided to remove I thought I'd best keep the moldings for future reference/reuse!
Below the sculpted recess was wet - VERY WET!!!
...so much so that it was a suitable habitat for a stowaway worm!
However, the stowaway prize must go to these fellas who had obviously made home between the back of the dash and the cuddy bulkhead...
All being well, some more next week.
Started this weekend with the aim of removing the cuddy section of the boat. Although I originally hoped I wouldn't need to remove, the fact that the stringers are wet (not rotted) really meant it all had to come out. I could have tapered the stringers and joined in new sections, but given that the damp would have been drawn back into the timber, I decided it was best removed completely. However, as the pictures below will show, this ended up being the right choice...
The other job I wanted to get progressed was the bulkhead and although the stringers run through the bulkhead, they were reduced in height to around 1" from the bulkhead aft and similarly, the timber used for the engine mounts and engine bay forming, extend just 1" forward of the bulkhead. Basically, it appears the bare timber framework was laid out and the tabbed in/glassed over as required. The downside of this method was that once moisture had penetrated at any point, it tracked through and soaked all the timber throughout. I will be resin coating all new timber prior to fitting and given that the strength is in the fibreglass and tabbing, I have made the decision that the bulkhead will be both thicker and not dissected by the stringers. This will allow me to complete the section forward of the bulkhead and the lift the engine over into the cockpit whilst I strip and refurb the engine bay! Removal of the motor in current location would be impossible, so this will alleviate the need to move the boat.
Ok, here goes for the pics...
Trim off the tabbing from the old floor - perhaps should have cut closer when I removed floor, but being a 'blind cut', decided on the cautious approach. So this was the clean up.
Cross section of bulkhead - the black area to the right being the engine bay and the left half the starboard floor stringers. The original was 9mm ply, but I intend to double this given that the bulkhead is only half-height (top half being formed by rear seat to facilitate engine access).
Having started to cut away the stringers from the aft end, it became apparant that although solid but wet higher up, the bases had largely rotted away.
Cutting down each side and then breaking away seemed the best means of removal - although solid, this wood was so wet that the vibration of the cutter caused liquifaction - with water oozing from the surface!
Method used was to cut through the base of the fibreglass (into the stringer)...
...then up the sides...
...and finally, decapitate from behind!
Once cut, a screwdriver prys up the fibreglass...
and pulls away from the stringer.
A bit of cleaning up, one side removed.
Both sides cut out enough for grinding back and glassing in new bulkhead. Note that the 1" protrusion of the engine bay carriers has also been removed at this stage. These will be replaced anyway and new ones glassed onto the bulkhead, but not through. Additional bracing at either end will compensate for any reduced latteral rigidity.
The problem with the cuddy is obvious in this next picture. Although the ply floor ended just past the threshold, the stringers continue forward - as does the buoyancy foam - complete with it's water...
Interior removed, cuddy floor looks solid and being fibreglass only (no plywood) you would think ok...
However, having decided to remove I thought I'd best keep the moldings for future reference/reuse!
Below the sculpted recess was wet - VERY WET!!!
...so much so that it was a suitable habitat for a stowaway worm!
However, the stowaway prize must go to these fellas who had obviously made home between the back of the dash and the cuddy bulkhead...
All being well, some more next week.
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
...forgot the makeshift cover pics...
Keeps quite warm inside too
Keeps quite warm inside too
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
A little progress...
A long overdue update! (Sorry Warpa - did start typing this over Easter!)
Progress has been a little slow for various reasons, but mostly a time shortage and other distractions (more on them in a minute! A few things are awaiting funds - like around £650 for hardwood timber for stringers and some marine ply, but not really an excuse as there are plenty of jobs I should be getting on with that just need a few hours here and there...
The first distraction has been Charlie (the 14' Arrowflyte) and her trailer needed a major refurb - new rollers, repaint etc. Charlie needed a good clean, new throttle cable, fitting of transducer for Lowrance Elite 5 (Going to use this between both boats!) and some emergency repairs to her seats (Duct Tape!). Charlie will be refloored, re-trimmed and new gel coat after the Arrowbolt so just need to limp through this season I hope
Second has been the garden which got a bit of a head start with weeds last year and don't want a repeat. At 400' it quickly reverts to a wildlife sanctuary and so for a 'quiet life' I've made a head start this year...
Oh, and at this stage I should perhaps also confess that I went and bought an 'almost as ancient as me' seized Evinrude 55 hp outboard the week before Easter! You'll probably wonder why, but at £62 and about £40 in fuel to pick up, seemed like a good idea at the time for Charlie... Something to do undercover on rainey days anyway - planning a rebuild post Arrowbolt.
And so, on to the Arrowbolt...
As I mentioned elsewhere, I decided that doing the stringers in two parts was a bad idea and that the motor was going to have to come out - thus the outdrive etc too. I'm on the lookout for an 'A-Frame Gantry' that I can assemble around the boat and then lift engine onto a scaffold over the boat. I also have a agreed a deal with a friend on a new-to-me galvanised trailer which he is dropping off during the June Rally. Space is limited, so I need to remove the old trailer from under the boat prior to this and get everything ready so the new trailer can be slid in below and the boat lowered.
Sounds simple...
Current position is that the drive is removed and sitting the that garage awaiting an overhaul, paint and general once-over. The stern is now resting on blocks and the trailer has been lowered off of the axle stands back onto it's wheels. The next stage is to remove the gimble housing etc and also construct a couple of timber 'cradles' to support the mid and forward sections of the boat as the old trailer is extracted.
I'm off the Shrewsbury tomorrow to the Fletcher open day, for SWMBO to visit elderly relatives and call in on step-daughter at Little Malvern. Thus no more activity until next week now...
And so to the pics...
Ooo 'eck! Who's idea was this?
A bit of anti-roll added...
Gently does it...
Gone!
Healthy...
Fairly clean here too...
So that's why that didn't work then...
It's an Alpha One Gen One, but not much chance of finding a model number I fear!
A bit of a clean up needed here.
Probably a bit more than a buff-up with a wire brush too... paint stripper perhaps?
Splines ok - Prop end...
...and drive end.
Nowt more than a bit of surface rust on the UJ.
Where do I start?
A long overdue update! (Sorry Warpa - did start typing this over Easter!)
Progress has been a little slow for various reasons, but mostly a time shortage and other distractions (more on them in a minute! A few things are awaiting funds - like around £650 for hardwood timber for stringers and some marine ply, but not really an excuse as there are plenty of jobs I should be getting on with that just need a few hours here and there...
The first distraction has been Charlie (the 14' Arrowflyte) and her trailer needed a major refurb - new rollers, repaint etc. Charlie needed a good clean, new throttle cable, fitting of transducer for Lowrance Elite 5 (Going to use this between both boats!) and some emergency repairs to her seats (Duct Tape!). Charlie will be refloored, re-trimmed and new gel coat after the Arrowbolt so just need to limp through this season I hope
Second has been the garden which got a bit of a head start with weeds last year and don't want a repeat. At 400' it quickly reverts to a wildlife sanctuary and so for a 'quiet life' I've made a head start this year...
Oh, and at this stage I should perhaps also confess that I went and bought an 'almost as ancient as me' seized Evinrude 55 hp outboard the week before Easter! You'll probably wonder why, but at £62 and about £40 in fuel to pick up, seemed like a good idea at the time for Charlie... Something to do undercover on rainey days anyway - planning a rebuild post Arrowbolt.
And so, on to the Arrowbolt...
As I mentioned elsewhere, I decided that doing the stringers in two parts was a bad idea and that the motor was going to have to come out - thus the outdrive etc too. I'm on the lookout for an 'A-Frame Gantry' that I can assemble around the boat and then lift engine onto a scaffold over the boat. I also have a agreed a deal with a friend on a new-to-me galvanised trailer which he is dropping off during the June Rally. Space is limited, so I need to remove the old trailer from under the boat prior to this and get everything ready so the new trailer can be slid in below and the boat lowered.
Sounds simple...
Current position is that the drive is removed and sitting the that garage awaiting an overhaul, paint and general once-over. The stern is now resting on blocks and the trailer has been lowered off of the axle stands back onto it's wheels. The next stage is to remove the gimble housing etc and also construct a couple of timber 'cradles' to support the mid and forward sections of the boat as the old trailer is extracted.
I'm off the Shrewsbury tomorrow to the Fletcher open day, for SWMBO to visit elderly relatives and call in on step-daughter at Little Malvern. Thus no more activity until next week now...
And so to the pics...
Ooo 'eck! Who's idea was this?
A bit of anti-roll added...
Gently does it...
Gone!
Healthy...
Fairly clean here too...
So that's why that didn't work then...
It's an Alpha One Gen One, but not much chance of finding a model number I fear!
A bit of a clean up needed here.
Probably a bit more than a buff-up with a wire brush too... paint stripper perhaps?
Splines ok - Prop end...
...and drive end.
Nowt more than a bit of surface rust on the UJ.
Where do I start?
Last edited:
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
The de-construction continues...!
Well, finally an uninterrupted day of progress!
Having made the decision that although they seemed solid, the stringers would be replaced not patched or joined, I removed the facing fibreglass and proved the decision was justified! Now removed the forward starboard side and will hope to do the port side and what I can of the aft sections tomorrow/during the week. There will be a few days of cleaning up and cutting back the excess fibreglass to do and some extensive cleaning before the reinstatement phase beings...
Much of the afternoon was spent labeling cables, removing engine ancillaries and removing the last of the rotted plywood and buoyancy foam in the stern section. Once the rest of the stringers are out, the gimble housing, transom shield and engine will be the next to remove before the transom itself is removed via the inner skin (the outer flibreglass skin will be left untouched to maintain structural shape)
One thing is now certain - 20kg of resin ain't nothing like enough...
Facing layer of fibreglass removed
...and simply fold forward to remove...
It almost made it one piece but literally fell in half!
Not much left of cross sections.
Outer stringer - not quite a bad.
...and on to the engine bay...
Starboard side opened up.
'Wood' from transom...
Are you supposed to be able to push finger into transom?
Manifold looks ok and water jacket seems clean.
Riser in good nick...
Port side cleared
End of day - time for a brew and bite to eat...
Well, finally an uninterrupted day of progress!
Having made the decision that although they seemed solid, the stringers would be replaced not patched or joined, I removed the facing fibreglass and proved the decision was justified! Now removed the forward starboard side and will hope to do the port side and what I can of the aft sections tomorrow/during the week. There will be a few days of cleaning up and cutting back the excess fibreglass to do and some extensive cleaning before the reinstatement phase beings...
Much of the afternoon was spent labeling cables, removing engine ancillaries and removing the last of the rotted plywood and buoyancy foam in the stern section. Once the rest of the stringers are out, the gimble housing, transom shield and engine will be the next to remove before the transom itself is removed via the inner skin (the outer flibreglass skin will be left untouched to maintain structural shape)
One thing is now certain - 20kg of resin ain't nothing like enough...
Facing layer of fibreglass removed
...and simply fold forward to remove...
It almost made it one piece but literally fell in half!
Not much left of cross sections.
Outer stringer - not quite a bad.
...and on to the engine bay...
Starboard side opened up.
'Wood' from transom...
Are you supposed to be able to push finger into transom?
Manifold looks ok and water jacket seems clean.
Riser in good nick...
Port side cleared
End of day - time for a brew and bite to eat...
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Progressing slowly...
Progress currently a bit slow due to work, getting ready for June rally and because I really need to lift engine out now. I think progress will have to halt a short while soon whilst I source and rig a lifting mechanism! I'm currently working on the theory of a gantry, block & tackle plus a scaffold to resite the motor...
Most engine ancilliaries now removed (and lots of notes and photos) - transom sheild, steering etc next...
Engine's looking a bit smaller now with a bit of 'free space'!
I have been cutting back the tabbing (hand pointer) and stringers now removed (arrowed)
Exposing the engine bay end of stringers:
Engine bay 'floor' (these are ply sections created for level space either side of engine)
Engine bearers
Actually more solid than they look, but like stringers very wet!
Progress currently a bit slow due to work, getting ready for June rally and because I really need to lift engine out now. I think progress will have to halt a short while soon whilst I source and rig a lifting mechanism! I'm currently working on the theory of a gantry, block & tackle plus a scaffold to resite the motor...
Most engine ancilliaries now removed (and lots of notes and photos
) - transom sheild, steering etc next...Engine's looking a bit smaller now with a bit of 'free space'!
I have been cutting back the tabbing (hand pointer) and stringers now removed (arrowed)
Exposing the engine bay end of stringers:
Engine bay 'floor' (these are ply sections created for level space either side of engine)
Engine bearers
Actually more solid than they look, but like stringers very wet!
Last edited:
burgundyben
Well-Known Member
If the wood is really wet you have 2 choices, chop it out and replace, or tent it off and dehumidify (prbly cheaper and quicker).
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Thanks Ben, I've opted to remove and replace. Whilst it will add a few hundred quid to the project, at least I'll know it is 'as new' when I finish
Whilst most of the stringers were still solid, the base of area's had rotted and all of it was soaked - much of it starting to blacken/soften. That said one of the largest sections split in two when removed so best out IMHO.Not yet decided on timber to use to replace, but Iroko or Sapele seem to be top of the suggestion list so far, with Meranti also suggested. I'll need to establish what is available locally and go from there I think. With all the marine ply, I'm expecting to accrue shares in the local merchant
burgundyben
Well-Known Member
For those sorts of jobs I wouldn't pay the premium for Iroko (and it'll be tough work by comparison), Sapele or Meranti, not much to choose and both fine for the job.
The plywood, buy BS1088, far eastern will be fine, you dont need to pay for Robbins elite!
The plywood, buy BS1088, far eastern will be fine, you dont need to pay for Robbins elite!
Feneris
Well-Known Member
I think this thread is really interesting, well done for persevering with it. Look forward to seeing more of it.
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Slow progress season update 2...
Hi All,
Apologies for long delay in updating - as you'll all be only too aware, the weather hasn't been too kind of late for outdoor projects! As a consequence of this and work - juggling 40 hour 'full-time' job, a number of contracted web projects, mobile discos and domestic/childcare duties, I've concentrated on a couple of aspects that needed research and capital costs. That and working to fund same.
Biggest cash outlay was a new (to me) trailer at £550. The old trailer could have been repaired, but aside from repair costs that were looking close to £1000, the original wasn't galvanized and was in fact rotting from the inside out. It was also heavy - weighing in at around 550kg by my approximations. The new trailer needs some work, but this is largely just a brake overhaul/adaptation (hydraulic), addition of some keel rollers and raising of bunks (new brackets).
The single axle will also make rotation in my driveway easier (road too busy/gateway too narrow to reverse in routinely). Now by this point you're probably wondering why I replaced trailer this early on in the project, but there is method in my madness... First a foremost one came up at a sensible price, it had a much lower keel position (over a foot lower) and was easier to move in the confined 'project space'. The latter two were important because they will facilitate the engine removal which is the next step - see below. However, I'm also looking to keep options open on the repaint and if I decide to take to a spray shop after preparation, I'll need a roadworthy trailer!
New(ish) wheels...
Boat (ahem) 'lifted' to remove old trailer and swap... (stern on blocks - H&S look away now!)
Ooh look - no wheels
Hrrmm - a bit light on the nose wheel!
Old trailer out.
Job done!
The second significant expense related to how best to remove the V8. After much deliberation on the benefits of a gantry to lift and transfer the engine, I opted for a more flexible route and have purchased a 2-ton engine hoist which will no doubt have many other uses too. I looked at numerous 1 & 2 ton variations on eBay, but settled on the 2 ton because at full reach it will lift 500kg whereas the 1 ton variants will only lift 250kg. I need the full reach both for height and reach.
I finally spent yesterday removing the remaining engine, power steering plumbing and engine mounts. I've test lifted off of the mounts, but now need to remove the swim deck frame. Unfortunately half the screw heads have rotted and will have to be drilled out. Standard 4mm hss bits don't make much impression, so I need to pick up a hardened bit from the tool centre tomorrow in order to progress.
I'm guessing the screws were stainless steel...
Load test complete - weight on hoist. Temp lift for now as I need to remove swim platform and move hoist closer to facilitate the lift prior to pulling boat forward.
Finally, I've also ordered a 'hinge-pin removal tool' as I discovered that neither a T60 nor T70 Torx star bit fitted the gimble housing. Last on my list for this month (tomorrow) is a new tarpaulin as the cheap £20 one is now falling apart after the winter gales and is starting to resemble a net!!!
The target is to remove transom and replace that and the stringers/floor by October. There probably won't be much progress in August as I'll be paying back plastic, hopefully getting some 'on-the-water' R&R with the 14' and redecorating the outside of the house before windows fall outeek Mobile disco work usually goes quieter October to November anyway so project pace should quicken with a few free weekends - reverting to workshop jobs like the engine & drive when weather deteriorates. There will be some subtle layout changes internally as a result of heating and cuddy changes (more later), so re-upholstery etc will probably not be until New Year/spring. Chances of a 2013 relaunch are probably less than 50/50 currently, but quality over speed is the ethos and a bare-bones shakedown is a more likely probability once floor and running gear is in...
Last of all, a quick reminder what all the efforts are for...
Hi All,
Apologies for long delay in updating - as you'll all be only too aware, the weather hasn't been too kind of late for outdoor projects! As a consequence of this and work - juggling 40 hour 'full-time' job, a number of contracted web projects, mobile discos and domestic/childcare duties, I've concentrated on a couple of aspects that needed research and capital costs. That and working to fund same.
Biggest cash outlay was a new (to me) trailer at £550. The old trailer could have been repaired, but aside from repair costs that were looking close to £1000, the original wasn't galvanized and was in fact rotting from the inside out. It was also heavy - weighing in at around 550kg by my approximations. The new trailer needs some work, but this is largely just a brake overhaul/adaptation (hydraulic), addition of some keel rollers and raising of bunks (new brackets).
The single axle will also make rotation in my driveway easier (road too busy/gateway too narrow to reverse in routinely). Now by this point you're probably wondering why I replaced trailer this early on in the project, but there is method in my madness... First a foremost one came up at a sensible price, it had a much lower keel position (over a foot lower) and was easier to move in the confined 'project space'. The latter two were important because they will facilitate the engine removal which is the next step - see below. However, I'm also looking to keep options open on the repaint and if I decide to take to a spray shop after preparation, I'll need a roadworthy trailer!
New(ish) wheels...
Boat (ahem) 'lifted' to remove old trailer and swap... (stern on blocks - H&S look away now!)
Ooh look - no wheels
Hrrmm - a bit light on the nose wheel!
Old trailer out.
Job done!
The second significant expense related to how best to remove the V8. After much deliberation on the benefits of a gantry to lift and transfer the engine, I opted for a more flexible route and have purchased a 2-ton engine hoist which will no doubt have many other uses too. I looked at numerous 1 & 2 ton variations on eBay, but settled on the 2 ton because at full reach it will lift 500kg whereas the 1 ton variants will only lift 250kg. I need the full reach both for height and reach.
I finally spent yesterday removing the remaining engine, power steering plumbing and engine mounts. I've test lifted off of the mounts, but now need to remove the swim deck frame. Unfortunately half the screw heads have rotted and will have to be drilled out. Standard 4mm hss bits don't make much impression, so I need to pick up a hardened bit from the tool centre tomorrow in order to progress.
I'm guessing the screws were stainless steel...
Load test complete - weight on hoist. Temp lift for now as I need to remove swim platform and move hoist closer to facilitate the lift prior to pulling boat forward.
Finally, I've also ordered a 'hinge-pin removal tool' as I discovered that neither a T60 nor T70 Torx star bit fitted the gimble housing. Last on my list for this month (tomorrow) is a new tarpaulin as the cheap £20 one is now falling apart after the winter gales and is starting to resemble a net!!!
The target is to remove transom and replace that and the stringers/floor by October. There probably won't be much progress in August as I'll be paying back plastic, hopefully getting some 'on-the-water' R&R with the 14' and redecorating the outside of the house before windows fall out
eek Mobile disco work usually goes quieter October to November anyway so project pace should quicken with a few free weekends - reverting to workshop jobs like the engine & drive when weather deteriorates. There will be some subtle layout changes internally as a result of heating and cuddy changes (more later), so re-upholstery etc will probably not be until New Year/spring. Chances of a 2013 relaunch are probably less than 50/50 currently, but quality over speed is the ethos and a bare-bones shakedown is a more likely probability once floor and running gear is in...Last of all, a quick reminder what all the efforts are for...
Last edited:
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Another small update...
Engine finally out yesterday prior to the arrival of current weather front - it's been rather grim out there today!
The screws on the swim platform proved harder than expected and having blunted two further 'hardened' bits (carbide coated), I drew a blank. I didn't want to damage either the SS frame of the platform, nor the outer skin of the transom however. As luck would have it, I got some carbide tipped (not coated) bits from a guy at the boat show however and he demonstrated them drilling concrete, steel, ceramic and wood. Sure enough they made short work of the hardened screws too. Once the swim platform frame was removed this enabled me to get the hoist far enough forward for the engine to move forward on lift - necessary to clear the stern section of the hull. To get sufficient lift, the process involved removal of the hoist wheels and raising it on blocks too (H&S look away!) - but I did also strap the legs of the hoist to the A-frame of the caravan that it was straddling in order to improve stability. Once the hoist was at full height, it was still necessary to lift the bow of the boat and walk it forwards to clear the engine before the latter could be lowered. None of this would have been possible with the original trailer. All now covered pending the next work-less, dry day when I can hopefully relocate the engine to workshop and also recommence work removing the last of the floor, engine bearers and transom.
Then the restorative work can begin in earnest.
Following many discussions with others who have done it, I'm almost certainly now looking to use a marine paint rather than gel-coat for re-covering the hull. This is in part down to cost, but also faith in my ability to do a good job and get a decent finish. I have sprayed before and although I would have to tool up for this, the hand application of gel-coat seems likely to be fraught with problems. Once the transom is replaced, painting may well be the next job - whilst the hull is relatively light and I can use the engine crane to flip over (i.e. before re-fitting the floor)
Anyway, here are the latest pictures of the ongoing chaos...
All disconnected and ready to go.
Up she goes (The old lump of chipboard there to prevent a spin as I'd rotated 90 deg to help clear the stern.)
A bit of extra height needed at the stern end.
A few final adjustments - should just clear...
Boat moved forward - a few inches at a time...
Engine out at last - next destination the workshop.
Engine finally out yesterday prior to the arrival of current weather front - it's been rather grim out there today!
The screws on the swim platform proved harder than expected and having blunted two further 'hardened' bits (carbide coated), I drew a blank. I didn't want to damage either the SS frame of the platform, nor the outer skin of the transom however. As luck would have it, I got some carbide tipped (not coated) bits from a guy at the boat show however and he demonstrated them drilling concrete, steel, ceramic and wood. Sure enough they made short work of the hardened screws too.
Once the swim platform frame was removed this enabled me to get the hoist far enough forward for the engine to move forward on lift - necessary to clear the stern section of the hull. To get sufficient lift, the process involved removal of the hoist wheels and raising it on blocks too (H&S look away!) - but I did also strap the legs of the hoist to the A-frame of the caravan that it was straddling in order to improve stability. Once the hoist was at full height, it was still necessary to lift the bow of the boat and walk it forwards to clear the engine before the latter could be lowered. None of this would have been possible with the original trailer. All now covered pending the next work-less, dry day when I can hopefully relocate the engine to workshop and also recommence work removing the last of the floor, engine bearers and transom.Then the restorative work can begin in earnest.
Following many discussions with others who have done it, I'm almost certainly now looking to use a marine paint rather than gel-coat for re-covering the hull. This is in part down to cost, but also faith in my ability to do a good job and get a decent finish. I have sprayed before and although I would have to tool up for this, the hand application of gel-coat seems likely to be fraught with problems. Once the transom is replaced, painting may well be the next job - whilst the hull is relatively light and I can use the engine crane to flip over (i.e. before re-fitting the floor)
Anyway, here are the latest pictures of the ongoing chaos...
All disconnected and ready to go.
Up she goes (The old lump of chipboard there to prevent a spin as I'd rotated 90 deg to help clear the stern.)
A bit of extra height needed at the stern end.
A few final adjustments - should just clear...
Boat moved forward - a few inches at a time...
Engine out at last - next destination the workshop.
rafiki_
Well-Known Member
Well done. That did not look easy, especially with the access for the hoist. Reminds me of removing the engine from a Mini. Disconnected the front subframe and ancillaries, then 2 of us lifted the body over te engine.
vas
Well-Known Member
hm,
the equivalent would be to prop the engine upside down and then lower the hull over it also upside down
Looks like you have some more work in front of you there, just like myself
cheers
V.
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Thanks guys...
Ha-Ha! Yes, done similar to that myself! Needs must and all that... Anyway, no harm in being resourceful is there? I think that's how they stick many of them in anyway - perhaps not in a boat however.
I think I have a long way to catch up with you! Your project and a couple of others are truly an inspiration - I certainly look forward to your updates. Seriously, absolute respect - I think you are doing a great job. Mine's only one level and just 21', so I can only imagine the extra effort and time - thankfully you have more suitable weather!
Out of interest, have you set yourself a target for completion? Everyone keeps asking me when mine will be on the water and I have to admit that I have no idea! I have a loose 'target' date of summer 2014, but TBH it's more a case of when it's done. I'm certainly more interested in quality than time-frames and some jobs I've really no idea of... yet.
Ha-Ha! Yes, done similar to that myself! Needs must and all that...
Anyway, no harm in being resourceful is there? I think that's how they stick many of them in anyway - perhaps not in a boat however. hm,
the equivalent would be to prop the engine upside down and then lower the hull over it also upside down
Looks like you have some more work in front of you there, just like myself
cheers
V.
I think I have a long way to catch up with you! Your project and a couple of others are truly an inspiration - I certainly look forward to your updates.
Seriously, absolute respect - I think you are doing a great job. Mine's only one level and just 21', so I can only imagine the extra effort and time - thankfully you have more suitable weather! Out of interest, have you set yourself a target for completion? Everyone keeps asking me when mine will be on the water and I have to admit that I have no idea! I have a loose 'target' date of summer 2014, but TBH it's more a case of when it's done. I'm certainly more interested in quality than time-frames and some jobs I've really no idea of... yet.
