Diary of a Preditor Restoration

[Chris E]

Well, i've gone and done it now, here is my the first boat i have ever owned - what the hell am i thinking? 1979 predictor in very rough shape - good thing there are a ton of experts in the restortation department. so i figured, that i would basically start at the begining and see where this ends up. this will be kind of neat, as no one is going to no what happens next or how this will turn out - i'd like to think i had a clue as to what i am doing, but i'm not getting my hopes up.

picked it up today in barrie, got it home without incident and got the boat set up on the trailer properly.

took the set back plate off, - it's for sale if anyone wants it, and shock of shocks, the transom is rotten - funny i did lean on this thing pretty hard, guess i'm not as much of a fat ass as i thought! as you can see in the pictures the previous owner figured that spray foam is the be all and end all of boat fabrication, so that's the first thing to go, the stringer is leaving and and a plywood stringer will be fabricated in it's place - everything will be plywood - i just think it's stronger. the engine of choice will be a 150, however that is a long way away.

the time budget is 2 years (my garage isn't heated and i hate wiping snow off vehicles in the winter) the boat will get wrapped for the winter.

my financial budget is restained by wifes patience and by how badly she wants me out of the house.

lots of questions will be coming, and am looking forward to getting this boat ship shape - if it doesn't kill me first!
:cheers

another first, bought a digitial camara yesterday, so this is also my first experiance with photobucket - either it will work or it won't.

starboard side

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0031.jpg

port side


http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0030.jpg

set back plate - for sale


http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0034.jpg

rotten transom - shocking!

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0046.jpg

spray foam crazy!

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0037.jpg

body work that needs to be done


http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0041.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0033.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0032.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0035.jpg


where to start? i'm thinking the deck has to leave the hull so the transom can be repaired - lot of water when you start pressing on it. also, those boxes, on either side of the transom - do they serve any purpose, if not there gone to. i'd like to get the hardware stripped this week, any wiring removed, and the windshield off - i'm so opomistic!

[Chris E]

ok, it only took 3 attempts to make the pictures show up, how so i make them smaller?

[cooperider]

Yes, take the deck off, things will be so much easier. The boxes are air tanks. They hold the foam that is supposed to keep the boat in a level position submerged. Get rid of the wood and foam that they were working on installing.

It looks like its had some paint work done at one time. You'll want to strip that, either with a chemical stripper or a power sander. Or you could even talk a sandblasting guy into quickly going over the boat. Lightly!!

Checkmate has the patterns for the interior wood, and vinyl, all but the side panels. Since the side panels changed for the later Predictor.


If there is plenty of rot in the transom then things should go fairly well when you tear it out.

[Boston Predictor]

Congrats on the new project Chris E! Looks like it should keep you busy for a while. Did it come with any seats? What color are you going to paint it? This should turn into another very interesting thread.

How much for the transom bracket? Do you know how much setback it is? Im looing for a good used one. Would the transom saver be included? Thanks
Geoff

[175checkmate]

Pictures can be made smaller by changing the setting on the camera.
The fun part about this project is you can doing anything you want. Factory, or not. When you get ready for the interior shoot me a note. Found a place that can do just about anything for a lot less than the local shot as far as seats go.
Bring it on.

[sawcat]

Holely Molely Dang what a mess That is one lucky Mate
This should be verrrrrry interesting.

Keep the pics coming Chris E :thumb:

[Mr. Inline 6]

Yes, take the deck off, things will be so much easier. The boxes are air tanks. They hold the foam that is supposed to keep the boat in a level position submerged. Get rid of the wood and foam that they were working on installing.

It looks like its had some paint work done at one time. You'll want to strip that, either with a chemical stripper or a power sander. Or you could even talk a sandblasting guy into quickly going over the boat. Lightly!!

Checkmate has the patterns for the interior wood, and vinyl, all but the side panels. Since the side panels changed for the later Predictor.


If there is plenty of rot in the transom then things should go fairly well when you tear it out.

Coop,

After you take the deck off, do you need to brace the hull while replacing the stringers and floor? In other words, will the hull shift without being braced and prevent the deck from fitting after stringer and floor replacement? Can this work be done on the trailer or do recommend something else? Thanks. Newbie here looking for answers before attempting my own work. Rick

[cooperider]

Coop,

After you take the deck off, do you need to brace the hull while replacing the stringers and floor? In other words, will the hull shift without being braced and prevent the deck from fitting after stringer and floor replacement? Can this work be done on the trailer or do recommend something else? Thanks. Newbie here looking for answers before attempting my own work. RickI would recomend either work on it on a bunk trailer that fits the boat. Or on a cart that was made for it to sit on. If nothing else sit the boat on the floor and chock the sides so that it is level.

The floor will most likely remain stable, its the sides that might "pucker" a little. These can be pushed back out when you go to set the deck back on.

You can also find that the nose of the boat might stick out farther now. There is usually a "pull block" or something still in the nose area. If not you can glass one in. If you attach an eyebolt to it, and one to the transom you can use a "come along" or other device to make the hull "shorten" up slightly so that you can get a deck back on.

[sawcat]

My Dad told me that they used to bury the old wood boats in sand to do stringer & deck work.

Of course they didn't have the upper deck but it would still work.

Sand was plentiful also.

Need a sand box?

[cooperider]

My Dad told me that they used to bury the old wood boats in sand to do stringer & deck work.

Of course they didn't have the upper deck but it would still work.

Sand was plentiful also.

Need a sand box?Actually, THAT is a really good idea, the sand would almost be like setting the boat back down in the mold.

I'm going to write that one down on a list of stuff I have.

[sawcat]

cooperider I'm glad you liked that .Those Oldtimers were pretty slick & resourseful

Plus all the things I've picked up from your posts & threads ,you liking that
tickled the .... out of me

[Chris E]

well, haven't got much done since sunday afternoon, was able to remove the steering - which was a real treat - had to take the hole rack apart to get the cable out of the little hole they put it through on the transom. thank you to my wife for buying me a compressor a couple of years ago! got the windshield off, cut all the old bolts for the side bolsters out, removed what was left of the gauges and switches, started removing the rub rail and gunnel molding until i killed both batteries in the cordless drill.

hopefully by friday i'll have the deck ready to remove from the hull and i can con some suckers into helping me remove it on the weekend. thankfully i am a hop, skip and a stumble from the beer store :cheers

[sawcat]

Feels pretty good don't it. Your hooked now :)

[Chris E]

ok, spent the day drilling rivets, and am just about ready to pull the deck, only question is, this thing is sitting on a roller trailer, that i spent a couple of hours setting up last week (meaning that it now sits on the rollers, unlike the first pics) think it'll be ok or should i roll it onto the floor of the garage and support it as coop suggested?

[sawcat]

I'd say listen to that experience. It'll also be alot easier to get in & out of.

Those rollers are alot less support than the bunks more pressure in smaller area.

Chris E looks better in yellow :D

[Chris E]

I'd say listen to that experience. It'll also be alot easier to get in & out of.

Those rollers are alot less support than the bunks more pressure in smaller area.

Chris E looks better in yellow :D

that yellow took a long time coming - there is a long and sordid story that goes with that - for another day! :brickwall:

i figured it would need to come off that trailer - i don't work smart - i work lazy! - that'll be tonights project - then i can split the hull - actually it'll make a bit more room in the garage - i hate single car garages!

[Mr. Inline 6]

Chris,

Let's see some more pictures!!

[Chris E]

got the boat off the trailer last night (my wife helped me - love freaking her out when doing this stuff - she was sure the boat was going to go through the back of the garage - tonites mission is to block the sides to make sure the hull doesn't shift or move on me as coop suggested. the deck is ready to come off now.

[sawcat]

I know it's like I married my mom.well sorta. I hope she doesn't read this. :(

You should have told her to get the water hose & fill the shop .
No really Chris E you should be ashamed of yourself hacking on your better half like that.

Now I'm covered.

Roll on :thumb:

[illMATTic]

when do you plan on having it finished? are you shooting for this season?

[Chris E]

when do you plan on having it finished? are you shooting for this season?

not a hope for this year - i don't have a motor or upholstry. i hope to get as far as paint this year but am running into a couple of issues. this boat will stay in the water possibly for weeks at a time, my parents cottage is 10 minutes from my house, petit paints and my local boat body guys say that the paint won't stick to the bottom if left in the water - it will blister and fall off - i'm open to suggestions - what did you use matt? how is it holding up?

what distance apart did you place your stringers. i like the idea of having 2 stringers instead of one.

[Chris E]

so, got the boat sitting on the pad, blocked the sides and threw some bracing in to keep this thing from shifting on me. i have removed the spray foam that was there - it was already wet, the guy for some reason drove nails through the stringer for some reason. here are a few more pics:

stripped down - all the dash holes will be filled. i don't like the current gauge set up and if the budget allows hydrualic steering will go in.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0127.jpg

here is the last nail left in the stringer after i dug all the foam out, love the hose idea, even runs UNDER the stringer - that is supposed to drain the water to the bilge - it would work if this repair had been done properly - i will try and save it but it'll be installed alot differently

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0130.jpg

blocking left and right sides:

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0132.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0133.jpg

i love the stringer work here - notice how nothing touches the bottom of the boat - quality!

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0134.jpg

hope to split the hull and deck this week - it's ready to go i just need the time!

getting better at this photobucked thing, at least the pics are better size now - here is my workspace - so much room :brickwall:

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0135.jpg

[cooperider]

Ooooohhh, your going to be cleaning dust out of all that stuff for years.


I suggest grinder in one hand, shopvac hose in the other.

[Blizz]

If your gonna leave it in the water your best bet is to regel atleast the hull. And look into maybe building a PVC and plastic tent over your hull while grinding or like coop said you'll be cleaning fibreglass dust out of your stuff for years to come.

[Blizz]

oops sorry for the double

[Chris E]

ahh haaa - my head not cabbage, once the transom is back together and the stringers are in, it's going back on the trailer - and pulled outside for sanding and grinding - i want to do as little as possible in the garage :thumb:

[175checkmate]

Boat is coming along nice. Here is the link to where I got my paint and primer. http://www.nationalpaintsupply.com/vsite/vnavsite/page/directory/0,10853,4682-123795-125102-nav-list,00.html
Stuff is made for boats. Have a look in the Blue water marine paint section.

[Chris E]

Gus, did you use the one part or 2 part paint?

[Chris E]

so with the help of a neighbour i got the deck off tonight. saw some wierd stuff when i lifted the deck.

what is this stuff? it looks like a liquid filler of some sort?

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0140.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0145.jpg

here's the foam box, it appears to have buckled, maybe water, maybe from the foam installation originally.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0139.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0144.jpg

here is the naked hull

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0138.jpg

and the naked deck:

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0136.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0137.jpg


and if all of this doesn't work, well, it'll make a helluva a planter:

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0146.jpg


the transom appears to be fairly rotten and very wet. i'll no a little more tomorrow. i measured the transom and it's 1 1/2" thick, i was thinking of stepping up to a 2" transom, just because i want to put a 150 on the back and think the extra thickness would be good. any thoughts?

[sawcat]

Chris E My Pulse is 2 3/8" finished

3/4" x 3 = 2 1/4"

I would think that would be plenty with some additional support bracing inside

2 1/4" of plywood glassed with 12oz.biaxial is more like 4" of plywood.

[sawcat]

Chris E have you considered a copy of the pulsare on the stringer system.

Bulk heads with split in stern for belly tank
a little more fuel would be nice with that 150

I never priced a tank I stayed stock with mine but INCA made mine
They have a web site INCA molded products or something like that.
The site lists all sorts of sizes maybe one would work.

[Chris E]

Chris E have you considered a copy of the pulsare on the stringer system.

Bulk heads with split in stern for belly tank
a little more fuel would be nice with that 150

I never priced a tank I stayed stock with mine but INCA made mine
They have a web site INCA molded products or something like that.
The site lists all sorts of sizes maybe one would work.

i have been admiring the pulsare set up - that's a good idea about the tank - i'll have a look and see what they have

thanks:bigthumb:

[Mark]

Congrats Chris, that may be the new record for worst looking rescue mission. That liquid filler you were talking about is Bondo. Mate used it anytime something didn't line up quite right to fill the voids.
Here's the link to my Starliner resto to give you some ideas...there is a great sense of accomplishment in projects like these. Have fun and enjoy the journey. http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4539&highlight=born

[Chris E]

thanks mark, just went through that thread front to back - now i know how i'm doing my stringers. - that's the design i want - just wasn' sure how to do the bow - picked up some 3/4 ply yesterday at homely depot - couldn't beleive it they were the cheapest place around.

i stepped on the stringer by accident yesterday and the damn thing fell over - knew it was a crap install but thought he might have used a nail or something to hold it in - oh well.

so i have a question - should i do the stringers before demoing the transom or does it matter - the boat is flat on the pad on the floor of the garage right now with supports holding the bottom.

[sawcat]

Chris E I would tie those tank stringers to the transom so do the transom first. Also tie your vertical transom supports to the tank stringers.

I would wrap the stringers in glass before install one long piece
both sides & top. The bottom will be buried in resin & more glass when you install them in the boat.
I've found you need to ease the edges so the glass will roll over if not it's to sharp a turn for the glass & you'll get air pockets

You might consider using douglar fir for the stringers with plywood bulk heads as plywood is hard to ease the edge without splintering.
When I say ease the edges I mean like with a router just a little & just the top 2 edges not the bottom .

I also would use a long piece of glass to tie the stringers to the boat it's easier, faster & stronger.

You can buy the glass in several different widths.The width I used allowed me to cut long strips for the wraps & still had enough width to cover the deck.I believe I used about 14 yards or so on mine.
I bought it from a supply house down here .Bought the the resin in 5 gallon buckets.I used every drop of 10 gallons.

How about this post for a bunch of unsolicited information!

There is always more than one way to skin a cat
So chime in fellas

There are more tips Chris E I'll give you a break for now

[Chris E]

This thread will have more pics than every other combined by the time i'm done with it :eyecrazy:

so, the boxes are out - both sides foam were soaked for the bottom 3". the odd/frustrating thing is this - soft spots on both sides in about the same location:

port side - see the black - that's the issue

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0154.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0153.jpg

starboard side:

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0149.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0147.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0157.jpg

love this - not sure what the scoop is with it:

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0150.jpg

will marks epoxy idea work on these soft spots? or am i cutting and grinding?

[175checkmate]

Gus, did you use the one part or 2 part paint?


I used the 2 part paint.

[175checkmate]

My transom was about the same size as yours. Its now right at 3" think. If it would float I could hang twins.
Just remember that you will have to trim the splash well back to match the thicker transom.
When I glassed my transom in I started with one board. Coated with resin and glass then installed in the hull. I used screw's to clamp it to the outter skin. I then glassed the new wood to the sides. I ran from the transom up the side of the hull about 8" I then repeated the process with the other 2 sheets.

[Mark]

If you are going to add transom knees then do the transom first. Personally I would do that instead of the foam boxes, which incidently function as knees. If I was doing it again I would run the stringers up the transom as knees.

[Chris E]

boxes are not going back - that's for sure - i think knees are a good idea, so that's what i'm going to do - my kids will be in this boat so going half way isn't an option.

some good news today, i found a company in toronto that sells endura 2 part paint which is supposed to stay put if the boat sits in water. best part - they sell metallic paint - which is what i would like - same price as standard which is awesome, and i also found cheap resin in barrie for 30 a gallon better than i can get if for wholesale and my wife in down in barrie 2 times a week.

tonite - if it isn't to bloody hot, i'm going to start tracing out and measuing the transom plywood - before i hack the transom apart i only want to do this once - i am getting smarter in my old age.

[LAPLANT]

I HAVE TO GIVE YOU PROPS ON TACKLING SUCH A LARGE PROJECT
GOOD LUCK:bounce:

[sawcat]

http://cgi.ebay.com/KUSTOM-BOAT-PAINTING-DVD-CUSTOM-PAINT-GRAPHIC-SPRAY-GUN_W0QQitemZ200122881824QQihZ010QQcategoryZ134556 QQcmdZViewItem

Hey Chris E check this out ;)

[Chris E]

that looks good - i'm a long way away from that though! i was air chiseling out the transom last night - all in all it's going well, and the transom was soaking, soaking wet and rotten. amazing, i put my fat ass on that setback plate and it didn't move an inch - wild.

i was very careful removing the transom - was able to save enough to get the transom pattern for one side. working on the other - i'm not 100% convinced that it will be a mirror image.

[sawcat]

Just what you needed huh Chris E . Your right first things first.

Working on these things would have my head spinning every night while trying to get to sleep.
That half the fun of it .It'll keep your mind occupied that's for sure.

Roll on :thumb:

[Chris E]

Just what you needed huh Chris E . Your right first things first.

Working on these things would have my head spinning every night while trying to get to sleep.
That half the fun of it .It'll keep your mind occupied that's for sure.

Roll on :thumb:

you have no idea!!! - already woke myself up a couple of times in the night trying to figure things out:brickwall:

[robwkamm]

Best of luck on the resto!! i just brought a 1956 ford "Major project" pick up to pull my checkmate! i never had the guts to attempt a boat resto!

[Chris E]

see, the car thing is a bit intimidating for me, just cuz i haven't worked on them that much - boats don't bother me any - i spent 15 years in the business.

[Boston Predictor]

I like Mark's Idea of attaching the knees to the stringers. Might as well make it bulletproof while you have it apart. Good job so far!:thumb:

[Chris E]

I like Mark's Idea of attaching the knees to the stringers. Might as well make it bulletproof while you have it apart. Good job so far!:thumb:

Boston: how much room is back there with the fuel tank in it? i'm bumping the transom up to 2.25 inches from 1.5 - the guy gave me a fuel tank but i haven't looked to see if it will fit or not - i'm sure it won't - i'm a big believer in Murphy's Law - especillay this one "if anything can go wrong - it will!"

[Boston Predictor]

Its definitely tight back there. I had a 16 gal aluminum tank, and still had enough room for a bildge pump. If you have the same tank I have you should be all good

[Blizz]

If possible try to make your knees and stringers one piece they will be stronger.

[Chris E]

so, i was down at the fiberglass place yesterday to check it out. anyone have any experiance with MAS epoxies, the guy was telling me that it'll go 2-3 times farther than resin which makes it price comparable. he figured i could do stringers and transom with a gallon of epoxy and have a stronger boat - which i like.

i can also get gelcoat from them at 35 a gallon - which is a great deal. i have no experiance spraying gel - Coop any thoughts? since the boat will be spending a lot of time in the water, then i would rather go that way. been to busy to work on the boat this week - hopefully next week will be better.

[wickedrister]

Mas is a sponcer of Ship Shape TV, You know that boat maintenance TV show. I have never used it but it looks like really nice stuff to work with. You can find short vids of MAS products in use if you go on You Tube and do a search. I think you will enjoy the clips if you find them. Sorry I don't have the link.
Fred

[Blizz]

I'de be surprised if you can do stringers and transom with 1 gallon. They do make a good product though. Remember between strigers transom and floor there is approx 2 1/2 sheets of plywood that need to be coated on all sides plus tha glass needed to install everything. Even not counting the floor it's close to a sheet and a half.

[Chris E]

tell me about it, that's what i was figuring, however, if i use boat cloth, it will use a lot less epoxy because it is a thinner material. i don't know, the guy told me to call the factory with questions, maybe i will.

[cooperider]

so, i was down at the fiberglass place yesterday to check it out. anyone have any experiance with MAS epoxies, the guy was telling me that it'll go 2-3 times farther than resin which makes it price comparable. he figured i could do stringers and transom with a gallon of epoxy and have a stronger boat - which i like.

i can also get gelcoat from them at 35 a gallon - which is a great deal. i have no experiance spraying gel - Coop any thoughts? since the boat will be spending a lot of time in the water, then i would rather go that way. been to busy to work on the boat this week - hopefully next week will be better.
From what I've seen MAS is very good stuff. But I don't use epoxy, partly because once you do that is what you always have to use for that boat. And partly because, I might be alergic to epoxy, go figure. So I stick with my polyester. If I buy some real good protective clothing and a mask, I might try epoxy again. But I figure if I can cover myself in fiberglass grinding dust and not itch, I'm ahead of the game.

For the gelcoat $35 a gallon is a GOOD price. You can add some additives to it to make it spray very smooth and need a lot less sanding that you might think.

[175checkmate]

I looked into epoxy when I got started on my project. From what I was told/learned epoxy and polyester don't play nice together. The boat was built with polyester resin and lasted a good long time. The other part to this, the cloth is where the strength is. I have, I believe, around 35 gal. of resin in my project. That's transom, knee's, boxes, floor, stringer, pad, bottom work, and side panels. Now keep in mind that there are maybe still 12 gallons in the boat. If I was a god like coop, then maybe I would have got it right the fist time. But I am not, so there was a large learning curve. Do to the lack of experience in this are when I started, everything is way over built.
I would stick with the polyester. Easy of use and priced right.

[Blizz]

And like i've said plenty of other times no matter what manufacturers say about epoxy unless you can post cure it you are not getting all the benefits of using it.

[Chris E]

i finally got a couple of hours in today, and finished getting the transom out today, which all in all didn't go to bad. no wood left. a couple of questions came to mind though:

should i smooth, level the transom i noticed some divits and potential voids. i think that it would be a good idea. anyone else run into this?

second thought, when the transom does go in, should i screw from the outside to pull the transom tight to the glass? or is their another solution that would work better?

[cooperider]

Yes, fill any low spots. And if your going to paint anyway, then definately secure the transom with screws from the outside, just run them through a peice of wood first then into the glass and into your transom.

1. Have several wood blocks ready with screws already in place, then you can just hold them up to the transom and hit them with the screw gun.

2. Make sure you predrill the fiberglass so that the screws go right into the transom. Your going to fill these holes anyway. The idea is your squeezing the fiberglass layer between the wood.

This method is way cheaper than investing in hundreds of dollars worth of c clamps in various sizes. That you may only use on this boat.

[Chris E]

Yes, fill any low spots. And if your going to paint anyway, then definately secure the transom with screws from the outside, just run them through a peice of wood first then into the glass and into your transom.

1. Have several wood blocks ready with screws already in place, then you can just hold them up to the transom and hit them with the screw gun.

2. Make sure you predrill the fiberglass so that the screws go right into the transom. Your going to fill these holes anyway. The idea is your squeezing the fiberglass layer between the wood.

This method is way cheaper than investing in hundreds of dollars worth of c clamps in various sizes. That you may only use on this boat.

i'd better only do this once!!!!! although a starliner could be fun :brickwall:

[Mr. Inline 6]

Chris,

How about some pictures of your tramsom work?

Rick

[175checkmate]

I used coops method when I put mine in. Worked really well and clamped them together real tight.

[Walt Woolvett]

Nice boat. How hard and how long did it take to find it. I've got a Vmate 1 and am looking for a Blue predictor and just might drive to the USA.
Walt Muskoka

[Chris E]

lucked out on finding it, it was in barrie, wish i got it a bit cheaper, but i've wanted a checkmate since i worked at pride of muskoka in 90. as you can see, it's in really rough shape, and i've been so busy i haven't had time to work on it. August should be a little less crazy so i'm hoping to get the transom done soon.

is your boat on the river? i've seen a v mate sitting up from kerr park.

it's a lot easier to find a boat in the us then here. and the prices are way better. there is a predictor on ebay that looks to be in decent shape.

[Chris E]

No babysitter today, so i had a couple of hours today and managed to get something done. as i mentioned earlier, i screwed up the first transom cut and made it a little short. so i decided to make that the outer transom section. a little filler and fiberglass and it's all good.

here are some new pics

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0455.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0456.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0454.jpg

i removed what the former owners idea of a stringer was and cleaned it all out. looks a lot better - got the new stringers measured out and am ready to cut - just a little late to fire the saw up outside - maybe thursday. going with the same set up illmattic did.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0453.jpg

this the knee idea i'm thinking of using - off a grew challanger

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0277.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0276.jpg

[haftoo55]

HEY Chris E
Just make sure your transom is not to thick for your deck to go over. In between motor well and back of transom. I made that mistake on the first 1600. End up routering out 1/4" of transom to get deck to go over. Alan

[Boston Predictor]

I think you might be done before 175checkmate:eyecrazy: :surf: ;) lol
just bustin balls

Looking great Chris.
How come the transom tapers off like that on the sides?
Geoff

[Boston Predictor]

How is the gelcoat on back of the transom?

[Chris E]

I think you might be done before 175checkmate:eyecrazy: :surf: ;) lol
just bustin balls

Looking great Chris.
How come the transom tapers off like that on the sides?
Geoff

dunno, that's how it was, thought about going straight accross, but figured checkmate probably did this for a reason so i left it.

gel on the back and bottom are good, problem is the the right side, someone made a repair and really buggered it up. looking at regelling but we'll wait and see - depends on the budget.

[175checkmate]

With the transom thicker than the factory put in you will have to trim the splash well to fit. Had the same problem with mine.

[Chris E]

With the transom thicker than the factory put in you will have to trim the splash well to fit. Had the same problem with mine.

i know, that will be part of the modification, i was thinking of filling the splashwell in, however, i think it wll just throw water over the back of the boat and onto the back seat passengers - my kids.

[sawcat]

Stay after it :bounce: your getting there :) :popcorn:

[Chris E]

Well, first productive day in a while, looking at the pics, it looks like it took all of an hour - these stringers took me 4 hours straight - and it's still not done, must of been in and out of the boat 40 times today!

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0481.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0483.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0484.jpg

[MateFever]

Lookin good Chris. You're making so much better progress than I am on mine. Of course with my boat being 2 hours away, makes for a long haul for a weekend of work. I outta just pull the damn thing down here and keep it in my buddy's barn. Keep it up man.

[Chris E]

well a productive sessions with the boat - used coops method of fastening the transom to the outer skin which appears to have worked very well - no hollow noises - and a ton of screw holes to fill later on. attacked the inner transom with some body filler to fill out the peice i cut too short (idiot!). today i finished the body filler, gave everything a quick grind and laid over two peices of fiberglass on the inside of the transom - how many layers should i do? i have done one with boat cloth that covered the transom, then one with csm and it was about 3" larger all around to fasten to the boat to intigrate the whole structure.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0583.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0587.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0588.jpg

[175checkmate]

Looking good, I ran glass about 8" past the wood on the sides and bottom. Wanted to make sure it was not going anywhere. Its overbuilt for sure.

[merc245]

I guess we'll just have to take your word on that one. 175 LOL

[Chris E]

Looking good, I ran glass about 8" past the wood on the sides and bottom. Wanted to make sure it was not going anywhere. Its overbuilt for sure.

well you're right your boat hasn't gone anywhere - i'd like mine to hit the water sometime :rof::rof::bigthumb::banana: just kidding Gus - couldn't leave that alone (believe me i tried)

[175checkmate]

I know guys, I can take it. :bigthumb:

[Chris E]

if it's any consolation Gus, i faught with myself for a good 12 hours before i posted it!

[Chris E]

had a couple of hours yesterday, grinded out the air voids and laid a couple of more layers of glass in - think its good now - may play with the stringers tonight if all goes well.

[Chris E]

i laid the stringers in today, using sikaflex 292 to hold it in place - takes 8 days to cure which sucks, however, i want to get back at it sooner so we'll see, if felt good last night, and i may take the wieght off it today. now, for the question of the day. how many layers of fiberglass should be put on the stringers before i drop the floor on? i was thinking a layer of boat cloth, then a layer of mat. any thoughts?

[cooperider]

At least one good layer to cover all the wood. Maybe two good layers to bond it to the hull.


Oh, and "mat" goes in before cloth.




I wish I would have kept both Predictors that I had.

Just gave this thread a 5star rating, and added it to my subsribed list. And I should have done that a long time ago.

[Chris E]

hey experts:

so i have the transom glassed in and the stringers attached - but not glassed - can i load this thing back on the trailer now?

[JUPITER PULSARE]

If the stringers are set, you could move it very carefully but...I would glass the stringers before upsetting anything. You two layers of 1708 and overlap them onto the hull bottom. Grind before each layer of glass. Before installing your floor bevel the edges so it will bit flush with the angle of the hull sides/chine that you're glassing to. Run a beed of plexus on top of the stringers for the bottom of the floor to adhere to.

[JUPITER PULSARE]

If you get a chance review the tear down and rebuilding threads/pictures I posted from rebuilding my Pulsare 2100.

[2 tone z71]

Chris looking good I finished tearing my transom wood out late this afternoon,weathers so nice and all lol,both sheets came out intact so I have a pattern to trace,? are you putting the floor in after its back on the trailer what about the cap ,id like ot put my cap back on after the transom due to its laying on the ground in 8 inchs of snow

[Mr. Inline 6]

Pics? Update? Chris, where are you in the restoration?
Thanks.

Rick

[Chris E]

well, its like this, i've got 2 feet of snow in my yard now, i have a pretty good idea where the deck is - somewhere in the yard.

i had to load it on the trailer to get my snowblower out, and it's still sitting in the garage, i want it out so i can put my car inside.

the plan for the weekend is to get this thing out of the garage, the deck set on and tarped for the winter at the side of the house - wish i had a bigger garage.

[ontopcop]

I was wondering how you ended up on this project. I was curious to see how you were going to finish out the floor. Did you remove the seat boxes?

[cooperider]

I was wondering how you ended up on this project. I was curious to see how you were going to finish out the floor. Did you remove the seat boxes?

I think he's waiting for spring so he can find where he put the deck in his yard.:poke:

[Chris E]

pretty much - i hate winter and the garage isn't heated - but spring is almost here - yeah!

the winter has been very busy with work, and my wife and i separated in december so that's been hectic too. (and a VERY good thing :bigthumb: )

i did cut out the seat bases and i have the floor cut and ready to go. just need to do a couple of finishing touches. i have all the glass cut for the stringers and ready to go. so now i just need some warm weather to get this bad boy going again. the stringers are set in with sikaflex and they aren't moving! i also came across a bunch of dolly wheels this winter and am going to make a cart for the boat so i can roll it in and out of the garage and keep it close to the ground - easier than rolling the trailer around.

[Chris E]

found the deck this morning !!!!!!!

now a little warm weather and i can get back to fiberglassing yahoo

[175checkmate]

Found the deck! Thats funny stuff. Snow is such a pain. :thumb:

[remlinger]

If anyone is interested Gougeon Brothers Inc. makes of West System Epoxy have published a great book on boat construction and repairs. It goes into great depth on moister content of wood specis and wood incapsulation proceedures. I used this book to help design and build a stress skin river dory (drift Boat).

I bring this up because looking at the pics of the transom and stringers it did not appear that they were wet out with epoxy prior to installation which stablizes them and protects from future internal rotting. Also it helps in the adhesion of the wood to glass.

www.westsystem.com (http://www.westsystem.com)

[Chris E]

actually, when i sandwiched the transom peices together, i finished off my west system epoxy, and it all got wetted out with resin before the glass went on. just didn't take any pics - didn't want to get the camera covered in resin and fiberglass - lol.

the only thing that didn't get the full resin treament was the very top center of the transom. i'm sure it'll have to be cut and trimmed when the deck goes back on, so i didin't see a point in glasssing that all up nice and pretty - just to cut it later.

[Chris E]

what do i love more - a warm spring day or free wood - today it's both :surf:

built a cart for the boat to sit on - get her a little lower to the ground and easier to roll in and out of the garage (says he hopefully) some scrap wood, 4 casters and a few screws a later - and here you are:

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0769.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0770.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0771.jpg

[sim]

hey chris! just picked up an 88 blue predictor yesterday. where do I get parts-specifically the electric panel and switches?

[Chris E]

congrats on the purchase, lets see some pics of it.

as far as switches go, my boat has no switch panel. i was thinking of picking up one from blue sea systems. i like the quality of their stuff. you may be able to pick one up from checkmate direct, they may have something kicking around in an old box.

[Chris E]

here is the hull sitting on it's new home - which by the way rolls like a dream - works very well.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0773.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/supremecommander_muskoka/HPIM0774.jpg

[MateFever]

Slick lookin dolly....bet that makes it really nice for moving around. Boats lookin good. Hows the inside comin? Any luck on fiding a mota yet. There was a pretty damn nice looking XR2 on ebay last week. Came with everything and a buy it now of 1750 or something close to that.

[jallen355]

Snow? What's all this "snow" you've been talkin' about? I don't see no snow...

C'mon dude.. Get'r DONE! You Canadians ain't got no time to fool around building your botes in the spring/summer. You should have her on the water.

Just messin' with ya's..... :cheers

I'm a bit ahead of you in the restoration dept., but then again, I' didn't have to "pop her top".

The dolly looks like it should be a big help. I can't count the times in the last couple of months I have pulled/pushed my Exciter in/out of the garage on the trailer. Once again this evening, as a matter of fact. I could have benefited from a setup like yours. I think inflatable tires would have been the answer for my garage "lip", though. Jees. How many times have I got back and took a running start at the garage/driveway transition lip pushing my entire boat/motor/trailer back into the garage lately...

Take some more pics. I'd like to see more of your work. :thumb:

[Chris E]

it's not me that doesn't like the snow - its the resin. no, actually it's me - i hate winter and hate being cold even more. i couldn't have worked on the boat anyway, i spent the better part of the winter snowblowing my driveway.

i need to get the crap cleaned out of the garage before i get back on the boat. i picked up a bunch of cabinets from a factory that closed down this winter, i want to get those hung up first. this week is basically shot, and next week isn't looking much better, and the week after i am in winnipeg for a week. winter is quiet and as soon as i want to get back to the boat - my time is eaten up

i haven't looked to hard for a motor yet, i don't have the room to sit on one for a year at the moment, looks like i have to buy a vehicle this summer, so the motor may have to wait for a while longer.

[Chris E]

I just read through some of my messages - how optimistic i was!

so here we are in november and i have accomplished - NOTHING. i didn't spend one single hour on the boat till last week. and what did i do? i got the deck back on - a couple of screws holding it in, loaded it on the trailer, tarped it and sent it out to the cottage for the winter. hopefully my tarping job holds - just in time - i tarped it saturday afternoon and 4" of snow fell saturday night.

i can't beleive - i had zero time since april to work on the boat. hopefully next year will be better, however, i have a feeling it may be longer. i have no expectation of being able to work on it for a quite a while.