Hey there guys, I am new to the forum and this is my first post.
Twelve years ago, my brother and I purchased a 1984 21' Westcoaster Bayrunner. We used the boat in the San Francisco Bay and off the Northern California Coast regularly for about two years. I joined the military and use of the boat became very infrequent as I was overseas and my brother just wasn't comfortable going out without me. The boat sat mostly uncovered for around 9 years with very little use other than running the engine.
Currently I am back in southern california and have towed the boat down to asses the project, now for my questions.
The Vinyl wrapped plywood floor and side panels have all but completely rotted away and need replacement. They where originally fastened to the hull/stringers with SS screws and washers that constantly vibrated loose and required me to keep a screw driver in one of the rod holders.
QUESTION #1: Is it possible to use rivets to fasten the new decking and side panels? If so, what kind/style would be appropriate and water tight?
Upon getting it home and in my yard, I removed the 90hp mercury two stroke, Kicker bracket, and four transducer mounts that had been installed along the way. After cleaning a LOT of silicone from the transom, I found about ten BB sized holes in the outer transom skin. I picked and probed the transom wood with an awl in all accessible locations and it is very solid. This part of the project leaves me with two questions.
QUESTION #2: My impression of the transom wood is that is is very solid and does not need to be replaced. As for the outer skin of the transom, I am left with a couple options that are acceptable in my opinion.
Option #1: Remove/cut the outer transom skin and replace with a new sheet of aluminum. (if I go this route, I would also end up replacing the wood or at least epoxy coating it.
Option #2: (and what I am leaning towards): Clean the exterior skin thoroughly and weld a completely new transom skin over the existing compromised one. This Idea seams far easier and I believe the repair would far outlast my ownership.
QUESTION #3: There are three stringers/supports attached to the transom. Each stringer its attached with six (approx 3/16") machine screws going through the transom. What should I use to replace these? SS machine screws with nylon washers? OR would an Aluminum rivet of some sort be more Ideal?
I appreciate any and all feedback and will take and post some pictures later today.
Will
Twelve years ago, my brother and I purchased a 1984 21' Westcoaster Bayrunner. We used the boat in the San Francisco Bay and off the Northern California Coast regularly for about two years. I joined the military and use of the boat became very infrequent as I was overseas and my brother just wasn't comfortable going out without me. The boat sat mostly uncovered for around 9 years with very little use other than running the engine.
Currently I am back in southern california and have towed the boat down to asses the project, now for my questions.
The Vinyl wrapped plywood floor and side panels have all but completely rotted away and need replacement. They where originally fastened to the hull/stringers with SS screws and washers that constantly vibrated loose and required me to keep a screw driver in one of the rod holders.
QUESTION #1: Is it possible to use rivets to fasten the new decking and side panels? If so, what kind/style would be appropriate and water tight?
Upon getting it home and in my yard, I removed the 90hp mercury two stroke, Kicker bracket, and four transducer mounts that had been installed along the way. After cleaning a LOT of silicone from the transom, I found about ten BB sized holes in the outer transom skin. I picked and probed the transom wood with an awl in all accessible locations and it is very solid. This part of the project leaves me with two questions.
QUESTION #2: My impression of the transom wood is that is is very solid and does not need to be replaced. As for the outer skin of the transom, I am left with a couple options that are acceptable in my opinion.
Option #1: Remove/cut the outer transom skin and replace with a new sheet of aluminum. (if I go this route, I would also end up replacing the wood or at least epoxy coating it.
Option #2: (and what I am leaning towards): Clean the exterior skin thoroughly and weld a completely new transom skin over the existing compromised one. This Idea seams far easier and I believe the repair would far outlast my ownership.
QUESTION #3: There are three stringers/supports attached to the transom. Each stringer its attached with six (approx 3/16") machine screws going through the transom. What should I use to replace these? SS machine screws with nylon washers? OR would an Aluminum rivet of some sort be more Ideal?
I appreciate any and all feedback and will take and post some pictures later today.
Will