1968 (?) 15' Richline V-Bottom

[JGibson]

I bought this boat, motor & trailer for $600 last week. Motor started on first crank. My plan is to add a couple of decks and a floor as time/work allows. I can't seem to find anything on the motor other than a Manual serial number to find out exactly what year it is so maybe someone here can help?

The Boat:

Motor:

Before Teardown:

After:

I've been looking around for some ideas and found a few here. I plan to strip all the paint from this boat, seal every seam and rivet, repaint before I ever put it in the water. Prob will do the same to the motor, replace the vitals (Impeller, Plugs, etc.) repaint it. Gonna take me a minute but it should be fun. Input welcomed, links to info, other v bottom builds, anything that will help or give me ideas. Thanks.

 

[JGibson]

Trailer:

Stripping Paint has started:

Whatever this stuff is, it's very unforgiving...kinda looks like roofing tar...?

 

[JGibson]

I have decided that this IS roofing tar. Smells like it, feels like it...

Made some more progress today, I'm having to scrape the real thick parts away then using a soft wire brush on my drill I can remove the rest of it:

My plan here is to either use an Aluminum brazing rod to fill in this seam or maybe use some JB Weld to fill it in before I paint it.

 

[mrdrh99]

Nice looking boat! I'd personally use brazing rods because the jb weld is such a mess

 

[JGibson]

Thanks. I will probably end up using the rods, that way (Hopefully) it will be permanent. Taking my time with this (As time allows) so I can actually get it done the way I want.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Don't use heat along the seam. There is usually a sealer that will burn out and cause more leaks.

 

[JGibson]

My plan for the boat (I stole ideas from others here, hope you don't mind):

What you don't see is flotation. There will be flotation under the floor, in and around all storage and in both benches. This plan may change as I go along with the build. The storage areas you see on the sides, I may run them from front to back.

 

[RStewart]

Nice boat. I've got a 14 ft one just like it. Not sure what the black stuff is but mine had it also. Must be some type of sealant the factory used.

Looks like you've got a good plan. Keep us informed.

 

[sonny.barile]

Why not just go along those edges with 5200 or some flexible marine sealant? Run a bead right along that edge like the corners of a bathtub. It will flex with the boat and can be replaced easily if needed. Less mess.....

 

[JGibson]

RStewart, I have your build bookmarked.

sonny.barile, I plan to use something on the inside of the boat like that to fill in the seam and cover the rivets. I was trying to use something on the outside more Durable I guess you could say, I figured the inside would see less friction because of water or debris than the outside.

 

[sonny.barile]

Oh I thought I was looking at an inside seam. LOL Im getting old.....

 

[Crazyboat]

Maybe I missed it but, what size engine is that, looks like a 6 or 8 HP but not sure.

 

[JGibson]

sonny.barile: All good, those are on the outside :wink:

Crazyboat: The motor is a 25HP

 

[water bouy]

Nice catch. How will you compensate for the structure of the middle bench? I'm thinking of making an aisle in mine.

 

[JGibson]

I'm planning on cutting the middle bench down each side and across the top of the drain hole.

Hopefully this will help to keep the some of the side strength plus add some bracing for the floor.

 

[water bouy]

That's gonna be a great boat. Is it a full 15 ft.

 

[JGibson]

No...actual size is 14' 6 3/8". I'm guessing they didn't want to add all those numbers on the registration so they just rounded up. I am thinking about trading a 4 wheeler I have here for a 14' flat bottom with a 20 hp johnson. Only saw pics of it so far. Looks like a pretty nice boat.

 

[sonny.barile]

Thats a sweet boat. I like the classic shape. It was a steal at 600 bucks.

 

[RStewart]

My middle bench was already out of mine & the way I ran the 2x4s to support the floor it also adds strength to the boat front to back & using the factory side supports on the front & back benches supports the sides plenty.

 

[JGibson]

Got my first coat on the bottom.

Before

After

2nd coat coming today. Gonna paint the rear and rail around the top then a dark gray on the rest.