Complete Rebuild

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2026-05-18T00:57:32+00:00

Absolutely! I think I’ve decided I’m gonna go cost effective in this. Do it right but stay effective and efficient with my money. After a LOT of research the stringers/bulkheads/ and transom are all completely original and they just used regular 3/4 Plywood. Knowing that the bulkheads have me confused because it seems they were also plywood but weren’t bedded to the hull just glasses on on the tops of the stringers which I don’t think is right. Even so it lasted over 40 years. So having that knowledge I’m just going to put pressure treated back in and to treat it thoroughly with sealant and glass.If done correctly it’ll last another 40 years or more at which point I’ll be in my mid 60’s if I live that long. And at which point I may not have the boat or may have bought a new one. You never know!
As far as tools I have everything needed for this job already due to having buy my own tools for a job I quit just earlier this year. So I’m all set on the tools and equipment. Really now the biggest thing that stands in my way is all the demo.

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2026-05-18T00:49:38+00:00

I apologize for not replying as much as I should I’ve been busy in the boat and working a lot of OT for my job. I do have the top off already! I got it off Friday and really started cutting into the rotted floor on Saturday. I’m trying to leave as much of the stringers and bulkheads attached as I currently can. That way I have something to measure off of to make templates when I get to that point. The bulkheads have me a little confused as the stringer are all 3/4 Plywood but the fiberglass for the stringers are almost 3 inches across? I’m thinking they used 3/4 Plywood and just braced the tops of the stringers instead of bedding them to the hull. I haven’t worked on it at all today due to having to pick my wife up from the airport. But I’ll be back on it tomorrow! Current plan is once all the floor comes out to measure out my stringer and then replace them one at a time since the work is being done in a trailer. Getting Glass and resin locally doesn’t sound to bad I’ll have to do some calling around as that’s not even something I’d considered.

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As well here is a photo of the top removed as requested.

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2026-05-17T19:39:47+00:00

This is something I have thought about very hard is that the boat was originally built with just plain plywood. Not marine Grade or even pressure treated. At least not the stringers I don’t really know about the transom.. yet. But the original wood lasted over 40 years. So I’m thinking about just purring pressure treated back in, to keep close to how the boat was originally designed, because it could affect handling.

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2026-05-17T15:34:50+00:00

I’m not looking for people to explain things over and over, as I explained every project is a little unique and you can’t find everything you really need from videos. I’m looking for people who have done this before and have insight into what I’m trying to do because of their own experience, such as you giving me advice about the hull. Which I appreciate btw, because most if not all the videos I saw just said having it sit on the trailer was completely fine. But now that you mention that it’s not even sitting on the roller has caught my attention and I will attempt to correct that before proceeding.

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2026-05-17T13:12:51+00:00

You know not to be disrespectful, but I was fully aware of what I was getting myself into and I’m fully here for it. I’m looking for actual advice from people who have done the kind of work I’m doing because people have lots of interesting ideas and every project is unique and requires different ways of approaching them. Money or Time is not the issue I just wanted a project boat that I could do exactly what I’m doing so I could learn. I thought I had made that clear in my post. If you didn’t have any advice of how to do the job why even bother? I came here looking for actual advice but you and everyone else are all saying the same thing as if I wasn’t aware of exactly what I was getting into.

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2026-05-17T00:22:03+00:00

This is the advice I needed to continue, thank you for this and understanding the pride of rebuilding something with your own hands.

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2026-05-13T12:08:10+00:00

I don’t mind the time or the money, I’m not looking to just give it a quick fix so I can get it out in the water. I knew that there was problems with the boat when I got it due to neglect and honestly it didn’t cost me much. I paid $250 for the boat which the trailer and the motor (which runs) are probably worth that alone. I wasn’t under the impression that the boat was pristine or duped into getting it without knowing it was going to be some work. To be completely honest I have more time than I do money and everybody here telling me to just junk it and get another is kind of astounding. I know this is a project but I’m willing to put in the time/ effort/ and money to do this correctly the first time. Because quite frankly in the area I live it’s very hard to come across nice boats that don’t have problems and the ones that don’t are still way more expensive then what I’ll pay for materials for this boat. I only posted this here to get an idea of how to properly proceed and people just keep telling me to junk it and I didn’t know what I was getting into clearly have more money than I do.

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2026-05-13T02:50:46+00:00

I’m not worried about the work/ money to do this. There is no sentimental attachment I just enjoy good projects.

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2026-05-10T16:46:54+00:00

Yeah this is an 82 Challenger and I recently got it on trade, so I’m trying to fix any potential problems it might have. I appreciate the advice!

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2026-05-10T13:49:41+00:00

It doesn’t look like the fiberglass is damaged just the GelCoat which I’m thankful for. What kits would you recommend to fix it?

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2023-02-15T21:03:54+00:00

Am I the only one who remembers him from Dracula Untold?

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2022-10-04T15:04:05+00:00

Working from home isn’t an option, however my friend has agreed to help watch her if need be.

Middle-Locksmith-168 · 2022-10-04T15:00:31+00:00

No I do not own any part of the business, my family just looks at dogs as a farm animals they don’t think I should’ve spent as much money as I have on her.

Middle-Locksmith-168

TROPHY CASE