I dropped a whopping $250 for a 1987 Phoenix Bumble Bee V187. I really have NO idea what I'm getting into because I've never restored a bass boat before. I created a Google Photos album to track the progress:
I do have a little experience with restoring boats. Here's the little 12' 1968 Nichols Aluminum Jon Boat I rebuilt last summer, which gave me Bass Boat Fever:
So, I have a TON of questions for all of the experienced folks here, but I'll start with just a few:
- Any ideas where I can find a manual? I sent a message to the manufacturer this morning, but I'm not sure if they'll have anything useful.
- Does anyone else here own one of these boats? Any pictures of what it's supposed to look like?
- What's your advice on getting a motor? I like to figure sh^* out, so I'm not afraid to buy something used that needs some work, but I'm not even sure how the motor would even connect to the boat (wiring, steering, throttle, trim, tilt, or whatever else is required)
- How difficult is it to strip and repaint an entire boat? Obviously, it's a lot of work, but if anyone can offer some advice, that'd be great. I found some YouTube videos that talk about repairing, but not that show a total re-paint. I'd like to paint it a metal-flake red to match my truck :)
- Any other advice you can offer is appreciated. Any other posts in the forum that already answer my questions you can point me to?
I'm planning on working on this all spring and summer, but hopefully get it on the water before summer is over.
Thanks!
Rob (boito)