Astro 18FS/rebuild/bad Stringers/Transom maybe/Cap removal/how to/picture request

Hi all,

Looking for any and all pictures/advice for Astro Quickfire 18 Fish and Ski rebuilds that show disassembly/assembly. Specifically, how to separate the cap from the hull in the rear/transom area/taking the cap off (cap and hull are screwed together under the rub-rail, but can't see the joint at the transom). Where should I cut, if that's what I need to do? Preparing to undertake the rebuild and I would like to avoid any potential expensive mistakes. Please share all lessons learned and pictures specific to Astros, or any other cap off fiberglass bass boat restorations that could be helpful.

What do you wish you knew before starting your rebuilds?

Thanks in advance,

78 Renegade

1990 Quickfire 18FS

All the caps I have pulled the cap is bonded to the hull at the transom. I have never had to cut it free since the bond has been more of a thickened resin filler with poor adhesion but I did do a lot of prying holding tension on the cap and slowly crack away at the bond till the cap came free. May be some Tabbing that needs cutting first. If you get aggravated just walk away till you have patients to work on it some more. I doubt you will find pictures of a full restoration but one never knows. Good luck.

When restoring my previous Skeeter, the transom area was tabbed really good in the splashwell area. Just as already stated; if your patience is gone, walk away n try another day. Mistakes or brute force will cost ya a lot more.