1987 Ranger 373V BMC edition restoration/modification/update
I got this boat 6 years ago for my 24th birthday from my father. He bought it and let it sit in his garage for two years before I finally convinced him that he didn't need it anymore because he had just purchased a brand new 20' Skeeter. I think he had it on the water maybe 4-5 times the two years he owned it. From April of 04 up until Jan. 1, 2008 I had it on the water at least 3 days a week rain or shine, heat or cold. My fishing kind of went by the way side two years ago due to outrageous fuel prices, my hot rod building, and the addition of our 16 month old daughter. But now I'm ready to get back on the lake and so is my wife. She's ready for us to start fishing tournaments again and to introduce our daughter to fishing.
This old Ranger has had a HARD life. When I got it it looked like it had sat in the water uncovered for 20 years in the Texas sun. The trailer started out as a single axle Ranger Trail trailer but somewhere along the line it was cut up and modified into a tandem trailer. One of the previous owners also thought that rewiring the entire boat with extension cords was a good idea. There are numerous scratches and a few gouges on the bottom of the hull and there are a few stress cracks here and there on the top cap. This old boat has MANY flaws in, out, and all over but I love it...even though it has stranded me a couple times due to electrical issues and a blown lower unit.
In August of 08 I kind of half way started trying to clean it up some. I got quite a bit of inspiration and guidance from this site on how to wet sand and buff out the oxidation and get it shining and sparkling again.
Here is what it looked like when I cleaned it up:
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/r...t/P8240013.jpg
The blue on the cap was so oxidized and faded that it looked gray. After a good wet sand, buff, and wax it came out looking like this:
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/r...t/P8230004.jpg
Then she went back under the cover and into hibernation until today. I pulled the cover off and started ripping the worn out carpet out this evening. I got the carpet pulled up and scraped the glue on the front deck, the floor, and started the rear deck. I also pulled the cracked original seats out.
I still haven't decided and thought of everything that I'm going to do to it but here's the "short" list:
TRAILER:
Move spare tire carrier to original spot or fabricate cradle
rework or fabricate new fenders for bigger wheels/tires
LED's for trailer
paint trailer
new hitch/brake actuator
replace trailer bunks
replace all trailer rollers/rubbers
replace trailer winch
clean/smooth/recap welds at hitch
new wiring for trailer
clean/replace all diamond plate on trailer
fab new side bunk brackets for trailer
new wheels/tires (5)
get trailer brakes working properly
fabricate new license plate mount
trailer tongue steps
INTERIOR:
deck extension
new carpet
stereo
LED's
fabricate battery tray
reinforce all hinges
new seats/reupholster original seats
new aeration systems for both live wells
recess trolling motor foot pedal
fabricate new switch plate for bow deck
new gauges
new console face plate
refinish/replace glove box door
new on board battery charger
EXTERIOR:
new rub rail
new decals for motor/boat/trailer
keel guard
MOTOR:
repaint cowling
plugs/wires
Here's what it looks like as of now. I'll probably finish stripping the carpet tomorrow.
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/r...t/P2150034.jpg
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/r...t/P2150035.jpg
Oh, and here's my little helper. I better hurry up and get all this done. I think she's ready to hit the water.
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/r...t/P2150031.jpg
Re: 1987 Ranger 373V BMC edition restoration/modification/update (Edbob)
Good luck with the work on the Ranger. I do like the way the tandem trailer looks. Your helper does look like she is ready to get to some fishing.
