Stratos Project- Need Opinions

[cwolbach]

I bought this boat for pretty cheap as a project boat. I has fire damage to the rear compartment. gas tanks, batteries, wires fried. Some fiberglass damage in front of motor, on the top side, and on back of seat, would need new carpet. transom feels solid. Is this worth sinking money into or should I just look for a new boat hull to go with this motor and trailer? Anyone ever repaired a fire damages boat? What should I expect? Here is a link to get see a bunch of pictures. Let me know what you think.

http://picasaweb.google.com/chadwolbach/Stratos201

[ProcraftMike]

This is a tough call here. My main concern would be what damage did the fire do, that affected the overall integrity of the boat. I have no idea of heat weakens fiberglass or what affect it has. If you were to repair this boat, you would have to cut out a most of the burned areas and probably re-glass them. If you really like the boat, then go for it. There is a lot of work involved here, but if you are a hands on guy, it could be a fun project.

At this point, it is hard to say what the repair would cost you. Getting the topcap repaired (gel coated, etc). will probably be expensive, unless you have some connections.

[Rmart30]

J&J fiberglass repair is just outside of bessemer.... wouldnt hurt to run it by them and see what they think of it.

http://www.jandjmarineworks.com/

[SwatDawg]

Your transom has alot of signs of rot... notice the browning lines from the d-hooks... you better look close at it... dont look good from here.

[Tom G.]

Man - that's a LOT of work... I'd be inclined to pass on the rehab. Like Mike, I have a lot of concerns about what the fire did to the fiberglass and the hull integrity...You are also looking at a huge transom repalcement job... The motor looks to be in good shape, and the Vindicators are pretty bulletproof...

In a nutshell, you are building a whole boat - is it really worth it to you?

[Fish Loco]

I have seen burnt boats before and the resin burns the glass don't makes the boat structure weak. I would pass and find a boat with a bad motor.

[trevrev97]

I think most of it will buff out!!!

[oakhillhoss]

If I were trying to make a Decision on the restore my first move would be to take the Top cap off so I could see how much the Integrity of the Hull was Comprimised. Then I would be able to Decide on my plan of action from there. I would from what I see Jump on this and get Busy. You have a lot of options and I Bet you could get it back on the Water Easier than you think.

[racefan]

I would say look for a different boat. There is a good bit of damage there and who knows what under the visable damage.

[SwatDawg]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by racefan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would say look for a different boat. There is a good bit of damage there and who knows what under the visable damage.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i think he has done bought it... I would say just tear into it... you've done bought it now... You can make it good again, just gonna take alot of work...

[Glenn_S]

Nothing a little BBS won't cure...

[cwolbach]

Any body done any stringer work? How hard is this to replace and how much would it cost as far as materials go. How can you tell if the transom is rotten? it feels very solid.