NO restoration but a lot of fixing up!!! 1988 373V

[dunk50]

OK, recently I bought a nice 88 373V from a BBC member and I think he said it was a two owner. It is pretty solid structurally but like all 20 years old boats it has sen better days. I am not going to restore it like THAT other 373V thread as I don't have 20K but I am going to do some work. First the front deck is very spongy. It was full disclosure as he told me about it long before I bought it. My plan is to fix the front casting deck, build a deck extension, wet sand and buff it out, re-carpet and then install some new electronics, jack plate and a few other goodies. Eventually this Spring I will re-configure the trailer so that I can add the folding tongue. I have actually already repaired the front deck and started the extension so I am going to post some (try to) photos. Bare with me for a couple of hours, I'll get it right.

[dunk50]

I started kind of late with the camera. I have removed all the rotted wood and failed to get a photo of the 3rd layer of wood. I will also get more better at more / better photos and descriptions. This is just the start. And by the way, never tackled anything like this before so it's a learn as you go and I have done some serious reading on this forum. Thanks to Al and everyone else that has posted there previous work. It helps a lot.

Modified by dunk50 at 7:43 PM 3/10/2008


Modified by dunk50 at 7:45 PM 3/10/2008 [IMG][/IMG]


Modified by dunk50 at 7:46 PM 3/10/2008

[racefan]

Great job so far. Keep up the good work

[JoePA]

Looks great! Keep it up and before you know it you will have a new boat. Just keep a goal in mind for the boat and stick with it. We'll be watching your progress.

Joe

[SwatDawg]

Keep it up brother

[hulapopr]

looks good.i will add this,i see you used 2x4 framing for the extension,i have done a few,it is better to go the money and buy aluminum stock for your frame the wood will not hold up long unless you keep it inside and dry.My partner boughtt an x270 that had one built in it like that and 2 years later it is falling apart.
if you can't weld it draw up a pattern and have it done.good luck keep up the good work..

[MassBass320v]

Hula, do you have any more advice on the aluminum framing? I'd like to build a deck extension also, but I'm not sure how to go about framing it. What type of aluminum, what would you do for the vertical columns/supports, how do you make the connections, etc.?

[hulapopr]

i used 1.5" angle stock,used a mitre saw to cut the angles,number the corners that go together and took it and had it welded.as for verticle supports take and cut 2 pieces to weld together to make a u channel,mark where you are putting them and weld them on, weld a flat piece to the bottom of the leg to screw to the floor.i then used 5\16 ss bolts and nuts and through bolted it where i could reach all the way through with a bolt,it doesn't need a bunch of bolts if you put them in the right places.i then used resined plywood for the top then carpeted.it is a little pricey,i didn't pay for the welding friend done it but it will last forever.

[MassBass320v]

thanks, Hula, got the idea now!

[bassdevils]

Dunk its looking good! BTW, thanks for the info on my project. Its coming along nicely

[dunk50]

No problem, plan on getting into mine hot and heavy this week. I am using resin for waterproofing the wood especially around the hinges and on top and on the legs where water could sit. I did countersink my doors 3/4 inch for the 3/4 inch plywood so the hinges would work right and the new deck and boat deck would be the same height. I am also going to ATTEMPT to put carpet on all the framing of the new deck as well and the top and lids. I am going to try for a factory look or a t least very professional. I'll post some photos, hopefully later this week. My plan is for extended deck, wheeled out and buffed, new carpet and new seats. Next year will be dash and gauges.

[dunk50]

Made some progress, not as much time as I would have liked. Routed all the lids into the frame. Diluted Resin and put on two coats of it for waterproofing the wood. It does soak in. Then painted it with a good porch and deck paint. It is very solid and feels good. The extra storage will be useful. Now I have to pull the rest of the carpet off, clean that up and then buff. Here's a couple more photos.

[SwatDawg]

Great Job

[Hydrilla_NC]

Thanks for the good pics of your deck frame. I need to build some casting deck support frames, and yours gives me good ideas.

[dunk50]

More photos. Haven't seen how everyone else finishes the deck framing. I sealed it, then painted it and then carpeted it. I left the bottom exposed just in case any moisture gets in , it can't accumulate. I have some divider walls that have to be carpeted also, the step also. Tomorrow I will carpet and affix the seat risers of 1" so I can install buckets. I also built a step box storage box for between the buckets. I should have all that finished tomorrow and I will tear off the old carpet off the back deck and lids and floor. Nothing is in permanent until I wet sand and wheel it out. A serious lot of work. I can see why that other 373V thread complete restore was so expensive. I am not wear near that and getting a little tired. [IMG]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8dd06b3127cceb7cc478de23b00000026102AaOGLNk5bsq/IMG]

[dunk50]

More

[285Pro]

Nice job. Keep us updated.

[plbass]

Looking good

[fastman151]

You're doing a great job!!!! Keep the pics coming!!

[dunk50]

Ok, I got the front deck extension done & installed and removed. I also finished the seat bases and center seat step. Removed and cleaned all the rear compartment lids as well as rear deck area. Removing carpet from floor ad started the cleaning process there. This is a hell of a lot of scraping. I also removed the hand rails, air scoops, bow and stern light sockets. I wheeled the top cap out and almost all the oxidation came out. Next I will finish the floor cleaning and cleaning in general and then the fun starts. That will be the point where everyday it will look better, you know putting it back together on clean, solid and new. Thanks the good lord for acetone. I am using a lot of carpet. By doing the lids on both sides on the deck extension as well as the framing and seat add on areas for buckets etc this has turned into a carpet pit. [IMG]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8da23b3127cceb78b5c7a0c6800000026102AaOGLNk5bsq/IMG]