1986 Champion 176 Restoration

[MoChamp]

I am starting a restoration project on a Champion 176. There are a bunch of pictures of the trailer first. The bunks were shot, as well as the step pads and fender liners. I replaced all of the wood pieces, and carpet on the trailer. I have plans of using the same color carpet in the boat. I have a couple of questions though. Maybe someone can answer them. The transom is very straight. There is no give, when I apply a lot of pressure to the lower unit, with it tilted up. I have bounced all over this thing. However, there were some old transducer holes that were wet, when I cleaned the old silicone out, to reseal them. They did not appear to be rotten, just wet. Do I need to do anything, other than make sure they get sealed back properly? Thanks, Moboat

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[ProcraftMike]

As long as the rest of the transom checks out fine, just let the holes air out good. Make sure the area dries out real good before you seal them up.

[JonW]

Nice classic Champion!
Agreed, be sure the holes are as dry as possible. Maybe a hair drier would help. You dont want to reseal them with any dampness inside.

[bardern]

I had the same issues with a Ranger. What I did was dry the transom with compressed air then ordered CPES from the Rot Doctor. While it will run you around 150 bucks it will penetrate the wood and restore and strenghten the whole area.

check out their website. Rot doctor

[MoChamp]

Thanks for all of the help. I have been building a 17' kayak from scratch. So, I have a bunch of epoxy. I think I will dry it good, and inject some epoxy into the holes for good measure. Moboat.

[MoChamp]

One more hopefully easy question. The large thru-hull fitting in the center doesn't look too good. It measures 1" ID on the outside of the transom. Would a 1 1/8" ID hose thru-hull be the right fitting for it. I am planning on pulling all of the thu hulls on the transom and resealing them. Thanks, Moboat.

[ProcraftMike]

Either 1-1/8" or 1-1/4" (Do they make both sizes). I would pull it and measure it, just to be safe. Can you just measure the line that was on the fitting, or the hose might indicate the size?

Here is the link to Cabelas, which indicates the sizes of fittings that they carry. I'm assuming these are the sizes that the fittings come in.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas...age=0

[MoChamp]

I visited the local boat store since the post about the fitting. It doesn't seem that the size on the outside of the transom is a good measurement. It can still be a couple of sizes. So, I will have to measure it when I get it out. I was just hoping to get it before I disassemble the whole rear of the boat. Thanks, Moboat

[bardern]

you might want to make sure that there is something to work with around the drainhole. if you remove the sleeve there has to be solid wood there to press the new sleeve in.

[cart7]

Nice looking rig!

[MoChamp]

Thanks for the compliment. I am planning on putting new carpet in that matches the gray carpet on the trailer. I also need either replace, or recover the original seats to match. I am getting ready to give this thing a good buff job. It should shine up nice. As far as the drain fitting, it is the large plastic one piece thru-hull for the rear livewell. It is on it's way to being a two piece. The outer flange is separating from the inner stem. Don't these just clamp in with pressure from a nut on the interior side? Thanks, MoChamp

[ProcraftMike]

Yes, the thru hull fittings that I have seen push in from the outside, then you thread the nut on from the inside. Put some marine sealant on the flange before you install the fitting. Don't overtighten them, they are just plastic or nylon.

[MM]

Nice looking rig you got there. I am in the process of cleaning up my dads 94 180 dcx. I need to get the glass sanded and redone. Its is covered in small gel cracks all over the top cap from the consoles to the trolling motor area. But it runs and rides great. Can't beat the older champs. When I was in high school, that 176 was a dream boat of mine. Yours still looks like it is in great shape. MM

[MoChamp]

It actually is in good condition. It has lived in a basement garage since new. The top cap looks new with a good gloss still. There are some nicks and dings I will take care of soon. Currently I am just making sure the mechanics of the boat and trailer are sound. Thanks for the compliments.

[BassinBen]

Beautiful boat. I love boats from that time. That boat is very similar to my 1990 Ranger 365V. Good luck on the rest of the restoration.

[cart7]

If you put that stage II on that motor you'll have quite a rocketship there!

[MoChamp]

I am headed toward the phase I or II kit. I installed a 6 inch Rapid Jack and a NFB steering kit this weekend. I am looking forward to setting it up on the water, this weekend hopefully. MoChamp

[bassin98]

I am also restoring a 1986 176. My carpet is done. I am waiting to get my seats and trailer back. My bilge is done. I also had water in my transom. I took out the screws for the old transducers and put a ceramic heater inside the bilge for a couple of days to dry. I then filled holes with rosin. The thru hull fitting you need is a TH-1200-xl. It must be the xl because of the thickness of the transom. Call C&O they were the only one that could find one for me.

If I can help in any other way Ill be happy to. I have been working on mine since April. Good Luck Don

[MoChamp]

Don,
Do you have pictures? We always like to see pictures. Thanks, MoChamp

[bassin98]

Yes I do have pictures. I'll post the before and after as soon as I am done. It shouldn't be to long now I'm on the home stretch.

Thanks Don