1987 Ranger 373V BMC edition restoration/modification/update

[Edbob]

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:




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:




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.






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.

[kray274]

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.

[Voldaddy]

Man that's a great looking boat.

There's something about a Ranger. I regret to this day selling my fish and ski 8 years ago.

[rangerdaniel]

Good luck. Keep us posted. It has cleaned up well so far

[Edbob]

I don't have any time to work on it during the week until the end of March. So, I've been ordering parts, goodies, and bling. Now I just have to wait for it all to come in.

I'm actually fixing to pull the trigger on a set of 20's for the trailer in the next few minutes.

[jseasor]

here is the link to my restore on my 373 that i did a few years ago, i no longer have had the boat, but feel free to take any ideas or ask any questions.
http://www.bbcboards.net...04604

[G P]

Great looking project. Can't wait to see it finished. If you do have any questions ask jseasor he helped me out with my boat and I highly recommend his advice.