82 Ranger 375V Project

[hawghunter24]

I just picked this boat up yesterday and am really excited to get to working on this as it is my first boat and I love these types of things. This boat was stolen and stripped of everything and later recovered. The guy I bought it off of bought it from a marina that ended up with it (and it is titled!). I don't really know much about fiberglass but am willing to learn. I'll make my questions easier to answer by numbering them:

1. How do I go about patching up the bottom of the cap as seen in the pictures?
2. I plan on repainting the cap, so should I strip all the wood (rotted) and seats first then start sanding?
3. What grit sandpaper should I start/end up with?
4. What type of paint should I use? (will be off white to match the hull)
5. Does anybody have a link to a detailed fiberglass decking thread?
6. Will the cap have to be removed to replace the decking under the consoles?
7. At this point is removing the cap just a matter of drilling out the rivets and lifting it off?
8. The hand rail and cleats etc. are all gone... Somebody patched the holes so I'm wondering how hard it would be to relocate them? The area around the holes was patched too which is why I ask about locating them.


























Modified by hawghunter24 at 8:46 AM 6/19/2010

[hawghunter24]

I'm trying to get the pictures attached but I'm having a bit of trouble.

Edit... Attached!


Modified by hawghunter24 at 8:38 AM 6/19/2010

[racefan]

you have your work cut out for you and hope you have a deep pocket for all the items that baby needs. It will be a nice boat when you finish. Keep the ptotos comming

[Big Bass Man]

Keep us updated

[bdunn3]

Love that extended casting deck. Wish I had one on my 85 375V. Good luck. Keep us posted.

[hawghunter24]

I will definitely keep you guys posted on the progress. I got everything pictured plus these gauges/wiring, fish finder, and 5 everstart batteries (don't know yet if they work) for $500. I think I got a great deal and a fun project.




Modified by hawghunter24 at 10:12 AM 6/20/2010

[Firefighter615]

You dont need deep pockets but it will help, all you need is pockets that have a little money in them for the long haul. I just finnished restoring a 1983 Ranger 372-V that has taken me two years to complete because I did not have deep pockets but a little here and a little there and I finaly finnished the project. If you are willing to learn and do the work your self you will SAVE A BOAT LOAD OF MONEY. This board is a great resource and the folks are very helpful. I did not know a lot about boats when I started restoring them 3 years ago but with the help from the folks here and doing the work my self I have restored two bass boats. If you would like to see what you are in for, look at the pictures on my site @ http://home.comcast.net/~boats615/ranger.htm If you have any questions please ask and like I said the folks here are very helpfull.

Good luck and enjoy your project.

[hawghunter24]

I plan to do all the work myself with the help of a few friends. To begin sanding the top cap, what grit should I begin with, 80? I want to completely repaint the top cap and just touch up the hull. Tell me if this procedure for the top cap sounds correct:

1. Get top cap sanded and ready for primer.
2. Remove cap to wire boat and install gas tank.
3. Put cap back on and paint.
4. Install gauges

[racefan]

If you pull the top cap you will open another whole can of worms. Do the work without removing the cap

[hawghunter24]

Could you please explain? I don't have a gas tank yet but how else will it get in the hull?

[johnsinbelton]

Which holes are you referring to on the top cap? I see the ones that are screw holes that hold the rub rail on. Those dont get filled. The top cap is bonded to the bottom half, to get it off you will just about tear the top up. The foam they use bonds the two together. To run the wires you need to run a fish-tape up the drivers side, attach several long pieces of twine and pull them thru the hull, I say several cause you never know when you need to pull something else thru there, like the steering cables. That dash panel will look awsome on there when you get r done. If I can think of something else, I will chime back in

btw. that'll be one nice boat when your done
DeSean

[hawghunter24]

Mainly I was referring to the areas that the rub rail covers that appear to be chewed up. The best example of this is on each side of the transom. I was also wondering about filling the two quarter sized holes on the front of each console. What were these holes originally used for?

Thank you for the wiring tips, and I agree she should be a beauty when finished!

[old373guy]

I think your 375 origanally had twin padded rod lockers. the holes in the front of your consoles are where where the padded seat backs for the padded rod lockers were.

[hawghunter24]

That's what I was thinking was the padded seats. I'm not getting much feedback on patching the top cap where the rub rail is. Does this not need to be patched/repaired?

[old373guy]

I think you need to talk to a fiberglass pro. about the damage at the area where the rub rail attcaches. that looks like allot of damage that might compromise the water tight qualities of that area. I whish I could help you with that but it looks like somthing a pro. needs to look at.

[hawghunter24]

Thank you for your input 373guy, and btw your site looks great and you did a great job on your restore!

Anybody else have any input? To make things simpler this is the area I'm talking about (among others).

[swamptoad]

Since it near the transom in the rear of the boat, you might be prone to taking on water if you are loaded down or in rough water. My Ranger 373 / merc 150 stern sits very low in the water while I am in the driver seat with a passenger at idle speed. You might want to fill it in with 5200 sealer at the minimum. It it really concerns you, use some fiberglass & matting material and fill in the cracks. Try to keep it under where the rub rail will be positioned to keep it hidden. Just my .02

[swamptoad]

After studying the picture for a few more minutes and question popped into my head.
Is it possible that the cap was removed previously? It could explain the damage.
If the answer is yes, you might have a lot more hidden issues to deal with, or there might be some repairs that might have to be done over.
You definitely have some work to do to put her back into shape. I bought a fixer upper 1987 373 for $500 also, and it was a little bit more work than I thought. Just start somewhere and keep the enthusiasm. It will take some time and money. It will be worth it in the end.

[APT]

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. That will be nice when you're finished.

[hawghunter24]

I'm quite certain it hasn't been popped. My understanding is Ranger's are bonded with foam and popping the cap off would tear a lot of stuff up, which doesn't (seem) to be the case. I've almost got all the wood and carpet out, I'll post pics when it's all out.