Now what do I do? (newbie questions)

[GrnMtnBoy]

Hello. I've already introduced myself elsewhere, so I can pretend I'm not just some newbie asking questions (even though I'm a newbie asking questions). So, I have this boat (my first):






It's a nice solid hull, and the drivetrain is relatively fresh -maybe 10 hours on the engine and the outdrive is new. Unfortunately, that's because the engine (a healthy 350) chewed it up,and that's before I put the 4bbl on it. We'll cross that bridge when we reach it. The immediate problems are electrical and interior, which both need redoing. It'll all be custom work because this is a Glassmaster, and I gather not much OEM is available any more for it. I'm a good mechanic, and I know how to use the Search function, but I don't know what I don't know to know, if you know what I mean, and that's what I'm asking here. Is there something, either here or on the Internet, like a generalized restoration FAQ so I don't forget something stupid like providing power for the bilge pump?


Thanks in advance for your help and sympathy.

[CJS]

First things first. Get the Japanese Beetle trap off of
the boat

Post a few pictures of the interior so we get get an idea
of the condition. What up with the electrical system? Have
you itemized what works and what doesn't? How is the
access to under the deck/bilge?

The hull looks very clean.

[highland61]

cjsweeney - 7/13/2006 7:17 PM

First things first. Get the Japanese Beetle trap off of
the boat

I was afraid to ask......

First question: The 4bbl carb that you put on, was it rated for marine use?

Make a list and prioritize what is most important to you. A good friend of mine has a halfway done fiberglass job on the bow of his boat due to huricanne damage. Looks is not his priority. It would definatley qualify for "Redneck Boat of the Month." But it runs great and that is his priority.

[thataway]

I find that a good book in general to learn about marine systems is Nigel Calder's Boat owners mechinical and Electrical manual. It is perhaps over kill for your size boat, but it has excellent systems diagrams and shows you how to do things correctly. There is also a "Marine Electrical and electronics Bible" by Payne.

The other option is to ask each specific question on the forum and do some reasearch on the internet.

I would probably completely rewire the boat--and bring it up to ABYC standards. It is not difficult--and once it is done, it will be good for the next 20 years and YOU will know how it works--instead of clobbered wiring on clobbered wiring as in many older boats.

As for interior--some wood work, some fiberglass, some paint and some fabric and foam--looks like you have a good solid boat and the restoration will be very worth while!

[boatommy]

Hey Bob,
If he rewires the whole thing he'll never get to go on one of those "Easter Egg Hunts" tracing the red wire that turns to green, then to blue and ends up yellow!!
LOL,
thom

[GrnMtnBoy]

1) I pulled the heads and front end (pump/timing chain), replaced freeze plugs and all top/front-end gaskets, and put on an Edelbrock 1409 with a Performer EPS manifold. The motor is good to go.

2) Having decided the wiring needs help, I'm gonna yank every inch and replace it. To give you an idea, when the CV boots on my wife's Jeep wore out, I replaced the halfshafts. That's the kind of anal mechanic I am. So, the overall references you've given me are exactly what I need.

3) There are no seats on deck. The post for the captain's chair still exists. That's how much work needs done. I'm gonna replace everything in the cabin just 'cause I can.

Thank you for the kind welcome, and here's hoping I get it done before I run out of money.

[thataway]

Before you start on seats and wiring, be sure that the cockpit deck doesn't have rot or soft places. A shame to put on new seats--and have them fall right thru the floor! If possiable lable all of the wires when you put them in--either with reasonably water proof labler, or with numbers on both ends.