Hello all, I've been reading through some threads here and will continue to do so. I know much of the information I need is there but wanted to post my project question here in order to try and keep some ideas centralized.
I have a 1436 Duracraft purchased from a friend for $100.00. Here's the list of repairs before I can begin considering purchasing motors, anchors, etc.
New transom
New 'flotation' foam
It seems simple enough to do either task, but I have a few questions that maybe you can answer for me.
Transom; My transom has a brace that is riveted to the bottom of the hull and bolted to the transom. It looks like it would require me to cut the top 'lip' off the back of the transom in order to slid the new transom in or remove the brace and then replace it. I would sorta like to avoid removing the brace since I have no experience in replacing these larger rivets on the hull. Removing the top 'lip' seems like a better option for me, but I want to make sure I have all my options considered before I do any cutting.
Foam; the boat was left sitting upside-down in a yard for many years. Ants moved in and packed the interior of the bench seats with dirt and rotted the foam. I've been spraying water in the small openings at the sides and bottom, but I know ultimately I will have to do something to get in there to properly clean it out. The easiest way I can think of is to cut a opening in the front or back side large enough to clean it and insert new foam. I would then cover the opening with a large section of aluminum and either rivet or screw it back in place. My concern is the structural integrity of the seats after cutting a large hole in the side.
So are there other options/ideas I should consider before I begin? Thanks in advance!
(I'll post pictures soon - not at home right now)
I have a 1436 Duracraft purchased from a friend for $100.00. Here's the list of repairs before I can begin considering purchasing motors, anchors, etc.
New transom
New 'flotation' foam
It seems simple enough to do either task, but I have a few questions that maybe you can answer for me.
Transom; My transom has a brace that is riveted to the bottom of the hull and bolted to the transom. It looks like it would require me to cut the top 'lip' off the back of the transom in order to slid the new transom in or remove the brace and then replace it. I would sorta like to avoid removing the brace since I have no experience in replacing these larger rivets on the hull. Removing the top 'lip' seems like a better option for me, but I want to make sure I have all my options considered before I do any cutting.
Foam; the boat was left sitting upside-down in a yard for many years. Ants moved in and packed the interior of the bench seats with dirt and rotted the foam. I've been spraying water in the small openings at the sides and bottom, but I know ultimately I will have to do something to get in there to properly clean it out. The easiest way I can think of is to cut a opening in the front or back side large enough to clean it and insert new foam. I would then cover the opening with a large section of aluminum and either rivet or screw it back in place. My concern is the structural integrity of the seats after cutting a large hole in the side.
So are there other options/ideas I should consider before I begin? Thanks in advance!
(I'll post pictures soon - not at home right now)