Boat restoration

"Chris Rennert" wrote in message
.. .
Ok, most of you know I have an 89 Ranger 354V that I purchased from Heavy.
Awesome boat, my first bass boat. So far I have put a brand new Yamaha
VMax 150 on it, and brand new 70# Minn-Kota Maxxum trolling motor, and
all brand new Lowrance electronics on the bow and Console. My next step is
to replace the carpeting, and build a deck extension.

***Replacing the carpet isn't really that hard. The thing to remember is to
"carefully" remove the old carpet, as intact as possible and use the pieces
as templates for the new carpeting. Also, take great pains to make certain
that the nap of the carpet runs in the same direction, especially on hatch
lids. It's easy to get that different and believe me, it will be noticable.


I would also like to repair some damage on the bottom of the boat, maybe
paint it (is that practical?), and then repair some of the gel coat (can
that be done??? , It seems faded in areas). I have also started building
a Rod holder using plastic golf club sleeves and pre-treated plywood. I
figure this would work out nice for pulling rods out as well as putting
them in without getting the tips tangled as I do now.

***If you have scratches, gouges and in need of gelcoat repair, I have a
couple of suggestions. First of all, I wouldn't tackle a project like that
myself, and I'm not afraid to take on "projects". The thing is, if you want
it to look like a professional job, take it to a professional. Ranger does
restoration projects like that, and they would have access to the identical
materials that your boat was made from initially. There is also a company
here in Rhinelander that has done some amazing things in boat restoration.

The nice thing is, Ranger will sell me a new windshield, console panel
(which they will cut for me if I send them mine), and bow panel. So the
restoration project is well under way.

***I would replace the carpet, build the deck extension, put on the new
windshield and replace the panels. But the gelcoat work I would leave to a
pro. You might consider doing the above mentioned things, then this fall,
after the fishing season is over, take the boat to someone who specializes
in this kind of work and have them do it. Then your boat will be nice and
shiny for next year and you're not out any fishing time this season.

I was hoping that you guys could give me some insight into gel-coat
repair, and maybe some ideas of what I should do about the hull. I am
looking at a Keel guard after seeing Steve use his on Mohawksin, seemed
like a pretty sweet idea.

***Again, have a pro do this part of the project. At that time, have them
install the KeelShield when the hull is done. I wouldn't have another boat
without a KeelShield, they're well worth the money. I like them so much
that I had them installed on my new boat, and with a cat hull, that means
buying two of them!
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com