"Blair Doyle" wrote in message
...
Hey all,
ive got an older 18ft bowrider w/ 150hp inboard,
the motor is in good condition, but the boat needs some work

~~ snippage ~~

You need to really look at and under the floor first - if it
is weak in any spot, then expect to remove and replace.
Depending on the age of the boat, that might not be a bad
idea anyway because it will give you a look at the stringers
along the hull and their condition. This also gives you an
opportunity to look at the fuel tank if it is an internal tank.
If it's galvanized, look at the corners and under the tank
for rust, etc. As long as you are in there, measure the
fuel lines and get replacements.

Check all wire routes and their condition. With boats,
this can be an adventure because of the very nature of
copper corrosion. Anything that has excessive corrosion -
replace it. Wire is cheap.

Check all the points where the structure meets metal, wood
or fiberglass - all the sharp corners that can catch and collect
water and check their condition. Use the ice pick/finish nail
method - not a lot of pressure either is needed. If you have
to push hard to get the sharp end to penetrate, then the joint
is good - leave it alone.

Check the transom at the bilge - use the ice pick/finish nail - you
are looking for wet rot, weakness or soft wood.

Check the junction of the stringers to the transom in the bilge.
Use the ice pick/finish nail to probe around. Have somebody
turn the motor hard to starboard and port to detect if the bolts
connecting the engine to the transom are pulling through, loose
or the area surrounding the bolts is soft (been there, done that).

Take a small rubber hammer and thump the hull below the
water line - this will help detect gaps or soft spots not readily
apparent on a visual inspection.

Over the years, I've done nine project boats - everything from
a 32 foot Egg Harbor cabin/flybridge replacement to a 17' Boston
Whaler Sport center console conversion. The one thing I learned
very early on in the process is that you take a first look, make a list,
then cover the project, walk away from it for a day or two, then
go back with the list and look again. You would be surprised at
what you missed the first time.

Above all, take your time and do it right - project boats are a blast
to do and the payoff is rewarding.

Good luck.

Later,

Tom