Newbie to the V20 forums

Starzofchaos · Apr 17, 2011

Hi,

Well I have been looking over the internet trying to find out some more information on the boat that I bought over two years ago. It is a 1990 18' Fisherman. It has a 1994 Mercury 150. Overall it is a little rough looking, in need of some gel coat repair, fiberglass repairs, and a fresh coat of bottom paint. When I lived a long the gulf coast I used to take it out on the near shore and off shore, and now I moved to the north east Mississippi and I use it for cat fishing in the rivers. The off shore fishing adventures did the worst damage to it. It has cracks in the floor, soft spots around the center console and all the compartment hatches have cracks. I have lost the side rod holders that fit in the inside. Actually my father didn't think we needed them anymore and destroyed them. So now trying to find a set or will have to pay someone to try and replicate them.

Now I got a project on my hands, trying to get it back in good shape so that I can sell it and get something newer, or keep it and continue the restoration. While searching on here I noticed that people have problems with the transom rotting out. I got some cracking that I will have to take a look at. I did some testing on it the other day to see if it is flexing. It seems pretty solid so hopefully its good. Any thoughts on more testing on the transom to determine its shape?

Genie Aye · Apr 17, 2011

Welcome to the site !!

As for cracks from offshore---you will get that in any fiberglass boat because they flex.

As for the transom rotting issues--that depends on how they are taken care of as well---but any boat out there can have this happen--they all do it sooner or later !!

smkinnan · Apr 17, 2011

welcome....I just recently repaired my transom because the thing flexed as well. I was able to pull one of the top aluminum caps off and get a look at the insides. Mine turned out to be really bad (which is actually good if you need to replace it since you can dig it out easier). Mine was like mulch inside. I ended up repairing mine with Arjay. Absolutely beautiful stuff to use. The transom is now like concrete. Do a search of the site, read what others have posted. Anyways, good luck to you on it, have fun

Destroyer · Apr 18, 2011

Hi Sratz Welcome to this site. Tile the motor to the up position, then push down on the end while looking at the transom.... if it flexes you will need to look further... Also, take a hard plastic handled screwdriver and tap all over the transome from the outside... you should hear a sharp tap... a dull, hollow sound is another sign that you need to look further...
Finally, in order for any of us to help you like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words... :thre:

reelapeelin · Apr 18, 2011

Welcome to the site...hope you can post some pics of your 18 soon...I bet she gets it pretty good w/that 150!!...

The wear and damage, plus Dad tossing the rod boxes sounds like you could put a lot of time and money into it which is fine...but use caution if your idea is as you say;fix it up so you can sell it...few get back what they have put into a boat, especially these days...if you are the fiberglass, electrical and all 'round Mr Fix-It, you stand a better chance of recouping your costs on resale...

Pics when you can... :clap:

Starzofchaos · Apr 18, 2011

Thanks for the info! Ill get some pics posted on here soon. I got it in the shop getting the Carbs overhauled and the motor looked over. I gutted about 80% of the wiring and all of the switches in the console, added in a new fuse block, and a rear flood light. The 50 dollar fuse block has corroded over after once season of fishing. So I'll have to source another company beside blue sea systems for the fuse block. I got rid of the cable steering system and put in a teleflex baystar hydraulic steering system in. This has been one of the best investments that I have made yet.
As for fiberglass repair I dont have much experience with repairing composites. By trade I am in aerospace repair and overhaul, so I have access to some excellent composite materials and people that can help.