Restoration questions

[jahoward1]

Hi everyone.  I haven't posted in a while but I'm (still) the happy owner of a 1997 Aquasport Osprey 200 center console.  I've been enjoying my boat for the last couple seasons but I'm a little late this year due to both my knees being replaced.  Therefore, I have some time on my hands and a couple questions to ask.  

Sometimes I wish that I had the money to buy a new boat or even a nicer, bigger used one.  However, I'm just a married township cop with three kids, a mortgage, etc, etc... and I just don't have the money to spend on a really nice expensive toy.  So, I looked at my boat and thought, maybe I'd like to start a project on my current boat.  Maybe I could have one of those beautiful restored boats that I've seen on this site and others.  I'm a little overwhelmed and do not know where to start.  I've thought about replacing the center console and getting her repainted but I'd like to hear from someone who has undertaken a project like this, where did you start, what did you replace and what did you just clean up instead?

Unless I win the lottery, I'm probably not gonna buy a new Hydra Sport or Pursuit so how can I make my Osprey look and feel new to me.  Thanks in advance.

C ya :afro:

[Capt Matt]

Does the boat need just cosmetic work or structural work? Post some pictures
Cosmetic is much easier as can be done bit by bit and hopefully not keep you off the water too long
Capt Matt

[seabob4]

Matt's right about the cosmetics.  A fresh coat of gel, some new rolled sand non-skid, a gauge update, a new panel maybe...all can be done for a relatively minimal expense and really make her look newer...and different, which can sometimes be seen as "new"!

[Flnative]

next weekend I will be redoing my console on the 94 osprey ...... I will have complete details and pics of what to look for and things you cna do to really spice up that console... hope this helps

[jahoward1]

Thanks everybody. It is cosmetic. Hopefully I can hobble over to my boat and take some pics in the next couple days--not driving yet.  I will definitely be watching any updates from Finative's restoration. Thanks again.  :afro:

[jahoward1]

I successfully loaded some pictures of my boat on the site in the members area but I don't know how to bring them up on a post.  There are a few things Id like to replace or upgrade--broken swim ladder, the seat that sits on top of the bait well and some gelcoat repairs but I have a more pressing problem. There seems to be a short in the trim switch on the throttle box. The motor sometimes gets stuck in the up position. I won't be on the water until that's fixed. Thanks.  :afro:

[RickK]

How to post pix http://www.classicaquasport.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8839

[jahoward1]

Ok I think it worked. This pic shows that seat and cushion on top of the livewell I'm trying to replace. The seat and cushion have attachments to either screw in or slide in but they're not in good shape. So I have to either find someone who can duplicate these attachments or find a new way to secure the cushion and seat the the boat.

I've already replaced the windshield that a previous owner decided to black out.

[jahoward1]

And this is a pic of the broken swim ladder. My ideas have been to replace the whole thing, or just the ladder or even just the broken step.

[Capt. Bob]

That boat looks awful familiar.

Anyway, since you're use to the folding "on top" style, you could replace with something like this. I have the 3 step version.

http://www.savvyboater.com/store/p/809- ... adder.aspx

[GoneFission]

Check this ladder out - Windline makes a good product:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Windline-3-Step ... ar&vxp=mtr

[dburr]

From the angle of the picture it is hard to see what happend to the aft screw on the inboard side of the bottom step.  Could the fix be fill the hole in the step with an appropriate filler for the step then redrill for a new screw?  Be less expensive then a new ladder..

[RickK]

And this is a pic of the broken swim ladder. My ideas have been to replace the whole thing, or just the ladder or even just the broken step.

Looks like the stainless bolt going through the tread broke - mine does this all the time. I learned to step toward the side when I step on it.  I guess people didn't used to be over 200 lbs.... Easy fix anyway and carry some spares, the tread bows down and the bolts snap.  Otherwise it looks in good shape.
One thing I definitely would do is figure out a way to plug the pipe ends, thus covering that edge that'll peel off any skin that touches it going down.  Ouch !!!!  You can drill holes in the pipe to drain it.

[gran398]

Betcha a nickel the PO left it down and got hung up on something, and torqued it...ya'll ck the pic, and the inboard bend dburr makes note of.

Take the rung off, twist the stanchion back to center. Re-center the tread...and if needed use square stainless double U bolts to reattach, foregoing repairing the ripped pipe tube. You can get fancy and rout the starboard tread to sink the cross-bolts if you like.

Over and done, 5 bucks max.

[jahoward1]

Thanks, i think I'll fix this ladder and move on. I could definitely use that $100+ dollars on something else like the trim switch. Thanks all again.


James :afro: