1974 Proline 20 Restore

[Flatback20]

SO I purchased my very first Boat on Saturday. First of all I want you to know I am not crazy... I have friends that have undertaken this sort of project and have offered to help me with mine. I love fishing the flats on the gulf coast and knew I would have a boat of my own someday but didnt know I would be building the boat of my dreams on the very first go-round. After talking to several friends I narrowed my search down to two hulls, Aquasport 22-2 or Pro-Line 20.

I searched craigslist and boat forums for several weeks looking for the right platform and I found it this past Saturday. A 1974 Pro-Line 20 that had been in Dry storage for 19yrs. The hull is in amazingly great shape and has never had bottom coat. Transom is Solid but floor and stringers are shot. It is all original except for an 88hp Johnson repower in 1986. (which was locked up)

I tore into it as soon as I got it home and worked on it Sunday for a bit as well. Ths weekend the hull will be completely bare and cleaned to begin installing the new foam/glass stringers. (No wood going back in) Ill post pictures of my progress and would appreciate any constructive criticism as I go. Any ideas on how to make things better, stronger, faster. Im not concerned with keeping things original. I want a 2013 Flatback when Im done.

[Flatback20]

Here are a few pics of what Im starting with. NO BOTTOM PAINT!!!  

[Flatback20]

Started stripping her down...






Both feet went through the floor below casting deck.

[gran398]

Congratulations on your purchase! Welcome to the club.  Appears you have a nice clean skin there.

There are many terrific rebuilds here, all are worth reviewing. Make sure to do your best to eliminate twisting/racking/warping during the rebuild. Particularly when the transom is  re-cored.

[Flatback20]

Floor and Stringers look great! LOL

[Flatback20]

Im building this boat with my two sons age 9 & 11. They are super excited about it and I'm pretty excited myself. Please help me make this boat last me and my family a long time. If there is something Im missing let me know so I can Do it Right the first time!!!

To Do List...

Grind inside of hull
Install new Foam/Glass Stringers & Bulk Heads
Enclose Transom
Rear Cap
Order Fuel Cell-55gal?
Install Deck/Casting Deck
Console
Baitwell
Bilge Well & Pump
Extend Keel
Splash Guard
Finish Cap-Rod Holders,Cleats, etc..
Motor Bracket/Dive Platform
Jack Plate
Electronics?
Radio & Speakers
Batteries & Wiring
Steering

Not sure if going with Yamaha or Suzuki for power.

[Flatback20]

My oldest son and I have been hard at work! (although it looks as if he is doing all the work.)

[Flatback20]

Transom cut out and teardown almost complete...

[Flatback20]

My oldest son and I. (my 9yr old is not as inclined to help. LOL)

[gran398]

Looking great!!

Glad to see your son helping! It is great to get them used to working, this will serve them well in life.

I have a 24 year old son...WORK is a four letter word.

When he was twelve I offered him 5 bucks to mow the grass. I came back, his friend was mowing the grass, he was sitting on the porch drinking lemonade. Asked him why he wasn't mowing the grass...he had paid his friend 3 bucks to do it and pocketed 2

[Capt. Bob]

Great start FB. :!:
I'm assuming you've reviewed the thread by Melba Toast just below yours. If not, it's a great primer for any rebuild. Hopefishing's another must read.

Keep posting your photos and...

Good luck.

[Flatback20]

Thanks... Yes I've been reading several rebuilds and they have been helpful.

[Flatback20]

[Flatback20]

Closing in the Transom...

[Flatback20]