1981 ExFish Hull Construction

[rburlington]

Two years ago I recored the transom on my 1981 24' Express Fisherman with Sea Cast.  It is very strong.  
My question now has to do with the hull of his boat.  Is there wood between the layers?  I removed a through hull and I can see there are layers to the hull and what looks like a fibery material between them, but not exactly like wood.  What is that?  Is that some kind of a mat, foam or wood?  Any answers would be much appreciated.
R. Burlington

[GoneFission]

The hull is solid fiberglass, but is built up with different types or roving and cloth.  You don't have to worry about the hull.  Your decks might be plywood cored, so keep an eye out for soft spots.  Also, the stringers are foam filled, and sometimes the foam can get water soaked and need replacing.  

You did not mention the history and use of the boat.  Occassional use boats usually are OK with stringer foam, but boats that stay in the water seem to have more problems with water getting in the foam.  Same goes for a boat that is on a trailer or a lift with the plug in and fill up with a foot or so of water for - let's say = a year...  

Illinois River boat, Great Lakes, or do you take that thing out on Clinton Lake?   :bounce:

See ya on the water!

[rburlington]

Thanks for the good report on the hull construction.  It seemed much too solid to have wood in it for its age.

I use the boat on the Illinois River, often spending 3 or 4 nights out in it.  It sits in its slip at the Marina during the season and on blocks or the trailer during the winter.  I never take it to Clinton Lake.

When I purchased the boat a few years ago it needed a transom and wiring and both have since been addressed.  Once while searching engines on the web I found a picture at a Florida Marina of its exact twin with a rental type number on the hull (for example # 5) in addition to the registration.  My boat had that exact kind of number and was set up like the one I saw.  Makes me think it might have been a rental boat for people taking day trips on the ocean for fishing.  Anyway, the boat had some rough use over the years.  

I don't have the time, treasure or talent to fully restore it, although it would be a candidate for that since, in spite of the rough use, the hull and decks are sound, the transom is now repaired and the stringers are strong and dry.  So my aim has been to neat it up a bit and make it seaworthy and look presentable.  Have painted the cabin exterior and just finished getting all the rest of the exterior surfaces ready for paint that will be applied this weekend if the weather holds.

Thanks again for the help.
R Burlington

[GoneFission]

Clinton Lake can be a nightmare - local farmers with zero boating experience running 70+ in new bass boats...  :evil:

Post some pics when you get her painted - we all love boat porn!!  

Welcome to the site and good luck!