First Post.. Help with 81 walkaround.. random parts needed

[81walkaround]

hello all,

just bought an 81 walkaround and was wondering if there were common places to find parts for these boats you might know about here.  the hull itself is in pretty good shape, but alot of the parts of the boat are in need of replacement.

some of the parts i need are:

- the canvas top
- the door for the cabin
- gauge cluster (is it possible to get a complete new gauge cluster?)
- the cushions in the cuddy are trashed.. whats the common solution here?  reupholstering?  new cushions?  i mean, theyre pretty nasty.

also, if you can recommend some common things to look at/for, i'd really appreciate it.  

thanks in advance.

the boat has been in the water for about 2 years now.  the bottom will need to be scraped/sanded/painted.

[GoneFission]

Check out the rebuilds section of the site for info on what you are looking for.  Also, you might try the "Search" function and enter the topic of interest.  Lots of stuff here - you just need to find a way to get to it.

Good luck!

[81walkaround]

Thanks for the reply.

here's my boat..

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/boa/767842331.html


i bought a dual axle magic tilt trailer yesterday to get it out of the water (for $200).. i need to replace 3 spindles/bearings/tires today... it was coming apart as i was dragging it home.  

any tips appreciated!

[Capt. Bob]

Walkaround,
Sounds like the boat I've been looking for.

As far as the cushions go, Lauderdale has many different canvas/cushion makers (did when I was there) who will build you new ones based on the size of your old. Not cheap but it's the way to go.
I replaced mine in 96, and they are still in great shape.
You can also check out the used/salvage place "Sailorman's" (if they're still in business). They may not have an exact replacement part but something that you can work with.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

[81walkaround]

i spent all day replacing 3 of 4 hubs/bearings, trying get the old hubs off the wheels, and reconfiguring the bunks from catamaran to my aquasport on teh trailer today.. that was fun.. yeah right

anyways, did some searching (here and google) and didnt find any specs on the shape of the hull.. do i just have to try to get in on the trailer and reconfigure on the fly, or does someone know where to find detailed
specs on this hull?

thanks again

[GoneFission]

Not so much specs, but...  You want the bunks to fit to the outside of the planing strakes at the bow - that will put them under the stringers inside the hull.  Make sure the bunks go all the way to the transom; you may even want the bunks to overlap the transom a bit.  

I also have front bunks on my trailer - that makes putting the boat back on the trailer so much easier.  Align it, run her up to the bow stop, put the hook in, and you're on!  You can see the bunks in these pics:



 

I also put guide bunks on the sides to help - basically, all I have to do is get the nose on the trailer and the boat will go on right.  The side bunks are about 2" off the hull when the boat is on the trailer - don't have them touching the hull or they will mark up the hull sides:

 

Hope this helps - good luck and see ya on the water!

[81walkaround]

that helps immensely!  thanks!!