New Project: 170 Aquasport

[MarcG]

Hi all, new member and this is my first post. I just purchased a trailer that came with an early 70's Aquasport 170 hull that needs some work.  My first task is to figure out what I've got - the seller didn't have a title and there does not appear to be a HIN on the transom.  (yes, looking forward to that trip to Motor Vehicles!) Any help in determining the year will be greatly appreciated.  I've attached some pics that show a bunch of the features that may help.  If you need any more info about the boat just let me know.

Thanks, looking forward to getting her back in the water.  Browsed a bunch of threads and you all make this look easy!

[RickK]

Welcome aboard Marc 
Based on our gallery info, you could have as early as a '71 model - not sure if our catalog is really a '71, says circa and my thinking it is a 50% chance that it is correct year.

Here is a article from '70 ('69 is the same) - notice front casting deck has 1 hatch and the console is different. The fuel tank in that year is inside the console.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2707&title=as-170-article6-june&cat=549


Here is a catalog view from '71.  Notice the front casting deck now has 3 hatches and the console is the same as yours plus it looks like it has a sub-sole fuel tank.  The cleats in the aft are recessed too where they were mounted on the gunwales prior to that.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2714&title=170-brochure3-c1971&cat=551

IMO you have at least a '71 or later.  I have a '70 or earlier even though the title says '71.  Actually I feel sorry for the next owner to figure mine out since I have sunk the tank below deck and cut another hatch in the casting deck plus added a built in seat to the front of the console.  Hopefully they'll find this site where I documented the rebuild.
Again, welcome.

[larsli68]

Welcome aboard!
//Lars

[Bglhooked]

Looks very similar to a 1978 I purchased recently

[MarcG]

Haven't posted in a while. I've been getting everything titled and registered - now that it's all mine time to get to work! Step one was flipping it over on the trailer to clean the bottom.  I built a wooden brace wide enough to slide the trailer under and mounted a board across the transom. Two bolts through the outside scuppers and a three foot threaded rod in the center.  Lifted the bow with an engine hoist and it rolled right over.  Blocked it and rolled the trailer back under.  I have a video of the boat turning over, just not sure how to post it.

[RickK]

That's one of the reasons that this site is so great - you get a different perspective on doing things every time you log in.  Nice flipping rig 

BTW Marc, I removed the attachments of the same pics - you're doing it correctly by using the gallery

[Capt. Bob]

I have a video of the boat turning over, just not sure how to post it.

I think you will find that you can post your video similar to your photos in the Gallery. Same procedure as a pic only you are downloading video. You then copy and paste the link (again, just like the photo) into your post. Rick may have a trick but I tried posting a sample that was on my hard drive and it seems to work.

Try it.

Good luck.

[john mcguire]

hi, if it helps I have a 1973 and it looks identical to yours. the only difference I can see is that my fuel fill is on the starboard gunwale. it looks like you got this well in hand, hope the hull is sound. for what its worth, I had to replace the fuel tank and scrape the foam out. if yours is the same vintage my guess is you'll have to look at that as well (unless the PO took care of it). very ambitious flipping, i'm inspired.

[larsli68]

Looking good! I look forward to following your project!

 

//Lars

[MarcG]

Got the bottom stripped down over the past few weeks.  I started with some West Marine bottom paint stripper.  I tried a few test patches, trying it covered and uncovered and testing the softness every hour.  I found that covered and 12 hours worked best, so I would get up early and apply the stripper before work, cover it and go at it after dinner. 


Overall I would say it worked pretty well.  I'm guessing there was about five coats on the bottom (judging by the different colors) and in some spots it went through all five.  Several sections scraped off like it was just painted on, others took a little more work.  The mess on the sides of the hull are from pulling off the plastic - the stripper turned the top layer back into wet paint!  A quick wipe with acetone after I finished scraping really cleaned it up nicely.


Found some interesting evidence of past work (or lack of work!) One section had a previous patch and a ton of filler. (picture above near the keel) After getting it clean found that the epoxy patch stood a quarter inch higher than the hull, and instead of grinding it flush just filled it and tapered it back to the hull.  My favorite though is the keel up by the bow.  Clearly it had been run up on the beach regularly - all the gelcoat was worn away.  Instead of patching or replacing the gelcoat, it just got more coats of bottom paint!


Here is the hull after sanding.  I'll  be painting with VC Performance Epoxy after I get everything repaired.  RickK - expect questions coming your way!

[MarcG]

hi, if it helps I have a 1973 and it looks identical to yours. the only difference I can see is that my fuel fill is on the starboard gunwale. it looks like you got this well in hand, hope the hull is sound. for what its worth, I had to replace the fuel tank and scrape the foam out. if yours is the same vintage my guess is you'll have to look at that as well (unless the PO took care of it). very ambitious flipping, i'm inspired.

I got lucky there - the tank was replaced already.  It was held in just by the straps and a couple of wood wedges.  I'm going to have the tank inspected and if everything is good, use foam when it's ready to go back in.

[CLM65]

looking good

Are you planning to foam the gas tank in place?  Before you do, do some research on this site or the web.  Foam against an aluminum tank (I'm assuming it is aluminum) is frequently blamed for corrosion issues.  Some people put the foam inside heavy duty Ziploc bags to prevent any chemical interaction.  There are other methods of securing the tank without foam.  I am not familiar with it, but there is something called the "Pascoe Method" that is frequently recommended.

Good luck, and keep up the great progress!

[RickK]

Great progress
While it's upside down lay a 5-6 foot straightedge from the bottom of the transom forward and see if there is a hook in the hull (a gap between the hull and straightedge) - mine had 3/8" in the last 3 feet in front of the transom. If it is bad, fill it while you're at it.
You didn't mention your big plan for the hull but if you're going to paint it, plan on using a high build primer to cover the little stuff.

[larsli68]

Great work! 

Looking forward to following your restoration!

//Lars

[MarcG]

Great progress
While it's upside down lay a 5-6 foot straightedge from the bottom of the transom forward and see if there is a hook in the hull (a gap between the hull and straightedge) - mine had 3/8" in the last 3 feet in front of the transom. If it is bad, fill it while you're at it.
You didn't mention your big plan for the hull but if you're going to paint it, plan on using a high build primer to cover the little stuff.

Thanks for the tip.  I put a long straight edge along the keel and ran it down both sides.  A few high and low spots but nothing more than 1/16" or so.  I don't think that would be worth trying to improve, but if it makes a big difference let me know.  The hull will be painted.  I already have the VC Performance epoxy so I'm good there.  Happy to take any suggestions on topside primer and paint.  I was leaning towards Interlux Perfection until the guy at Ben's Paints told me about Awl Grip.  Expensive but sounds amazing. I thought it needed to be sprayed be he says it comes out fine with the roll and tip method.