Do I Cut?

[Smoki_ooki]

 So I finally pulled the trigger on my first rebuild this- 86' Osprey 200 and im stuck here. A little background on the boat; it was purchased from the orginal owner and for the most part it was always stored in the barn or dry. The floor feels solid & every time I "CONVINCE" myself it is, I keep looking & worry that if go this far and miss something that would be bad...need help please!

Do I Cut this floor out? What are the advantages/disadvantages? worth the time and money? whats my life-span look like for both sides? 

Smoki_

[RickK]

You mentioned in your gallery that the floor is rock solid. So what about the floor has you thinking it needs to come out?

[Smoki_ooki]

Feels solid but I guess I'm just worried if I've go this far and then there is an underlying issue Id be in deep trouble. Just looking for some insight.

[wingnut]

Honestly it looks great to me. If it feels solid, it probably is solid. Even when it gets a little squishy, you’ve got time. It’s not really something that is going to be dangerous unless it’s absolutely falling apart, in my opinion.

PO on my boat ran it all summer soggy throughout. Came out in handfuls when I cut it out. Even then, it’s not that structural. If the floor is there, it’s going to give most of the rigidity that the boat needs, unless you are truly about to step through it. No need to do needless exploratory demolition!

[Smoki_ooki]

Awesome thanks Wingnut, Ive recored the coffin cover and will have to get a new gas tank looks like most are going with aluminum over poly. I guess ill start reading up on rewiring this baby and seeing what ill need. super green on my boat building.

[wingnut]

Sounds like you are off to a great start! Most find that for putting a tank back in the coffin, aluminum is the way to go since you can customize the size to exactly what you need. Poly is great for below deck when you have more space flexibility, in my opinion.

[Smoki_ooki]

Any suggestions on how to properly replace this fuel line?

[wingnut]

Unfortunately that one is not so easy... Fuel hose is NOT very flexible.  I replaced mine while doing a full deck replacement and it was still very difficult threading it up to the gunwale. It can be done though and I believe there were some previous discussions on this and others will weigh in as well.

[Fish Head]

Good thing is it looks like you have an access hole already right where your fuel neck is. All you need is a skinny arm friend or middle school age child who can get their arm in the hole to grab the fuel hose end and direct it up to make the bend upwards. Or anything you think you can extend into the access hole and fit into the inside diameter of hose end to direct it for the bend upwards. It’s not so bad. Cheers T

[Mwar410]

I took a short piece of wooden closet rod and used it as a splice for the Old and new hoses. Screwed the hoses to the rod so there was no noticeable transition. Then pulled the new hose Through while guiding it through access holes along the way. It wasn’t all that bad, but then again I was working on the 170. The 20 might require you to have a few extra hands.

[Smoki_ooki]

That sounds like a plan, did some sanding today and cleaned the bilge area with the hose. I knew a few fabricators so I was able to plant the seed on a custom tank- which also had me thinking...wonder if it can take a wee bit bigger of a tank the than the original 45 gal tank.  What should be by next move? I would think addressing the plumbing and wiring seems to be the thought..... Thank you all for your wisdom!