my first boat, needs some attention...looking for info

[tru]

technically its my girlfriends first boat (but shes gonna let me fix it!). the boat is a 1996, model 196. we just found it on craigslist and got it on the "cheap", so none the less she needs work! trailer was useable but needs a new bearing, the motor runs (yamaha 150 from the same vintage), and the boat floats...

the previous owner has replaced the fuel tank w. a 50 gallon poly, looks like replaced the console with one from the 17' AS, and attempts have been made to turn the deck into swiss cheese... the previous owner also raised the transom and it appears to be solid...but again...i dont trust it. Oh, and the wiring...looks like a 3 year old was let loose (sadly the previous owner runs an A/C business...look out!)

so, sorry for the dialogue, what do you folks know about the construction of a 1996? how much of the hull is wood? how likely is the foam to need to be removed from water? how hard is it to redeck the boat and possible replace the transom?

i have done some searching and seen some awesome builds, just none of the newer years as of yet.

[wingtime]

Welcome aboard!   Update your profile so we know where your located!  Pics of the boat would be great.  I believe the foam in your boat should be closed cell foam so it should not hold water like the old boats.  Also I'm not sure what year they started doing it but I think your original transom should be a poured composite with no wood in it.  The deck could also be cored with balsa.  Other members that know this for certain will chime in soon!

[GoneFission]

Welcome Tru!  Remember the old rule "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."  Post some pics, but I would guess a '96 model should be in pretty good shape.  

1.  Is the deck soft in places?  If so, you may need a deck job, but if it's solid - see the rule above.  
2.  Is the transom cracked or does it flex when you tilt the motor up and bounce it?  If it's solid - see the rule above.  
3.  Wiring - are you electrically challenged?  You can take this on yourself if you've got some skills and a proper crimper, stripper (the mechanical kind - not human), marine wiring, some basic hardware, and some marine terminals.  Check out some of the threads and posts and you can see some great rewires on this forum.      
4.  Aquasports were wood-free by 1996.  

Hope this helps - good luck!!

[tru]

Welcome Tru!  Remember the old rule "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."  Post some pics, but I would guess a '96 model should be in pretty good shape.  

1.  Is the deck soft in places?  If so, you may need a deck job, but if it's solid - see the rule above.  
2.  Is the transom cracked or does it flex when you tilt the motor up and bounce it?  If it's solid - see the rule above.  
3.  Wiring - are you electrically challenged?  You can take this on yourself if you've got some skills and a proper crimper, stripper (the mechanical kind - not human), marine wiring, some basic hardware, and some marine terminals.  Check out some of the threads and posts and you can see some great rewires on this forum.      
4.  Aquasports were wood-free by 1996.  

Hope this helps - good luck!!

im hard pressed to let "if it aint broke dont fix it fly..." lol
I work in aerospace...some things arent allowed to fly.

deck is definitely soft in multiple places but im going to rock it for a little while (assume no wood excluding the decks?)

transom is solid on the shake test  

ETA:

Photos



anyone know how to repaint over old bottom paint?

trailer, one wheel needs a new bearing (tire is leaning)



new brackets are ready to go on tonight to fix this...



a shot of the built up transom


the chair is not missing, just set to the side



god help us...ive got a full schematic drawn up and most of the parts to install it. unfortunately, i dont have all the end items due to funding.

[Capt. Bob]

Deck (as Wing stated) is wood of some type (balsa,marine ply). May have wood in some spots on the console and under the gunnels.
96 huh?
Don't show a 19-6 in either the 95 or 97 catalogs. Maybe a 200 <!-- s:idea: --><!-- s:idea: -->

[Capt. Bob]

Take a pic of the HIN on the transom.

Definitely a lot of "custom" work has occurred from the console to the paint but don't let the infamous green rub rail lead you to believe otherwise.  :o

[Capt. Bob]

Now that I look at Aaron's closer, it could very well be a 96.

200 model

[Aswaff400]

to me she does have some clues shes a mid 90's era:

she appears to have an original transom, looks identical to mine('96). the aluminum plate around the tank means the removable coffin lid was non existant(like mine). if you look, where the plate extends out the side mid way up, there used to be 2 molded in blocks... the transom on mine is wood, yours most likely is also. the deck, and everything else is cored with balsa. the deck on mine from the console back is rotted. my transom is also getting soft(i beat the hell out of it) i pulled the deck today, the foam on the starboard side is saturated with water, port side is bone dry.

that console looks to be from a carolina skiff....

check out the rebuild i just started on my '96, (same hull and deck liner) viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9497

[tru]

ok, got the lift so its useable...fab'd some angle to replace the bent metal. now it doesnt twist and let the boat fall.


here's another shot of the console, i think its from a smaller aquasport.


HIN iindicates its a 96'

[Aswaff400]

HIN iindicates its a 96'

what are the last 4 of the HIN? mine is J596 mine was built October '95 for the '96 model year would be interesting to know if yours was before or after mine