82' Predictor Restoration

[DS280]

0kay, here's the deal. I bought this boat in the late fall of 09'. I was well aware that it had floor issues. However, due to the above average condition of he hull and top I was prepared to take on a "small" project. I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I should have, but Im sure that the ones that I did take will interest some.

Due to being incredibly impatient, I began by stripping out all of the mechanicals and wet sanded and buffed the hull.





First day out in the sun after sanding and buffing. Also, fab'd and installed a new aluminum engine mounting plate and pop-up cleats.

 

[DS280]

First day out of the garage after wet sanding/buffing, transom plate fab, and mooring hardware install.

 

[DS280]

Next step was a full floor removal which unfortunately also included the removal and replacement of balsa core.

 

[DS280]

Next, new balsa, stringer and builge sump.

 

[DS280]

Floor panels being prepared.

 

[DS280]

Fortunately I decided to eliminate the floatation boxes in the rear corners. Prior to my ownership, the boat was parked next to a wood pile. Obviously, carpenter ants like floatation foam.

 

[DS280]

After floatation box removal, I discovered some rot in the transom brace. Might as well replace that too. I then glassed another layer on the entire transom to unify the new brace to the transom. Also opted to cut inspection ports in. This for inspection and possibly more importantly ventilation.

 

[Great East Predictor]

the gelcoat looks to be in awsome shape and nice job on the resto!
what are you going to hang on it for power?

 

[KevinR]

Looking good

 

[sclemons]

the worksmanship you are displaying in the photo's is excellent.
it must be a pain in the poo source to avoid scratching the gell while doing all of that floor work. Great job

 

[DS280]

Thanks guys. I need to clairify that this rebuild took place over last winter. It is at about 98% complete at this point. And yes, It was a pain avoiding messing up the finish diring the meat of the rebuild. I'll post current pictures in the next couple days. For power, I'm currently rebuilding an OMC Cross-flow 140 to hang on a 6" jackplate. I attemped to run a Evinrude 200xp looper on it last summer. It ended up being way too heavy for the boat. It was a blast to drive, but in turns it wanted to bite and high side. I found that out the hard way. I'll be updating much more frequently.

 

[OzarkKing]

Wow! - your boat (and patience) is awesome! I guess if its worth doing, its worth doing right (unless it cuts too much into boating time). I run a Predictor with an Evinrude 140 and the boat has performed in all elements (including blizzard). Have you decided on prop?

 

[DS280]

Finally got around to taking some current photos. It's getting close... I'd say about 95% complete.

 

[DS280]

Also decided to try to clean up the rigging a little... I'm ready for some power.

 

[Don's89 Senator]

WOW !!! You have done a great job... What grit paper on that wet sand and Buffing stuff... That a very nice interior also, Love the hot foot... Help me help me !! NICE

 

[DS280]

Thanks!!! The gelcoat was pretty decent, so I started with 800 grit. From there I went to 1000, 2000, then finished with a sheet of worn out 2000. Buffing with I high speed buffer eliminates the swirls and brings out the shine. I used a fine cut/polish in one, then wax or 303.

 

[bigredinohio]

The boat turned out looking sharp! You did a really nice job.

 

[Justpball]

Are these all the pictures you have of the floor, need some of the bilge area if you have any

 

[Great East Predictor]

wow, this came out awsome. what are you going to hang for power?

 

[atc250r]

The boat looks gorgeous! I was wondering if you could tell me anything about the shifter? It looks sharp and if I ever do a Hot Foot I'd like to use something like that.

John