www.iFourWinns.com

Hey All,

I have a 1985 Horizon that I picked up last year. Runs good, now that I replaced the points (that is a topic of another thread).

I do have a question regarding floors. I have noticed that there are a few spongy areas in the floor and being the kind of guy who doesn't half-a$$ anything, I was thinking of replacing the floor.

It is a 195 cuddy and I was thinking of using the synthetic marine board (name escapes me). Any thoughts, tips or tricks?

I know that the steps are;
- pull seats, carpet,etc
- cut all around the perimeter
- take out screws, staples, etc from center
- drink beer
- assess damage under floor, curse boat for ever making me buy it
- repair rotted structures
- encapsulate stringers in glass
- level tops of stringers
- re-apply new flooring
- screw center down
- band perimeter with glass
- gelcoat
- install snap in carpet

Did I miss anything, I have to evaluate whether it is worth the time and effort for a $1650 boat. Then again, it would last another 10 yrs at least.

Here is a pic, this is prior to me spending 5 hrs rubbing out the gelcoat (wow what a difference that made).



I am redoing the interior as that was trashed and the engine cover is all done (looks better than new). Cuddy is all redone with new fabric and foam and the bellows are getting done this week so I dont have to worry about taking on water (safety first).

Lastly, I replaced the fenders on the trailer as they had seen better days.

All in all, I still have less than $2500 into it.

Let me know what you all think about these older boats....I kinda like it.

_________________
Don't forget the plug....
.......Don't ever forget the plug......

Advice? Uhh yep - Check the length of your screws. Then double check to be certain. See below.







Sorry I couldn't offer anything constructive but I have never tackled a project like that. And as far as the bonehead move above, well I couldn't help myself.

Heres the link to the story if anyone cares . . .

http://forums.capmel.com/post?id=3417367&trail=15

P.S. - Beauty of a boat by the way . . .

_________________
2008 Four Winns 210 5.7 GI/SX
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 Crew
1966 Fed-Up Wife

I think you mean starboard.

One source here.
http://www.rivermarinesupply.com/xcart/ ... umber.html

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I didn't think things like "Starboard" were suitable for load bearing applications; completely water resistant, yes, but being based on a fairly low melting point thermoplastic, it creeps with time. It also has a fairly high CLTE and it may bow if it gets hot and expands (as well as creeping even more). It would have to be used with very narrow span widths for anything load bearing. You'd never get anything to bond to it either without flame or plasma treatment !.

For the core, something like marine or exterior grade plywood, treated with preservative and sealed on both sides and on the cut edges with epoxy/ glass is what I'd use if faced with having to replace a floor. Plus sealing all screw holes with epoxy.

Graham

Graham,

A possible confusing post by me, I just wanted to let the OP know what material I believe he was talking about. And I do agree, starboard would not be preferred for a floor, marine grade plywood would be much better. Other areas of the boat that are non load bearing, the starboard would be suitable.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I think you need to include more beer drinking. You haven't mentioned nearly enough of it.

_________________
Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

Been there done that...I had to do a deck (floor) replacement and stringer repair on my 88 Horizon. I removed the old deck and dug out the foam...had a good 'glass shop fix the stringers...reinstalled the foam and new deck (resin coated exterior plywood). I realized that I could have replaced the carpet...but that contributed to the original rot...so I went back to the 'glass shop and had it gelcoated in non skid gelcoat. Came out great although that added to the cost...if your 'glass work is not perfect and you go with carpet again...that can keep the cost down...Make sure the transom and engine mounts are in good shape before doing this job...the outside of the boat looks great! You can wind up with boat that is more solid than most used boats and will last as long as you want it to...just make sure it meets your needs for the near future...

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

That would be the ideal time to do snap-in carpet as well. You can keep any blemishes hidden, yet still be able to clean up, and prevent rotting. Then drink a few beers.

_________________
Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

IF you want some guidance.....besides the beer drinking...check out
http://www.iboats.com (renovation forum)
http://www.classicmako.com

and a good book to take a look at is Runabout Renovation by Jim Anderson..

The job was a major pain in the azz, but it's very satisfying to renovate something like this yourself....just be careful....cutting and grinding through a 'glassed in deck requires a tyvek suit, goggles, gloves and a P100 particle respirator...'glassing...make sure you use a fume respirator...

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II