Restoration Begins

After a quick inspection, (I stuck my finger in it and it slid all the way through like it was bread), I knew I had to replace the transom. So that was project #1. It was extremely complicated trying to get another transom board in there. Eventually, I had to drill out all the rivets and remove all the metal to get the curved board in. I got a piece of plywood that I believe was about 1 1/4" for the transom and coated it with fiberglass cloth and resin to keep water out. I replaced the rivets with Stainless Steel bolts so next time (if there is one) it will be much simpler.

Next was painting the hull. This requires, by far, the most labor of everything. First I had to sand all of it and clean the whole thing. The inside of the boat is not painted, never has been, and I am keeping it that way. It would take quite a bit of time and money and I have neither. (I am thinking about polishing it to get some of the stains out but havn't decided yet.) Here is the cleaned hull:

Here is the Little Dude trailer without the boat on it (before I paint it, replace the bunks, and re-wire it). LOL Great, don't you think???

Previous Next