Hydrostream Ventura II

[ChinewalkerII]

Working on a deal for a Ventura. Hoping to have it locked up in the next couple weeks.

In the meantime, knowing it'll need core and transom I've been reading lots of threads and trying to figure out how best to go forward with a rebuild. I don't have access to vacuum bag system but had the thought that if I build a support jig under the boat, could I use sand as a medium to compress the core to the bottom? Would that be any better/worse than weights? I would think it would get better weight distribution than blocks or other fixed weights. Lay in the core with epoxy, glass, then lay plastic sheet over top, then the sand. In my head I can't see why it wouldn't work, but I'm sure there's something I'm missing..

Thoughts?

[NosBoss]

I pulled the core out of my ventura and never put one back in. You can build up the bottom of the hull with layers of glass and then add stringers. That's how i did mine and it has been on the water over a year now. I'm not nice to it when i come across the rollers and it shows no sign of cracking. Just another way to rebuild a hydrostream without the use of core.

[rjdubiel]

I pulled the core out of my ventura and never put one back in. You can build up the bottom of the hull with layers of glass and then add stringers. That's how i did mine and it has been on the water over a year now. I'm not nice to it when i come across the rollers and it shows no sign of cracking. Just another way to rebuild a hydrostream without the use of core.

Nossboss, how thick did the final layup end up being? Just currios on this one, it sounds like a great boat how you did it and i have watched your vids also.

[ChinewalkerII]

Thanks! I had thought of stringers, too. I've rebuilt a couple Starcrafts that way with good results (they were originally stringered, though). Something to think about.

I pick the boat up on Thursday. I've got plenty of time to plan, as the boat won't get started for at least a year. It'll get covered and stored for the meantime.

[Petey]

I've got a thread going right now, I just used bricks to hold down the core. As far as the sand, you would probably be a lot better off using bags of sand, rather than having to dump tons of it it your boat in order to get adequate weight. Post some pics when you get her! I've always thought it was the prettiest stream

[transomstand]

I'd have some concerns over moisture content and condensation during the cure.

[NosBoss]

Nossboss, how thick did the final layup end up being? Just currios on this one, it sounds like a great boat how you did it and i have watched your vids also.

Not sure how thick it was at the end. Many layers of glass over the original skin. I have a rebuild thread about 3/4 the way down the page that might give you a better idea of what I did.

[ChinewalkerII]

Took the day off yesterday and after an 8-hour round trip, got the Ventura II home! Haven't had a chance to do much more than a cursory going over - lots of holes drilled in the deck of this thing over the years. I bought it figuring it would need full rebuild, so I'm not too worried about much. The kids love it!

[transomstand]

Now....... I may not be a Ventura expert(need more experience) but I'm pretty sure somethin is missin there



OMG!!! It's Sean's boat (Freddyspens)

Excellent choice of color by the way

[NosBoss]

It's the new I/O ventura, transomstand!

[ChinewalkerII]

If you look closely, you'll see the oar locks...

In order to facilitate swapping the boat onto my trailer, we splashed it at the state ramp down the road. No leaks, which is a good start!

For power, I have box of parts saved from various crossflow Johnrude V4s. When it's done, it'll appear to be a 1976 Johnson 135, with updated innards - 1983 bubble back, 1988 block, 1990 lower & PT&T, late 1980s ignition system, etc. I think the white with black & orange trim Johnson hood will look sharp on this boat. I parted out the 135 years ago, but kept the hood because it was near perfect in finish and decals.

[transomstand]

It's the new I/O ventura, transomstand!

Yes....yes I see it now,thanks

[transomstand]

We have someplace you need to be next June

[albypine]

Should build a bigger motor for it 15 inch mid and nice merc cowl like Pete's . That way you can do crazy stuff on the lake and blame it on Pete

[ChinewalkerII]

This will be the motive power for now. It's an amalgamation of various parts collected over the years and set aside. Hood from a '76, lower end from a '90, block from an '88, carbs from an '83, etc. End result will be a 140 crossflow, c. early 1980s, with mild mods including cutting the heads and port work.