Winter project - Viper Resto
After what I thought was a pretty thorough pre-purchase inspection, I've found that my boat has suffered the same fate as almost every other surviving hydrostream. I was rigging the new teleflex dual rack and cables and was fishing a cable through the starboard rear when I shifted my weight and heard a 'crack'. I knew right then and there the work to come should I choose to keep it....and I think am up for the challenge.
Off came the new V6 and misc rigging and I brought the boat home. I found 2 soft spots directly in front of the fuel tank shelves (right on top of the trailer bunks which is why I most likely missed it when checking the bottom) right outside of where the floor is glassed in. So tomorrow I begin my excursion into the wonderful world of itchy and scratchy with some test cuts to see how far the damage has spread. Everything ahead of the seatbox feels and sounds solid but I won't be happy unless I know for sure what the core in the pad area looks like.
So, I'm going to try and document, as best I can, learn something throughout the process, and hopefully end up with a solid setup come spring and be able to say I did it myself(with help from those more educated than I). I'm not going to split the boat as I want to retain the original rubrail and gel so from what I read of Jeff's (Riverman) resto, I have my work cut out for me.
Got the boat home this afternoon and removed the interior and carpet and will start with removing the fuel tank shelves followed by some shallow cuts to see where I'm at. Took a few pictures but they're marginal at best......
I want to give a big thanks to Randy "Rock" for being such a stand-up guy and offering his knowledge, skills, and expertice to a newbie. Without his involvement, I would have most likely never repowered the boat or found the problem with the hull. Thank you sir....
Never finished the work on the hot foot....
http://i33.tinypic.com/2n8d5io.jpg
The spot in question can be seen in the 2nd and 3rd photos pretty easily. In the second, the crack is 8 or so inches behind the port holddown for the seats slightly inboard right up next to the floor. the long white lines above that area are surface only
http://i33.tinypic.com/2gv8vf6.jpg
http://i37.tinypic.com/k34xme.jpg
Plenty more to come I'm sure.....
Jeff