Greatings everyone!! First Boat and post!

**Gra.ndmaster** · 03-24-2016, 09:56 AM

I've been lurking for about a month and decided to create my profile after I bought my first boat! A little about me: I'm 23(turning 24 this month) and from the great state of North Dakota. I've been teaching myself about engine mechanics as I've gotten a Camaro recently that I will be restoring also. I didn't grow up around boats (I'm in a pretty land locked state...) and I'm a complete novice when it comes to any type of watercraft.

I bought this boat locally for $500. It needs some work as you can probably tell. I'm going to have a lot of questions for everyone so be prepared.

The guy I bought it from bought it off someone else with the plans of restoring it. He ended up buying something else and let this one go. I know it's an older Forester, but I have no idea the year or model.

The flooring and wiring need to be completely redone. Not sure if I need to go about and replace everything hull up or what (Any thoughts on that?)

Still figuring out where all of these tubes are supposed to go. I have a ton of random screws, nuts, and bolts that were scattered along the floor and in the back where the motor is mounted. Scrapping those as well, but I'm not even sure what they went to in the first place.

Motor looks like it's in decent shape. Took the cover off and found that there are a couple wires that need replacing as well, but otherwise it needs a good cleaning. I'll post more pictures as I go along.

**Gra.ndmaster** · 03-24-2016, 09:59 AM

Including a few more pictures I've taken

**Ceeptryn** · 03-24-2016, 10:24 AM

Not sure what that boat is (maybe a Sidewinder or some clone), but it looks like a nice hull (bottom) design to go fast with.

From the pictures, it appears that the Transom (part the motor is mounted on) is rotted inside. I would start researching transom replacement in the forums., along with the floor. There is a lot of weight and little strength left in old, wet wood.

**Scream And Fly** · 03-24-2016, 10:58 AM

Welcome to Scream And Fly! That looks like a fantastic boat to work on and I especially think that engine is extremely cool. It's going to be a heck of a lot of fun, and we are all here to help you along the way with anything you need, so don't hesitate to ask if you need help!

Greg

**NY Switzer-Head** · 03-24-2016, 12:11 PM

Interesting boat... doesn't look like any Forester I've ever seen, but looks to have potential. Love those inline 6 merc's!!! Great motor! Take the boat all the way down to the bare hull and split the deck from hull and just start over. Not really that hard. Brace it good before hand by adding extra bunks to that trailer. 3 per side is usually enough. Invest in a good respirator, Tyvek bunny suit, and a good 4.5" grinder (or harbor freight disposable ones). Lots of good build threads on here to learn from, and lots of glass work on youtube too. There will be no wood that isn't rotten or about to be rotten.

As for that motor, join the inline group on here and facebook inline 6 group. Lots of old school inline racers and top notch mechanics hang out there. Best info I have come across. Watch those crusty wires, they have been known to start fires, and bad top crank seals let in air causing lean out and piston melting in cyl 1. Parts are readily available.

Have fun!! Don't give up!! The long hours pay off!!

**Bodhi** · 03-24-2016, 05:39 PM

Welcome aboard!!! Your project looks like it will make a unique toy to play with. Looks like a pretty basic floor/transom to learn on, the skies the limit with how you can design and build. Definitely check out the section here on fiberglass as it will give you some insight on resins to use, weights and types of fiberglass, etc...

**doc_texoma** · 03-24-2016, 11:21 PM

Agree - NEVER seen a forester that looks like that... Almost looks like a sidewinder mated with a glastron GT150 mated with - idk.. As others have said though it looks like a relatively basic setup and yea, what a cool motor.. That flat windshield is kind of neat too.. Make it happen!!

**59powercat1400** · 03-25-2016, 06:36 AM

That is a Forester Rebel.

**olboatman** · 03-25-2016, 05:47 PM

Welcome to S&F!! You will have a group of boat rebuilding mentors here for the asking....best guys on the net! Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge
here and have fun while rebuildin your new rig. Gary

**mr fun** · 03-26-2016, 03:33 AM

welcome to SNF, congratulations on your new toy. when I was your age I had my daughter, she just gave me my first grandchild. in my opnion (sp) the boat will be much cheaper. keep the prize in your eye, out enjoying the open water. all the best, fun out

**rock** · 03-26-2016, 06:53 AM

Welcome to the addiction. Looks like a cool project.

Rock

**Glasstream15** · 03-26-2016, 06:58 AM

Looks like fun and I LOVE InLines!!!

**wuhbbr** · 03-26-2016, 07:50 AM

It's going to be lots of enjoyable work. Do your home work or a class on fiberglass repair. I see PT 2x's, I've never had any luck getting glass to stick to them. Suggest you go with best marine or exterior plywood (not pt) you can find. Some lumber yards carry USA made fir marine. Slow cure 5-1 Epoxy resin is more "forgiving" than polyster. For me, the extra "work time" is worth the extra expense. = I'm sure you can find some "ole timer" that knows about the inline 6's. Lots of after market quality parts out there. = Please keep us posted on your progress, we'll love to see the photos and your progress. There's lots of guys on here with decades of knowledge, most are more than willing to help you out.

**W2F a V-King** · 03-26-2016, 01:22 PM

What a great project. That boat sure has a lot of potential. Great lines. Love the IL Merc!!

Good Luck, and keep the pics coming!!

James

**Gra.ndmaster** · 03-28-2016, 08:52 AM

Thanks a lot everyone for the tips and the warm welcome! I'll be sure to post my progress as I get started. I work in IT for a steel distro company and it's starting to get busier as the weather gets better. I'll be sure to update as often as I can!

Thanks again everyone!