1977 vector restoration

**blackvector** · 07-27-2007, 10:22 PM

I bought a 77 vector a few months ago to restore and rebuild. So far I have built a jig pulled the floor and most of the core and just split the top from the bottom today. The boat is roug and had damage on the right side of the boat from hitting a tree while being trailered. I figured it would be good to post this and to get some feed back and tips from everyone. I'll try to post some pictures later of my progress.

**oldskier** · 07-28-2007, 02:15 PM

BlackVector, I'm new here too and I bought a Viper Wednesday and started de-rigging it today. I understand the Vector and Viper Hulls are very similar. There is a VERY good documentation of a Viper recore/restoration here by Riverman.

http://forums.screamandfly.com/forum...ad.php?t=79203

It is long but well documented and I keep referring to it as I go through the process in my mind.

Looks like I'll be right behind you on mine. I'm planning on recoring and replacing the transom while it's on the trailer. It has four 8' skids and a bow cushion, so I think it will support the empty hull well enough to prevent distortion while I work.

I don't know how Riverman had the patience to document and post pics as well as he did, when I get into a project like this I get consumed and won't stop working until it's done. I hope mine will be ready by next summer.

I'll post my progress and be looking at yours. Have fun,

Bernie

**GAUGE** · 07-28-2007, 02:27 PM

post some pics of what yall are doing....I'am about to restore one myself...

**blackvector** · 07-28-2007, 10:40 PM

The two hulls are identical less the nose. I have talked to riverman, and read his restoration many times he did a great job. I have also read boatmender's restoration on IHR. I am going to take the top off tomorrow, and I hope to get the rest of the core out this week. I tried to post pics but I don't know how to resize them.

**OldSleekOlds** · 07-29-2007, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by blackvector

The two hulls are identical less the nose. I have talked to riverman, and read his restoration many times he did a great job. I have also read boatmender's restoration on IHR. I am going to take the top off tomorrow, and I hope to get the rest of the core out this week. I tried to post pics but I don't know how to resize them.

A FREE photo re-sizer that is very easy to use.
http://www.naturpic.com/resizer/index.html

**mr_velocity** · 07-29-2007, 09:15 AM

Good luck with the resto, getting the old crap out is the hardest part and probably the least rewarding.
One thing I don't see mentioned on any of the resto threads is getting the boat properly supported before putting any core back in. Once the old core is removed (or before if its all rotted) the boat will move. When you add the core back in the boat will keep this new shape. On the 13' Cat the tunnel was 29" at the transom (where it can't move) and 27" at the bow. It should be wider at the bow if anything. On the anthony I'm doing now, when I popped the top the sides of the boat dropped, when I measured across the boat it was now 1" wider at the top lip. The boat was still sitting on the trailer at the time. Take the time to get the boat blocked up and get all the geometery set before anything goes back in.

Take the time to enjoy the "fruits" of your labor.

**blackvector** · 07-29-2007, 08:57 PM

I made a full jig for the hull before I took core out of it. It is very well supported and I also built it on big casters so I can move it around.

**Riverman** · 07-29-2007, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by mr_velocity

Take the time to enjoy the "fruits" of your labor.

Here is me enjoying mine on Saturday. You will love it, these boats are awesome!

**blackvector** · 07-30-2007, 03:00 PM

Did some more work today I took the top half off and took out the rest of the floor in the front. Hopefully this week I can get the rest of the core out and start sanding and prepping.

**hsbob** · 07-31-2007, 05:23 PM

two items that helped my rebuild. there a 1" round dremel silcon carbide cutting wheel. used to cut thru all f-g seams. i used a 4" grinder with a layer sand paper wheel [just didnt have a 7"]

**blackvector** · 08-03-2007, 12:30 PM

Worked on the boat agai today, got the rest of the core out up in the bow, tomorrow I am going to remove the stringers and the core between them, then I can start sanding and grinding.