1988 Crusader model? Layup? Help!

[JT2.5]

I’d love to find out more! Thank you!

[JT2.5]

[JT2.5]

Found some more info on this boat, seems it may be a Di Cerini build. I recently pulled the 2.5 and the jack plate off as it was mounted incorrectly. I discovered that the transom was rotten as well as the knees. I proceeded to pull the carpet and found someone had already replaced the floor, looks like they used Okoume (drilled inspection holes at the stern above port and starboard sponsons) the wood is vey light. I was wondering if I should use 2 3/4 inch sheets for the transom... I also can’t see any stringers or core in the boat, is this normal?

[JT2.5]

I have partially disassembled the floor and transom, a quick repair had been done before some time ago. The floor is a 9 ply okoume in ok shape but I’m in this far so out it comes. Do I have to go so thick for the floor? Should I replace it with okoume?
As for the transom I can’t decide marine plywood in 2 pieces of 3/4 or same thing in okoume...
I have done some reading and it seems I should use epoxy instead of polyester but I need help as usual! More pics coming of the disassembly carnage.
Thanks for the help guys! I’m not great with the computer so have patience!

[JT2.5]

Here are some disassembled pics, does not look like it has any type of core either Attachment 483251Attachment 483252Attachment 483253Attachment 483255went with a 15” mid and a Sportmaster fatshaft for motivation to complete the project

[dondenney]

I have a 1988 Crusader Tunnel Hull. Mine has a manual valve for the fuel tank selector. I bought mine from E-Bay and it was located in Virginia. I do not have any information on the boat as to where it was manufactured. The hull is heavy, best guess 900+pounds. The previous owner had a 150 HP Mercury on it and he said it needed more power. The boat did not have a plate stating the maximum horse power. I mounted a Yamaha Pro V-150 and the boat did about 68 MPH. If you do find information on the construction of the boat I would be interested to learn more.

I have the seats out and am cleaning mine up, probably going to sell it. The transom jack has a 10 inch set back so the motor does not hit the top deck when tilted all the way up for transport.

[rgsauger]

I used Hydrotech marine ply on my build and it was fabulous to work with, I usee 3 layers of 1/2 for transom and added an extra pair of knees. Boat builder central.com is great for supplies. I used silver tip epoxy resin.

[rgsauger]

System three was the epoxy mfr. Silver tip was the model. I tried their general, too. Liked the silver tip better. It wet out easier.

[JT2.5]

I never had twin saddle tanks empty the same. Even same length hoses and routing. I put a ball valve on each one where I could draw from both, or single RH or LH.

I like polyester type resins. To me they are easier to work with.

I finally got the boat finished by a local guy, excellent work too. He used iso resin and I am not nice to the boat, it’s holding up great. 90-95 mph on gps but not as stable as my old 85 HydroStream Vegas XT 20’. Broke my phone but will try and post a free pics of the build.

The saddle tanks are draining fairly equal however I believe as they are on top of LH and RH sponson it affects the turning as well as the way it planes. If I was to build this boat again I would’ve put the tank in the middle and there is no core in the floor it’s fine but I will be looking for something else.

Thank you guys for the input!

can see the boat running on my Instagram: Syndicatestunts

[JT2.5]

I ended up getting a local guy build the transom and floor, he used ISO resin and some pretty fancy glass mat and weave/roving or whatever. I was crazy to think I could get this done myself He’s been building and rebuilding boats for 25 years. I was crazy to think I could get this done myself!!������

[JT2.5]

A few posts up, post 18 has pics of manufacturer and location. I also found a YouTube video circa 80s or 90s with the crusader shop. Looks like they liked to party lol!