ematheus

Ahoy everyone: We had a busy weekend, and did lots of work on the boat. First I wanted to tell you that the damage is localized. We checked the whole boat, and she is dry, and in good shape. The problem under the companion seat was, that the screwholes from the old seat were never sealed. Over the years (the boat was never covered) water intruded through these holes and even made it's way to the bulkhead. Here are some pics of the repair: As you can see, it is a double sandwich construction under the seat. from the bottom (quarter birth) there is a thin layer of glass, followed by a 3/4" piece of plywood, followed by a thin layer of glass, folloewd by a 1/4" piece of plywood, wich is part of the whole deck, and finally the glass top skin with gelcoat and anti skid. In the pictures you see the first 3/4" layed in, with the layer of glass on it. The next pic showes the following layers, which so far everything is done except of the last glass layer. In the background you can see the opening into the cabin on the left. This is the missing bulkhead, which is actually two 3/4" pieces of plywood. They have a space inbetween them to accompany the sliding cabin door. All the wood was not marine grade, and it was not glassed in. We replaced with marine plywood, and everything is glassed in. Right now the bulkheads are waiting to get the final coat of gelcoat. In the two pics you can see one of them drying after the final coat of resin, the other one while glassing in. If all goes well, we'll have her done next weekend.... You know how that goes... hahahahaha :-) Ernst

In my opinion a center console is great for fishing. With a family, I would look into a cuddy cabin. There are several reasons for that: Kids and Mom can get out of the sun/weather if needed Most cuddy cabins start at about 20', so they are O.K. to go off shore in decent conditions There is a lot of open space behind the cockpit (kids need space, their toys do, they can "move" around a bit) A 20' cuddy cabin performes well with a 150 hp outboard - very efficient A friend of mine has a 20' sea pro. We go fishing and diving with it. 4 people with dive gear is not a problem. He has a 150 yamaha on it, and it performes well. I'm sure you can pick something up within your budget. Just make sure the engine is in good shape!!! Have it checked by a certified tech. It is the engine you are buying!! If you have to replace it, you are looking at double your budget - that's for a used one... good luck!! :-) Ernst

Hi Wiley: I will snap some pics and put them up!! :-) Ernst

Hi everyone: It has been a while, but I'm finally back - back in the forum, and back with a boat that I can call mine. We had an opportunity to get a 25' Wellcraft sportsman. It's an older boat (1992), but the engines are 2000 150 Mercs EFI Saltwater Series. Since we got it, we were working hard on the trailer and the boat. It had been left sitting for a while. Here is the good news: The engines are in great condition!!! Here is the not so good news: We have to do some body work. A soft spot in front of the companion way, and rotted bulkheads in succession of that soft spot. It's not too bad though. We already cut the deck, and removed the rotten core. It's drying out right now, and hopefully over the weekend, the new core will be in place, and the deck will be closed and glassed in. The bulkheads have been cut and are being glassed in as we speak. They will also be back in place over the weekend. The only thing left to do after that is work on the trailer. We have replaced two hubs and two tires already, but the springs need to be replaced as well. I'm thinking tortion axles.... Right now it's O.K. to be trailered, but before we make our way down to the keys, we have to work on the axles. We can't wait to go out again to fish and dive!!! :-) Ernst

Thanx for the input!! The 23' is a 06 that' a leftover. I love it because it has tremendous space. It also is the only boat in it's class with a 8'11" beam... Lots of room for SCUBA equipment!! :-)

Hi all!! Finally it is time to get a boat. I figured out what I want, and on Saturday we are going for a Sea Trial. I'm looking at a 23' Hydra Sport vx, which is a leftover from 2006. It has not been in the water - still brand new. Is there anything specific I should look for when going out on Saturday? I would appreciate y'alls input!! :-) Ernst