Boat refurb….

[noelm]

Having recently built a new trailer, I have decided to do a bit of a refurb on the cat. Recovered the seats, full rewire, general fix everything that looks dodgy. Removed the T top to make removing the radio and so on easier, because the antenna base is a bit shabby, replacing that too, plus redoing the switch panel will be much easier in the garage. Turns out the nav lights are dead too, so that will take some snooping to find what’s up. Going to service both motors during the week. All should be ready in a couple of weeks.

[Fab1]

I call jobs like that the never ending story bank balance destroyers.I’m sure it will be worthwhile in the end.

[noelm]

Yeah, I know what you mean, but, for the last year or two I have been “patching” stuff, but now I have decided to just get in and do it, top to bottom. Looking for some Carling rocker switches, gees, they have gone up in price, about $20 each. I also have a cheap toggle switch board that is more or less under cover, but even it’s a bit crappy, so I will replace that too, might as well while I have it in pieces. My wife wants to go Flathead fishing, so it’s become a priority now…..

[Fab1]

49 minutes ago, noelm said:

Yeah, I know what you mean, but, for the last year or two I have been “patching” stuff, but now I have decided to just get in and do it, top to bottom. Looking for some Carling rocker switches, gees, they have gone up in price, about $20 each. I also have a cheap toggle switch board that is more or less under cover, but even it’s a bit crappy, so I will replace that too, might as well while I have it in pieces. My wife wants to go Flathead fishing, so it’s become a priority now…..

Nothings cheap in the “lucky country” anymore.

[noelm]

I got a set of 5 switches, plus the mounting bezel only a couple of years ago for $30. OH well, just add it to the bill, cheaper to buy fish…..

[frankS]

Noel. Hope you are going to show us some progress photos as the re-fab takes shape.

Frank

[noelm]

I will take some tomorrow, took most of the day getting the T top off and removing all the “stuff” that accumulates in a boat over the years. Batteries are all back in again with nice new terminals. I fitted the seat tops today too. I am going to replace the fuel line on one motor, it looks a bit “sus” so a new filter and line and that should be good. Going to try to drain the tanks too, just to make sure they are clean and no water.

[Fab1]

18 hours ago, noelm said:

I will take some tomorrow, took most of the day getting the T top off and removing all the “stuff” that accumulates in a boat over the years. Batteries are all back in again with nice new terminals. I fitted the seat tops today too. I am going to replace the fuel line on one motor, it looks a bit “sus” so a new filter and line and that should be good. Going to try to drain the tanks too, just to make sure they are clean and no water.

Look forward to seeing them too mate.

[noelm]

No photos today,,,, still raining, messed around a bit doing some wiring on the T top electronics box. Went to the big chain store while I was out for a switch panel, price was $89, didn’t like that price seeing as the exact same brand was only $39 online, so I called into my local boat shop that I usually go to, $42 plus he gives me a discount, just goes to show how big chain stores make you think they are cheap. Going to get some rocker switches for the console next. Got some carpet to put in, stupid stuff you can only get 2m wide, most boats are 2.4m wide, so I have to put a strip up one side. My wife complains that the flow coat is too slippery when it gets wet, so carpet it is.

[Fab1]

45 minutes ago, noelm said:

No photos today,,,, still raining, messed around a bit doing some wiring on the T top electronics box. Went to the big chain store while I was out for a switch panel, price was $89, didn’t like that price seeing as the exact same brand was only $39 online, so I called into my local boat shop that I usually go to, $42 plus he gives me a discount, just goes to show how big chain stores make you think they are cheap. Going to get some rocker switches for the console next. Got some carpet to put in, stupid stuff you can only get 2m wide, most boats are 2.4m wide, so I have to put a strip up one side. My wife complains that the flow coat is too slippery when it gets wet, so carpet it is.

Cheap,chain stores or quality should never be in the same sentence many times from what I’ve seen and learnt over the years mate.A lot of it is overpriced rubbish.

[Bait_drifta]

Looking forward to seeing a few pic when she’s cleaned up. 

[frankS]

Noel. Throw some sand in a bucket of paint and paint the floor with it, lot cheaper and better than carpet.

If you let me know exactly what switches you want I could get them from electronics specialist and post to you.

Frank

Edited August 14, 2023 by frankS

[noelm]

I have done the sand thing before, and I have some super sticky non slip aluminium tape about 6” wide, that is mega sticky (it’s was used to stick on the road for temporary lines years ago), but the “boss” wants carpet. Not a fan of carpet either, especially in a boat left outside! But I have it now, so I will use it, then curse in a year or so……not too sure what I am doing with the switches yet, I want to get “carling” brand because they will fit, and are pretty good out in the weather.

[Bait_drifta]

Noelm have thought about Eva foam flooring? It’s easier to clean and bait and stuff doesn’t stick, like it does  to  carpet. 

[noelm]

Yeah I looked at that too, but, it only comes in “small” sizes! Surely in this day and age, with millions of boats around, wider material should be available. According to a carpet guy, it is available in 3m wide, but, it’s 10 times the price, so no one imports it?

[Bait_drifta]

10 hours ago, noelm said:

Yeah I looked at that too, but, it only comes in “small” sizes! Surely in this day and age, with millions of boats around, wider material should be available. According to a carpet guy, it is available in 3m wide, but, it’s 10 times the price, so no one imports it?

Bugger, they never make things nice and easy! Plus being in oz they charge and arm and a leg for it. 

[big Neil]

Great that you can tackle such a range of repairs yourself Noel as you will save a heap in labour costs. Whilst it may be cheaper to simply buy your fish supplies there's a huge element of satisfaction in your own refurb and then being able to go out and spend many hours fishing. Don't worry too much about the cost, you're value-adding to a substantial asset and can look forward to spending plenty of time enjoying it. Good luck. bn