1982 Maybe Minor Overhaul

[AmSurf1982]

I recently acquired a 1982 Skier off of eBay to get into boating and now the fun begins:)

Per the add, it was mentioned that the "major" issues with the boat was that the engine runs but needs a minor tune-up and that it has a soft spot in the floor below the steering wheel which should be an easy fix. With that in mind, I placed a bid on the boat a won it at a fairly good price.

I picked up the boat last Friday and began my assessment. Currently, I feel pretty fortune after reading some restore discussion forums that my work on the boat will be not as bad I thought it could be for a 1982 model. The restoration will be more than what was disclosed in the ad, but most of it I will be able to complete. The damage is rotten floors, pulled/loose platform anchors and wear in the hull keel. Out of these, I don’t feel like I will be able to repair the keel. Stringers are good and the foam so far isn't wet.

I live in South Georgia (about a mile from the GA-FL line) so here is my first question.

Any recommendation on who to contact in N. Florida down to the Orlando area to repair the hull keel? Thanks

[backfoot100]

Need more info (photos are even better) of the keel damage to be able to help.

Cool boat and congrats. I'm confused about the blue carpet on a red boat. Gotta be aftermarket and looks like crap. How did you determine that the stringers are OK and the foam isn't wet? A soft spot on the floor = wet foam every time. Please explain.
The floor will need to be replaced and not patched. Wet foam will need to be removed and then you can verify the stringers are OK or not. Then you'll be able to fix the platform brackets properly as its through bolted on the transom and below floor level. At least mine was. Maybe earlier Skiers were different. Ron or Dan can verify that.

Also what's up with deck hatch on the bow? I'm thinking that's an add on too. Never seen one from the factory like that.

[Mike Harry]

If your willing to drive south as far as orlando, I would suggest driving as far west as tickfaw LA. Just take it to Ron Tanis, Im sure it isnt that much more of a drive.

If its within you driving radius I wouldnt take it anywhere else. He built these boats to begin with. I see that you are brand new to the boat and the forum, check out his web site on the main page here there is a link.

[coeperc]

I would agree to go to Ron Tanis first if you can.  Otherwise, there is a place in Panama City, FL called Florida Inboards...although I have never used them.  www.floridainboards.com

I'm in Tallahassee probably not far from you.

-Matt

[RonT]

Welcome aboard, I would be happy to review any pics and discuss options, remedies, DIY, or whatever you need....RonT

[AmSurf1982]

Here are the pictures of the hull. All the gelcoat is worn off the keel and there is one soft spot (Photo 1 near the bottom of the keel).

The blue carpet is already gone into the trash. It was cheap indoor-outdoor carpet that was a mess.

The deck hatch began somebodies access point to store either oil or junk parts in the bow so it needs a major cleaning.

Also kind of crazy, RonT, I am in Hammond about every other week for work.

[Mike Harry]

Holly (beached much?) Batman. I believe Id take that right over to Ron and call it a day.

[RonT]

Give me a call next time your in town.
985-542-4336

[AmSurf1982]

My minor overhaul has become a semi-major overhaul.... All the stringers were rotten and now have been removed along with the floor. I will be grinding away over the next month or so to prep for new stringers.

[RonT]

Strongly suggest getting the engine/trans out of the hull, with the support now removed the hull will sag & take a new set.

[AmSurf1982]

Hope to get the boat in my garage on Friday. I will post pictures of the transformation

[AmSurf1982]

In the garage for the transformation😀 One question? Where should the hull be supported for proper alignment?

[RonT]

Support the transom, and along the keel, and the chines. Then remove & replace the outboard stringers first, after replacing them do the inside stringers.

[AmSurf1982]

Ron,

Thanks for the info.  Another question, how do I remove the steering wheel adapter?

[RonT]

pry off center cap, hold wheel and turn center nut off, attach steering wheel puller & press off. This is a tapered shaft with a keyway.