The Messer Log

[Mike Harry]

I'm not a carpet expert, but from looking at them I can say one thing for certain. The carpet I purchased "marine grade" had a much thicker rubber backing. I was able to literally pour the contact cement on the floor, let it lay out on its own until if found a pool it liked, spread it with a throw away roller a bit and stick the carpet.

There was no bleed through.

I would bet there are more things, but that is what I could see with my own eyes.

[RonT]

The carpet price is the lowest part of the equation, labor is the bulk of the job, so get the best materials you can, apparently I've been charging too little for marine carpet. Messer, if you have the time, mentally add up the time spent to prep the job, gather the supplies, install the new materials including adhesives, razor blades etc. & put the boat back together. Then multiply by the national average boat yard labor rate of $95 per hr to see how much can be saved.....   

[Joel]

One of the reasons my marine shop buddy quoted me $500 is because I would be pulling the driver, "L" and rear seats along with the Clamshell Motor cover.  None of which takes allot of time/effort since my "L" seat had been removed ( cut out   by a previous owner and the rest bolts in/out.   The quote was from the Driver seat / L seat back.   All the carpet in the bow is still in very good shape so I'll be sticking with BLUE!!   Cutting the carpet, laying the glue, and placing the carpet CORRECTLY is what his upholsterer would be doing (including covering the two removable pieces, centerline, aft of the engine compartment).

I should probably take him up on the offer - they do a good job on interiors 

[Messer]

Ron- I believe all in all, just with the top of the floor (ie ready for carpet) my brother in law and I spent 3 days (prob 18 hrs total each for 36 total hours) thats smoothing any burrs or snags from the glass, going and getting materials, babying it in the garage with fans... of course some of the work was overkill due to lack of experience and some materials were bought and not used. We would also detour occasionally and fix or touch up anything that needed attention not carpet related.

So I'm guesstimating at the shop rate about $3500 dollars (not pesos).

I can see where someone could get proficient and be able to really drop the prep and install time but this was my first attempt. I wouldn't trade the experience, glad to have done it myself.

Update- dropped her off at the upholstery shop Wednesday...

[Joel]

Cant wait to see the finished boat - inside & out!!   

[Messer]

Upholstery done. Not really satisfied but what options do I have. The upholsterer couldn't get the original style pattern, so smooth is all over. I didn't want Nautique stripes so we went with the blue ribbon edges. She was given the pix of seats from some other AS back seats but went a little far on mine. Regardless, the engine cover looks great as well as the arm rest. The back seat is doable but I'm gonna talk her into adding the ribbon on the front of it. I,...ummm, am glad to be this far along. I wish I had a sewing machine and more time to learn that task too. Yall have a look and send me thoughts.

[phil]

I think it looks pretty good.

[Joel]

I agree about the blue "piping"   The back seat would look better with it...  Piping is usually added at a seam so it may be a PITA for them to add it...   Regardless, I think it looks good...  new is always good!!

Nice job all around!

[Messer]

I appreciate the positive feedback. Watching craigslist for an industrial sewing machine and will teach myself upholstery for the next project. I just need to know, right? ha

Ok, tip and findings for one issue for anyone who follows some of my steps.
- went to crank her- prior to this I replaced the tank which meant I had to cut a bit of the fuel line and place it back on the nipple. Once I put the line on, connected guage wires, installed filling hose and screwed it down.
-gave it a turn and nothing but turnover (years past it would just fire right off)
-pulled the new fuel filter and filled with gas, replaced and she fired right up, ran about 15sec then stopped, repeated fuel filter fill twice.
-the fellas with me wanted to replace fuel pump but I went ahead and pulled the tank, moved it close to the engine, cut the hose real short as it was from 1984 and looked cracked near the ends, filled the filter again, and she fired and ran strong.
-bottom line, fuel line once moved a bit obviously opened suction somewhere.. replace hoses...

[Mike Harry]

Im really digging the interior man. Looks nice and clean to me which I really like. No bogus stuff stitched in to make it look radical or what not. Just nice, clean, simple.

I like it. Hope mine turns out as well as yours.

[RonT]

While rebuilding the rescue Advance I looked at the fuel hoses & while they seemed to look ok, I decided to order a 100' of the new USCG A1-15 type rated hose which is good for alcohol in the fuel. Anyone needing some is welcome to buy off this spool.

[Messer]

98% club member (with the Tangerine Dream)

Mulberry, I'm trying to hang with you. ...not time wise though as I am impatient. Gonna drop a few you tube links, have a look. Since last post I painted the windshield, painted the vents, buffed gel coat on top cap, another coat of teak oil... and scrubbed any grime off.

Of note- without the waterlogged foam the boat rides about an inch higher and feels light. I hope to see a fuel economy boost.

NO FOAM on mine.

22May2012 180.AVI

[Messer]

Here's the first ride since redo with the girls..

Messer American Skier 1st day with girls.AVI

[backfoot100]

You should be very proud. By the videos you can tell your girls are probably more proud than you and that by itself is worth everything you've done ten-fold. Nice job!!!

By the way the interior rocks. I'm not sure if you had the heat seams (I think that's what Ron called them anyway) originally which I personally probably prefer but the smooth white and blue piping looks great.

All you guys with your new interiors are making mine look like crap

[Messer]

Thanks brother, they were SO glad to get in the drink... I love the loud pipes... and am proud as well of how good she looks. I have enjoyed rebuilding this boat and can't wait until the summer is over to start taking parts off the engine and cleaning, painting to get that part looking as good. Believe it or not I have already been looking for another project as I'm sure I can whittle the time to complete one down.

Mine did have the "heat" seams which I loved.   ...I kid you not, I am gonna find me an industrial size sewing machine and figure out how to do upholstery. My cousin just got his Nautique back from the same uphosterer and for $1700 he got a "pontoonish" interior.

I wish I could make the reunion this year but I have the yearly family reunion at the same time.