TOPIC:

I picked up a 1969 Slickcraft SS215 this week, somebody's project boat that never got finished that I'm hoping to make my project boat that actually gets finished. (My wife is DEFINITELY hoping I'll get it finished!)

I've always loved the lines of these "classic" fiberglass hulls and once I verify that the engine and stern drive are solid, I want to start picking away at the deck and cuddy cabin. This is going to be, primarily, a Lake Michigan fishing boat with the secondary use of recreational cruising/swim platform. I'm not planning on a completely authentic reconstruction because there were a lot of things in these old boats that I didn't really appreciate (The seat style for one). So I have two questions:

1) Those of you who have owned multiple boats, what are the accessories and amenities that you have encountered that you felt are absolutely essential in a boat? (storage, bait, seating, etc.)

2) If you have ever restored an older boat, what "tricks" or "don't forget to check..." suggestions do you have?

Right now, it will go out to storage while I finish up a number of other projects, but eventually, I will be pulling everything out of the hull that I can without too much trouble, cleaning and likely coating the fuel tank, replacing fuel and electrical lines as needed, lubing/changing lubes and oils in everything, checking bearings, and sticking my little endoscope into the nooks and crannies to look for hidden problems.

Before it gets anywhere near the water, it will be getting a Boat US towing insurance package!

Most common thing people run into with older boats is rot. Transom, stringer and floor. I would check to be sure everything is solid before sinking any appreciable money into it. LED lights are cool and I like the idea of more modern seat designs. Looks like a fun project! I restored a 1999 Ski Nautique last winter and it was a fun project.

Make sure the stringers have a drain slot so that liquids can run to the sump. I bought a new boat and when the floor was replaced found that the port side stringers had no drain slots.

Bruce

If the engine and outdrive are not worth saving you might consider converting to outboard bracket like Armstrong.

Great Project! The "wood" rot would be the first thing I'd worry about. After that, let your imagination run wild! Good luck.....

Yeah, the hull passed the "knock test" throughout, but it will be getting a thorough poking and prodding.

I was trying your back rail at the launch this morning, (I was in the smaller ProLine on the other side of the dock) was that a custom job or something you ordered?

Many marinas have moisture meters and they can detect wet / rotten wood.

Hands down - after safety gear - autopilot

OMG, I was thinking autpilot also.

Radio.... all boats must have a radio!!