Grumman restore questions

[Davet63]

Hello, I'm new to this forum, but it looks like there is a LOT of great help and experience here. So here goes.

I recently bought a 1989 Grumman 16 GMF Bass boat for $500. It needs a lot of work before I can put it back on the water. Work I have lots of questions on, as I've never done this before. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1. Most of the wood floor panels/storage covers seem to be intact enough to be able to remove and use for patterns for the replacements. What type of material would you recommend? Plain 3/4" exterior plywood? I know treated is a non-no on aluminum boats. What about Advantek? Or is it too heavy?

2. What type of carpet, and how would you fasten it down? Staples? Glue? If glue, what type?

3. I plan on installing a new foot controlled trolling motor. What size would you recommend for this size boat, and can someone recommend a good place to buy besides the usual Bass Pro, Cabelas, and West Marine. Or at least a bit cheaper?

I am certain I will be asking more questions as this project gets into high gear, and any information anyone could provide would be highly appreciated. I will also try to post pics as I go along, but I'm usually too ADD to remember to take them until it's too late.

Well I guess I also have to figure out HOW to post pics here. I usually use photobucket on most other forums I frequent, but when I tried that approach to post pics of this boat, I got an error about the pictures being too wide. Any help in that regard would be appreciated as well.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[reedjj]

Welcome,

Most of the guys on here use regular exterior Plywood and coat it with spar urethane. At least 2 coats. I used the Minwax spray version. And then a couple coats of paint.

A lot of people are using the light grey carpet (outdoor) from Lowes. You can use Marine Carpet but it costs more. I didn't carpet mine so I cant tell you whats best. Only what I have read on here. Some glue it, some screw or staple it. Some Glue it and then staple it on the backside after they wrap it around.

I cant help ya with the trolling motor.

You should def check through the mod links for something similar to what you want to do and ask one of those guys.

Good luck.

 

[charles daniels]

I have a 1991 Grumman GMF which has been very well cared for-I am the 2nd owner. The carpeting was getting a bit stained, faded and worn. I just replaced the carpet with a 24 oz marine carpet from Bass Cat bass boats. They are in Arkansas and for a few dollars more than Home Depot or Lowes you get a much better carpet. The blue-gray color was almost identical to what I replaced. The carpet is a bit thicker than the original so the wood covering the hatches need to be trimmed off a bit so the hatches don't bind when closed. Mine are a little snug which is ok as i feel they will wear down a bit over time and still give a good seal.

I used pressure treated plywood on the hatches which I replaced and covered with carpet. Used a marine glue and stainless steel staples to attach the carpet. Replaced a small bit of rotten wood on the deck around the console and found it to be 1/2" rather than 3/4" everywhere else. Good luck with your restoration.