Newbie attemping to restore 79 bass tracker

[RK917]

hey guys,

Recently got an old 1979 16' bass tracker w/ 1986 mercury 25hp. ive always wanted to modify a boat like this, but have zero knowledge of boats in general. Tinboats has given me alot of insight on various boat projects.. but im confused as to where to start? Everything is essentially ripped out except the rear two foam compartments. im nervous to open those up. Can anyone advise me on where to start, such as run new electric or install foam and floor then decks? i have been searching for a site to show the construction of te bass boat so i know where to put foam back in, but havent had any luck either. Any advice or links to websites would be greatly appreciated. They may already be here and im not navigating through the site correctly. Please help so i can have this thing in the water by spring!

Thanks,
RK

 

[Ictalurus]

Do a leak test while you have the boat empty (i.e. fill it with water).

 

[onthewater102]

those foam compartments shouldn't be an issue - they sit above where any standing water would accumulate in the boat. You're missing foam in the bow - roughly 2/3 the volume of the compartments in the back which will need to be replaced.

Definitely start with a leak test - plug the boat & fill it with water with the garden hose - mark any rivets that leak & rebuck them.

From there figure out how you want to lay the boat out. I've got the same hull - only I have the model with the rear livewell, they're great boats - very light for their size.

 

[fool4fish1226]

IMHO I would complete the tear out - transom and all - you would be surprised of the hidden issues you may uncover. Then clean everything up and fix all the issues you find, leak test it to find any other problems then fix them. After that decide on your lay out and go for it and :WELCOME: