Help: 1969 18' Tournament skier twin Mercury 1350s restoration

I have had this boat since 1984, but haven't used it for several years because of the transom bowing. When I took it in to get the transom fixed I found out the floor was rotten. I didn't know there was wood in the floor! I would like to restore it, but I'm not sure it's worth the effort. I have three questions to start:

1. How far forward does the balsa go? There is a shelf in the bow for the fuel tank. Does the core extend under this, requiring its removal too?

2. i think it was Jim who recommended changing from two layer balsa to single end grain layer with stringers and flat floor. This is really interesting, but I have only seen one of these boats 30+ years ago. Does anyone have plans or specs for this installation?

3. Also I believe the flat floor stopped at the instrument panel leaving a footwell. If so, is there more balsa core forward of this, and where does any water that gets in this area escape?

I've never attempted anything like this, and don't know of any other Hydrodynes in this area to see (Peachtree City, GA.) Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

 

See my thread in the restoration section titled "1972 keel up restoration". In answer to your questions:

1. The balsa goes up as far as the bow before it curves up.

2. Mine had layered balsa but the end grain is definitely what you want to use.

3. There is some balsa forward of the instrument panel but only where the floor is flat.

My restoration is taking place in Centre, AL and I am on the AL side of Weiss lake which is also in GA.

 

The footwell is supposed to drain through a piece of pvc pipe from that area to the rear sump. In practice the rear sump is more likely to collect water from skiers boarding etc. That water will flow up to the footwell at shut down. I would leave the drain pipe out and keep a sponge to clear the foot well. I have a plug in the drain but some water gets up there anyway so I have to sponge any way. Clear as mud huh?

jim

 

David:

Posting some pics of your project would help. I did not think stringers and raised floors (Stringers on top of the balsa core and then a sheet of plywood to allow for a 5 to 6 inch shelf or footwell) were available in the pre-70's boats. You more than likely have the carpet and seats anchored to the balsa core with a 69, but again, shoot and post some pics.

Kevin-

 

He says what he has in paragraph 2. It is typical 69 double layer balsa. He is thinking of converting to the later design since he has to replace the core anyway.

jim

 

Jim,

That's correct on the conversion.

Dave

I have been through part of your thread, it's very good. I'll be looking closer. Any chance I could see your project in person?

Thanks, Dave

 

Jim,

Yes, but I think you're right. Keep the majority of the water in the back.
Thanks,
Dave

 

Kevin,

I'll post some pictures as soon as I find or retake them.

Dave

 

To Jim:

Read the post twice and missed that detail about the 2 layers of balsa as the original substrate, skim reading I guess.

David, if you choose end-grain balsa, it will probably out last your use of the boat, but if you want to go to the "9's", then follow tj309s process. Personally, I have had three of these hulls and if the boat is kept dry after use, end-grain balsa would be my choice with stringers and a raised floot over the core.

 

There was one question that remained un-answered. It pertained to the plans for the stringers and raised floor. The Crosby's have always maintained that the stringers are not required for strength, they only support the floor. I doubted this until I learned that the floor and stringers in Daniel's boat (a twin) were removed aft of the seats.

If I were going to do another floor, I think I would make it as low and light as possible. It needs to be wide enough to support the seats. The lower you can sit in this boat the better. It is convenient (but probably not necessary) to let it sit on top of the spray rails. So, what I am saying is that the original is not optimum and you can build it any way you like. You do need to pay attention to the pylon mounting area and I think that tj has a good design for this.

I want to encourage everyone to engage in these conversations. There are a lot of good solutions to various problems posted by various members here. I really like some of the innovative observer seat designs.

If you need pictures of the floor in my boat I will supply them. I think it is too high.

jim