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Cruise Craft Rapide V15 Restoration
Submitted By: tengals123
Date Created: 03-17-2005
Description: I have spent months researching all aspects of the rebuild process. This will be a full restoration, boat, motor and trailer. I antisipate it to take 5months. I will take pictures at every step. The boat is based in Melbourne, Australia
Tools / Materials: Go to the Boating Store


Original Boat 18/3/05
Original condition. Faded Orange!

Just as it says. This will look greatly different in 4 months time.
Original Boat Interior


Whole boat Original Interior
The layout is changing.

Rust and corrosion had got into most of the 'snaps'. Over 1/2 of them needed to be drilled out.
Start Date - 18/03/2005


Seat Removal
Both pedistal seats were removed. Easy job. The bases and poles will be re-used. They will be cut down a inch or so. They will also be re-painted white ( both base and pole ).

Surprisingly easy job. The chrome caps came off easy and the whole rail pulled off the seated lip. It was glued on, but the contact was old.
Rubrail Removal


Floor
Carpet removal and inspection.

Removal of the marine carpet was also quite easy. It just pulled up, with abit of force. Of course it was dirty, smelly and dusty.
Carpet


Stripped Interior
All carpet removed.

A full interior inspection was carried out. All was fine....now for the floor.
Inspection


Floor Inspection
I drilled numerious holes in the floor with a hole saw for inspection. This was done in various places.

Well, after drilling the floor and inspecting it. The floor is moist, the stringers are moist, the air in the hull is moist. There is NO visible water ( to my surprise ). The floor and stringers are being replaced. They are NOT rotted, but are wet all the same.
Floor Verdict


Bare Body
A little different looking than it was this morning

Stripped, it gives me a good picture for my new layout. A full back lounge is going there (in the back)
Layout


First Days Work
Nice looking hull. Plenty of potential. All in all a very productive day.

Ok, the motor is the next thing to be removed. I am getting a enigine bracket tomorrow.
Motor??


Removing Aluminium Trim
All the holes needed to be drilled out. This trim is going and not comming back.

All controls are out of the boat. They will be re-conditioned, re-sprayed and re-installed.

Controls Removed


Wiring Removal
As you can see, it was a mess. Typical of an old boat that over time has bits and peices added to it. It all got ripped out, from the batt terminals to the switchbox.

Power saw set to 3/4 inch and away we go. Floor was moist.
Floor Removal


Floor Removal Bow
I noticed the bow part to the floor was thinner and made of what i think is masonite. This will all be replaced.

Work in progress
Floor Continued


Floor
Bow shot of the ripped up floor section

Most ripped up. Only a few stringers need to be replaced. I will re-glass the whole floor/hull area, but only replace the bad stringers. Im going to leave 3"s of remaining floor attached to the hull, and replace the rest.
Floor


New wiring Diagram
Back to school

This was done with a stiff wire brush on a powered drill.
Cleaning Topdeck Join


In floor fuel tank area
Mods need to be made to fit the 65Lt under floor fuel tank going in. 1 foot longer, by 5inch's wider. Thankfully the depth is ok.

As you can see all the cross members are removed and all being replaced. The fuel tank area will be rebuilt.
Crossmembers


Just the Motor
The last thing to come off, just the motor. Have purchased a steel motor mount. Will remove motor this week.

This is the original control box. Covered in greese and grime. It will now be cleaned, sanded, primed, filled and epoxied. WHITE!
Control Box Rebuild


Control box inside
Inside pic, for your reference and more important, MINE.

Once I removed the levers, choke, ignition switch and all cables and wiring, these are the 4 outer shell parts that will be refurbished. The black handle, im not sure what im going to do with it yet.
4 Control Parts


Clean, clean, clean
These parts have been cleaned, sanded, cleaned, cleaned and cleaned again.

Primer time. Two coats. Now to come.......spray filler, sand, clean, topcoat, sand, clean final topcoat.
Control Box Primer


Primed closeup
now, time for a little filler.

1st fill and Sand, 1 more to go!
Control Box Filled and Sanded


Key and Choke housing cleanup
Before photo

Wax and greese remover, with a toothbrush and steels wool. Came up great!
Key and Choke Cleanup


New Gas Tank
The new 65Lt fuel/gas tank has arrived.

1 more sand and topcoat to go. Ordered new modern Mercury decal for motor and control box.
Control box near completion


Fuel Hardware
Finally some of my hardware is arriving.

All the harware, switches, wiring and lines are to be the best quality. A closeup of switchs, in deck rod holders, 40mm reinforced filler line and chromed, stainless filler cap and vent.
All top quality hardware


Gauge Layout
Exact size and layout of new white gauges. Of course all holes and old cutouts will be filled.

Finally, the motor is off. Heavy!
The motor stand is great. We made the mount out of scrap hardwood.

Motor Off


Original Motor Condition
This is the motor, original condition.

Soild NO ROT! Lots of holes though. Due to ski hooks, sounder, old motor, auxilary bracket etc....
Transom


Upper Deck Cut
Well we did it. Cut the deck bow walkthru. Easy cut. Just a circular saw.

New side stringers and in floor fish well cut out and tested.
Tank Installation


New dash and bow
After the cut.

I like the curves. It will be fully reinforced to the floor and to sides.
Bow Walkthru


No more Stripping
That's it, our work place. Everything has been stripped. It's the rebuild stage. Finally, we got there.

The new motor decal set arrived. 2 big ones for either side of the motor, small red one for control box and the black one for the front of the motor. I did'nt want to replace with original scheme, because honestly nothing about this boat is going to be original. The quality is fantastic.
New Motor Decals


More New Hardware
Now the stuff is starting to come in.

Not cheap but will look good.
Chrome, chrome, chrome


Glass Repair #1
Cleaned, sanded and cleaned again. Although it looks dirty, it actually is clean as can be. 1st sheet of glassfiber went down no probs, the poly resin being used is just a super product.

Just as it says, just to keep this puppy dry.
New Boat Cover


New Gauge Set
My new US made Teleflex white gauge set. Speedo, Tach, Fuel, Volt and Temp.

This is a beauty. Just a fantasic job. Alot of time was taken to do it right though. I have step by step instructions for anyone that needs them. Thanks to 'tinkerer' who helped me on this one.
Completed Control Box Restoration


Control Box close-up
The finish is like new.

Here it is resined and ready to glass to the hull.
New stringer tank section


Tank Compartment in
Finally in, not glassed yet.

Getting there. The floor is begining to look like a floor again.
Starting Floor


Floor Back Section
Just a great fit. Not tight, for the expansion of gas tank.

These are in bad condition. But, really, quite an easy job to restore. I will be cutting 2inches off the height of the poles.
Pedistal Restoration


Pedistal Etch Primer Stage
After cleaning and sanding then cleaning and removing all traces of dust and grease, I etched it 2 coats.

What a job to cut these 2 babies out. Anyway, they have been resined and ready for install.
Walkthru Side Panels


In Floor Storage/Well Cut, Seat base construction
The cut came out fine. There will be no drainage here. Dry storage only. Notice the lounge seat base contruction started.

Finally the fun parts start. This was exactly what we had in mind, as far as shape and size goes. Just fits so nice. All guns will be templated and upholstered in matching upholstery.
Lounge seat


Walkthru and Lounge
Stage 1, all joins have been sealed the base sealed and installed. The walkthru walls have been installed and glues. They will now need glassing at the joins and epoxy filled later ie. filleted.

As stated all joind and bottom has bee sealed. Now just to resin and upholster.
Lounge


Dash Refill
I more fill to go. Once done, we will cut out the new gauge layout before painting.

Ok, re-built 2 fuel Pumps, now onto the 3 carbs. Full gasket kits, seat assy. and floats will be installed. I've never done this before so....here goes.
Motor Rebuild Start


WOT butterfly Position
As you can see the butterfly is nowhere near open enough at WOT. I will re-adjust all three, I should be able to get heaps more out of her once completed.

Just as it says. A really fragile peice of the motor. I was warned to be carefull with removal and I was.
Choke Assy and Solinoid


1st Carb. Removed.
Well, 1 1/4 hours to get the 1st carb off. A bigger job than expected.

The carbs were totally stripped down and soaked in cleaner overnight. The needles were sticky, the floats seemed ok, but goo build-up in most crevices and the strainers were full of crap.
Carb dissmantle


Carb Assemble
Well all three Carbs were pretty bad. The float heights were wrong on all three. Squeeky clean now with new gaskets, seats and floats all adjusted to the right heights.

Gives you an idea. The walls will be carpeted and notice the two hatches. The front one for the anchor and the one at the drivers feet for storage.
Walkthru Assembly


Walkthru
Needs to be fitted and glued, screwed and glassed at the joins.

At the moment Im just starting to sand the loins and holes where filler has been or will be applied.
Sanding Started


Splash Cover and Switch Test Run
Cut the holes for CD, Radio and Switch panel. All is good, finally getting somewhere.

Non structual filler/fillets. Messy job, with practice, should get a little better at it. Fberglass/epoxy filler was used and applies with a small fillet trowl.
Filler and Fillets


Seats
These are the seats and colour scheme in my new boat. The rear lounge and side panels will be matching.

Finally got my gauge holes cut. 54mm holes for the smaller gauges, no problems as I has a hole saw for the job. The 2 bigger gauges needed 86mm holes. I only had a 76mm or 90mm. I had to use the 74mm. The routing to extend the diameter of the hole was done with a flap bit. Just take your time. Go slow and work in circles, apply even pressure to all sides of the circle. Check if the gauge fits evey 1 or 2 revolutions, so that you don't route it out too far. If you don't know what I mean, let me know and I'll explain it too you. Anyway, I'm happy with the result and on a WHITE GLOSSY 2pac paint these gauges will look superb.
Gauge test


Paint Purchased
Well, I took the plunge and purchased the paint. I can vouch for 'international' brand product, I have used it the whole way through this project. After discussions with various people here is what im going to do. Primer in area's needed (bare). 2 coats od undercoat ( second coat mixed 50/50 with top coat ) and 2-3 thin coats of topcoat.

Final tank fitout. Filler, pickup and dual venting. Also the wires were run from the fuel sender. This visible tank section has a screw down ply plate on top and will be glassed in.
Tank Fitout


Bow Final fill and touch up
The last sand and fill for this bow walkthru area. Carpeted walls, so doesn't need to be perfect, just the line/curves need to be well defined.

Almost done, just one more light sand and a final coat of gloos epoxy white. The shafts have been cut down.
Pedistal Restoration


New Carpet
This is the exact marine carpet that will be fitted to the boat.

Will be mounted under the dash panel.
+ and - bus bar


Motor External Restoration Start 9/5/05
As you can see, i've alot to deal with here. Bushings, bolts and screws all to be replaced. The holes in the yoke to be patched and sanded flush.

I can't wait to get rid of this sight. Surface preperation is the key here. I will was 3 times, kerosine 2 twice, degreaser 2 times, wash 2 more times and then acetone. Then and only then will I start to sand.
Years of wear and tear


Rusted Bolts
Rusty bolts and nuts galore. All will be replaced. Big job that's for sure.

Replacements needed!
Worn Worn Worn


Cowling Parts
These are the 6 initial cowling parts. The foil decals won't come off.

With a little paint stripper I was able to get the top part of the decals off, but the bottom foil part remained.
Paint Stripper


Cleaned up, sanded, ready to prime
After 1/2 a day and more paint stripper and every other chemical under the sun, I finally got the foils off. The trim around the main cowl was left on, but hevily sanded, because there will be a stripe covering it up.

Initial stages of etching primer, 1 coat down, 1 to follow.
Etch Primer


Primer sandable filler
Great filler im using. It's quite thick and sprays nicely. Just a sand and clean, then onto the top coats.

The result was yet again, fantasic. It's not my touch, it's the effort and preperation you are willing to put into it. Almost like new. as follows;
2 coats of etch primer
2 coats of undercoat filler
3 coats of 'phantom' black topcoat
3 coats of clearcoat
Total hours - 6 pieces, 12hours total labour. Cost - about $150AUD including the decals. Way cheaper than a new cowl.

Finished Cowl


Finished cowl II
The finish is fantastic. Sorry about the fingerprints.

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Cowl III


Steering Wheel and Speakers
Finally I gave up on trying to obtain a white leater steering wheel. I decided on a black and blue(match blue carpet) leater wheel. Has a great feel to it. The speakers are marine clarions. Costly but designed for the marine environment and top quality sound.

The sides of hull and top deck have had intial sand and fill. A second fill in some spots was required. Bare as can be.
Just about ready for Final Sand


Deck hardware holes cut
All the deck hardware holes have been cut. Here is the rear rod holder hole and fuel filler hole. Also cut, gauges, switch panel, cb radio, cd player, speakers, tank vent, cable holes in splashwell.

Sanding has started on the hull to waterline. Below waterline reapirs and sanding will be to follow.
Sanding hull


Hard Sanding Start
orbital sander with 120grit, then hand sanding with 120grit.

This is the results of the first initial sands, it will be followed up with 240grit by hand.
Sand, Sand, Sand


Splashwell Repairs
Old cable pully holes have been repaired. Actually there are 5 of these holes in the splashwell, not needed anymore. Just two now. 1 for the steering and the other for the throttle and shift, fuel and power to motor. That's it. All will be bound with 2 inch black flexi pipe. Nice and neat.

Big Job. 80, 120, 240 grit at the moment. The 80 grit has only been used at the deck join that will be under the rubrail.
Sanding II


Sanding the lines
It's all about the 'feel'. Use sandpaer in your hands, use your fingers and palm of your hand to shape/feel the curves of your boat.

This is just the begining.
Sanding III


Boat Stands
Our home made boat stands. Quite easy to make out of scrap steel and timber. A V was cut to match the keel on both stands. Then the tops of the timber with carpet.

Getting your boat off your trailer isn't a hard as you think. We actually got this one of by just pushing it. If you cant do that, hook it up to your towbar and do it that way.
Boat off trailer.


Ready for paint!
After about 200 manhours spaning over a few months she is finally ready for paint. I decided to go with primer, undercoat and topcoats. Washed, cleaned with acetone and finally with a tack cloth. Notice the new painting location.

Well, there it is.
1st coat of primer


Trailer Restoration Start 23/5/05
This is the original trailer. The restoration will include. New override coupling, levered handbrake, new axle, mechanical disc brakes, jockey wheel, winch overhall, wheels, rollers and lights. And of course will be cut back and sprayed with epoxy paint ( aliminium colour).

I went for a sightly larger roller. I will drop the assys. a little to compensate for the larger roller. Got a great deal on these in bulk, they are a good quality, non marking roller.
New wobble rollers


Old trailer Parts
This is all the stuff that has come off the trailer and will go into the bin.

Angle grinder was used to cut the coupling off. A fair amount to rust flakes came out of the end of the drawbar. I banged a hammer up and down the frame and all is soild. Apon closer inspection I noticed the last 2 foot of the drawbar has been replaced, so I can only assume the flakes had never been removed from the inside of the frame originaly.
Coupling Removal


Skeg Sand
The skeg has been washed, cleaned, sanded and cleaned again. Some gouges and chips filled with epoxy metal putty. They will be sanded and then a final clean and primer. New parts will include all new rubber tilt bushes new LU nuts and bolts.

After filing and sanding the repairs carried out, the motor was high pressure washed and cleaned with acetone. Etch primer was then applied. Picture shows 1st coat, 2 coats in total were applied.
1st coat of Etch Primer


Undercoat/filler
After a light sand the filler/undercoat was applied. This is after the first coat. A 2nd coat will be applied before 2 finals topcoats and 2 clear coats.

The prop. is undergoing a revamp at the same time. The same proceedures apply.
Propeller


Trailer Cut back
The old coats and rust has been cut back out of the trailer. Im not going to spend weeks on the trailer, just a good soild revamp.

These are the final products of my cowl restoration. Well worth the effort.
WOW! Final Cowls


1st coat of Undercoat
This stuff is so much easier to work with than the primer. I thinned it 15% and rolled & TIPPED the whole boat. Took me about 2.5hrs.

I back this paint all the way anyone considering painting their boat consider international paints. I'm really happy with the results so far, take your time though.
Undercoat II


Undercoat III
As you can see, just a smooth even surface. Roll and Tip takes a bit to get used to, but once you have your technique down, is a peice of cake.

After a 3rd coat of filler/primer, it was a sand and clean, then on with the 1st topcoat.
Skeg 1st Topcoat


Override Coupling Weld
The First stage of trailer work. One more cutback, then onto the sprayed epoxy paint.

Only 1 more coat to go.
Prop


Skeg Paint Finished
Just clear coats to go.

Well, it's all ready for the top coat tomorrow. Really looking nice. A word of advice. Sand and imperfections out then clean with acetone well. Lastly use a tack cloth before you paint. It adds another 1/2 hour to each coat, but the result is amazing.
Final Undercoat


Final Undercoat II
The final coat was also rolled and fully tipped. It looks 'wetish' for the first few hours, but dried to a satin ( matt ) finish. A great product this paint, if you feel the surface, you just know it's going to bond to the next coat well. We lightly sanded the whole surface, before applying the Final Coat od Undercoat.

Tomorrow can't come quick enough. It will just look superb with a full bodied, full gloss, top coat. Ive been told this brand of 2 pack gives a excellent, constant 'wet' look. That's what im looking forward to.
Almost there.


Topcoat
The time has come and the results were outstanding.

This coat took alot longer than the undercoats, as i really wanted to take my time. 3 Hours in total.
Topcoat II


Splashwell Topcoat
Looking good.

In order to achive a perfect surface, you must sand out any imperfections before you paint. I have sanded and cleaned in between every coat.
Topcoat III


Topcoat IIII
Gloss is the word!

Roll and tip, untill you have done it yourself, you'll really understand what it's all about. Don't be scared of it, if you do it right the results will show.
Topcoat tip


Motor Almost Complete
It looks super. Lot of work once again, but result was great.

I'm glad I did the prop. at the same time looks the part.
Prop and skeg


The Screen
Finally the screen is ready. Of course the brown protective paper needs to come off.

WOW! Raeline did a super job. Just fantastic
Upholstery


Final Coat ON
That's it no more coats. It's done.

They are all sitting flush.
Gauge Final test


Upholstry test run
Lightly seated in the boat.

Just as imagined. Installed fairly easy. Only thing to watch out for is the middle gaps and joins. Once all is even, bolt it on.
Windscreen Install


Windscreen Install 2
As you can see, standard support struts are installed. Great to have a walkthru screen. They are adjustable, so that you can make minor chages to screen angles. Nice and soild. All in all we are happy with the end result.

WOW!, this stuff is tough as nails. Really quite difficult to install. We did it, after alot of elbow grease and spent energy. You cannot do this job without 2 people. Beware, If you decide to go with a heavy duty, stiff PVC gunwale like this, be prepared for alot of work. It doesnt just sit on the lip. A rubber mallet comes in handy.
Gunwale Strip Installed


Gunwale Strip 2
The finish is a glossy pure white colour. It looks great quality and does not mark easily. It will be capped at both ends with stainless steel fittings.

Every roller has been replaced.
New Rollers


Rebuilt Trailer
Almost done. Brakes installed, roller installed. Just guards to be shifted out 5inches, new wheels and install lights.

The time has come to do the job i've been dreading for so long. It's not that i'm not capable, just I know how time consuming it will be.
Carpeting Started


Gunwales Carpeted
As it says. The inside of the gunwales have been carpeted. 90% complete.

The walkthru is carpeted. The edge will have trimming to the screen.
Walkthry Carpeting


Seat/Pedistal Test
The seats have been positioned so that both will turn 180 degrees to the rear. Note, the only concern I now have is the gap between the seats. I need to make provision for the forward controls on drivers side. The ply base will be epoxied tonight and carpet will be layed over the bases.

Just the trimming to go.
Carpeting nearly finished


Gunwale rub strip finished
It has been epoxied on and the stainless caps installed.

All the stainless hardware is going on. Everything is being sealed with marine grade sealant.
Stainless Steel Hardware Installation


Carpet Finished
Carpeting is finished and upholstry is in. Seat Pedistals have been fixed to the floor.

The boss kit, leather wheel, gauges and switch panel are all in. We purchased a SONY HiFi system, Clarion speakers, all new wiring, battery, contectors, switch and fuse panel w/ + and - buss bars.
Dash Run


Stage shot
It's getting there. We are really past the hard bit now. The rest is just downright rewarding. :)

It came up real nice.
Surface finish Final


Decals
Custom decals are being applied.

Finally the motor has been installed. The steering has also been connected. Throttle and shift linkages are covered with PVC piping and all linkages have been totally cleaned and re greased.
Motor Installed


Nearly done
Getting closer now.

looks good in the sun, will look better on the water.

Wash-down


Control box & checker kick plates installed
Finally got the control box back together. I helps to take pictures when dismatling anything, as I refered to my old pictures on putting it back together. The checker kickplates have also been installed in the walkthru.

Black PVC shrouding installed to finish the job.
Control box complete


Wiring in
Electronics and wiring have been installed. Marine grade wire was used, heatshrink tubing has been used over all joins.

Everthing teszted out fine. What a relief.
Electrics Test


Lights Out
Wow! Can't wait to take here out for some night fishing.

(the speedo pickup, speed wheel and sonar sensor have all been istalled. Neat and tidy.
Final touches


Final touches 2
S/S fittings used with marine sealant to finish the job.

Timing, sync and link'ing the motor. She running well, now just for water testing.
Motor Run


New motor installed.
The old one had blown cylinder #5. The new motor is a 1998 Mercury 115Hp. NICE!!!!!

After a trailer test all seems well with our new motor.
New motor 2


Final new motor shot
We are rapt with the end product.

Love it!!
Water test1


wATER TEST 2
SHE'S BEGGING FOR IT!!!

Feel the power
Water test 3


Water test4
Hole shot is great.

Clocked 92.5kmh. Thanks 'Deano'
Water test 5


COMPLETE
what an ugly looking mut!!!!

Now, that's a boat.
FISHING BOAT


Bimini Fitted
The custom Bimini and Rocket Launcher are in.

Only the front cover to go...........I'm rapt.
Final 1


First fish caught
MASSIVE!!!!

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