Help with new hydro floor , many questions

Discussion in 'Restoration Projects & Questions' started by tjmons, Sep 8, 2011.

  1. tjmons

    tjmons

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2011
    Messages:
    8
    Boat Model and Year:
    1968 hydrodyner tournament ski
    I am trying to figure out if I need to replace the floor in my 68 tournament skier. There seems like the floor is soild with no real soft spots. I have pictures posted on this site. Everything including the engine is out. I will need to redo the seats and all of the interior. It seems like its hard to find parts anywhere for these boats. Since parts seem to be rare I may need to do a custom resto. Any ideas or thoughts ?
     
  2. jim

    jim Hydrodyne 18 Specialist

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    Messages:
    2,321
    Location:
    FL
    Boat Model and Year:
    77 Dyne 18 I/O converted to Outboard
    Re: Help with new hydro floor

    The floor in your boat is the inside of the hull. There are several threads here that detail that.

    The rubrail is available. The instruments and controls are generic. The lights and hardware are generic.

    The metal frame seats are rebuild-able and are the best seats in my opinion.

    The side logo can be done in vinyl.

    The first step is to determine the condition of the core. See the next thread called rotten to the core.

    jim
     
  3. tjmons

    tjmons

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2011
    Messages:
    8
    Boat Model and Year:
    1968 hydrodyner tournament ski
    Re: Help with new hydro floor

    Thanks Jim , it seems the seats are fibergalssed boxes made of wood that are fiberglassed to the floor. The two boxes on the side of the motor are gone. There are 4 screw holes in the first layer of fiberglass floor. When I poke a screwdriver thru the hole it seems to be hard underneath. I just hate to cut a inspection hole if I do not have to. What do you think. How else can I determine the condition of the core ?
     
  4. jim

    jim Hydrodyne 18 Specialist

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    Boat Model and Year:
    77 Dyne 18 I/O converted to Outboard
    Re: Help with new hydro floor

    Tap on the hull and transom inside and out. Dead or dull sounds are water.

    jim
     
  5. tjmons

    tjmons

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2011
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    Boat Model and Year:
    1968 hydrodyner tournament ski
    Re: Help with new hydro floor

    This boat was sitting in a field uncovered. So there was 5 inches of water in the boat. I have dryed it out and there are no weak spots in the floor. If I keep it in storage should it dry out with little or no damage. I would hate to start a restoration then have problems down the road or water for better terms. When I tap on the hull the sides sound hollow , and the bottom sounds like it is solid
     
  6. jim

    jim Hydrodyne 18 Specialist

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Boat Model and Year:
    77 Dyne 18 I/O converted to Outboard
    The hull is 2 layers, so you need to tap on the inside also.

    Since it sat out with water in it for a long period, I would be surprised if it is dry. That is the worst abuse you can give a Dyne.

    If it were mine, I would use a hole saw and cut some plugs out of the inside of the hull at the rear on both sides to check for water or rot. Cut only into the first layer of balsa just enough to expose the balsa.

    If there are any screws or screw holes in the inside bottom I would use the hole saw there also.
    The holes should be repaired with glass mat and resin with gelcoat as a last coat.

    If the core is wet it will not dry out. It can be replaced.

    jim
     
  7. tjmons

    tjmons

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2011
    Messages:
    8
    Boat Model and Year:
    1968 hydrodyner tournament ski
    If it was wet and will not dry out , what would be the results if it was left alone since the floor seems solid
     
  8. jim

    jim Hydrodyne 18 Specialist

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    Location:
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    Boat Model and Year:
    77 Dyne 18 I/O converted to Outboard
    If it is wet the bottom will probably flex and adversely affect the handling and performance. You won't like it.

    This was a chronic problem with the 60's boats. The boat was redesigned later with end grain balsa to help prevent this problem.

    jim
     
  9. kevinb

    kevinb Elite Hydrodyner

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2006
    Messages:
    459
    Location:
    Brookfield, WI
    Boat Model and Year:
    1985 HD 20' I/O 350 (Yep I/O Boat #2 of maybe7?)
    Ski Team:
    NA
    Just a couple of thoughts before you cut into the core. If the engine is removed, you might try weighing the hull/car/trailer at a certified scale and then dump the boat in the lake and weight the trailer/car (on the same scale). The hull with out the engine is supposed to be around +-900 lbs. If the core is water logged it will weigh in heavy. Also, if it floats low in the water when in the lake, compared to the photos on this site, it might have a jeoprodized core.

    Another option might be checking the hull out with a moisture meter. Most mold inspectors have these and they can give a qualitative survey of the presence/absence of moisture, kind of like an electronic stud finder. they are used on walls to see if there are hidden issues for house purchases, etc.

    Take care,

    Kevin
     

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