76 Hydrostream Ventura II SE - Restore Project

[Taber13]

Recently acquired my Dad's Hydrostream, which is in need of some TLC. I will start by replacing some "rot" in the floor.. This boat has been in our family since originally purchased in 77, so this will be a fun restoration, anticipating some high speed enjoyment in the not to distant future.. I will try to post progress as this project moves along.

[VultureNo2]

Welcome to the site and keep the pictuers coming. Bill

[Taber13]

Making a little progress at a time. I am cutting out area's that are soft to step on.. the fiberglass was still in pretty good shape, but the wood below was "wet" and "mushy". I hope i start to find some "dry" wood, because I don't want to have to remove everything..

[VultureNo2]

Make sure to take a good look or drill into the core. If that is rotten, it will have to come out. The core is the structure that makes the boat rigid and must be solid. From the looks of the dark spots, you have some core spots that are rotted also. take a chisel and do a bit of digging down to the next layer. If it is good, you can always mix up some resin and patch it. I'm betting you will find more rot down there. Sorry to be the deliverer of bad news. I'm re-coring two at the moment. One of them is a Ventura II also. Bill

[transomstand]

Get the hull well supported and take it all out, it's shot. All the black color gives it away. Be thankful you caught it in time.

[Taber13]

I think the core is OK, based on it being hard as a rock.. the discolor is just it being wet from the wet flooring that i am taking out.. after it dries, it is a lighter color. Anyway, I will continue to pull out floor until i hit dry wood or take it all out.

[VultureNo2]

Get the hull well supported and take it all out, it's shot. All the black color gives it away. Be thankful you caught it in time.

I agree with you Pete. Remove it. It's more work, but it needs to be safe.

[transomstand]

I think the core is OK,

Everybody says that, and they are ALWAYS wrong. I've had this conversation 4,882 times. Now 4,883.

[Hippie459MN]

Everybody says that, and they are ALWAYS wrong. I've had this conversation 4,882 times. Now 4,883.

I agree with Pete 110%. It might not all be bad but you can bet that the majority of it is bad. Find me an original, untouched hydrostream with an original dry untouched core and I will give you my boat. Guess what, you wont be getting my boat cause you will not find one. Trust me, your core and good chance the transom too will need to be replaced. Ask any hydrostream owner that has been down this road.

[Taber13]

As i keep removing more floor, do you think the support of the trailer is good enough? Just remember someone saying to make sure that it is well supported .. I haven't started removing core yet, and plan on taking engine off later this week.