88 vector rebuild

[Dlord111]

I just bought my first hydrostream. It's a 88 vector. I have to replace the core so I am going to go ahead and do the floor and transom as well. Will need a lot of advice and answers to questions. Everything is appreciated!

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[Dlord111]

I started pulling the floor out to see what I was working with. The core is soaked. So I am going to pull the motor off and build a jig to support the boat and start pulling the floor, stringer, transom, and core out. I will keep posting pictures of progress

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[bj71chevelle]

I'm new to the "restoration thing" myself. I look forward to seeing your progress. I just bought my first Hydrostream this past November and just started the tear down of the floor. Have fun.

[Dlord111]

Cut out the splash well lastnight and starting to get all the transom out.

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[Hippie459MN]

Looking awesome so far! Just be glad your core and junk is original. Someone did a half *** butcher core job on my boat and I didnt know it before I bought it. But it has turned out amazingt and when its done, the boat will be better than it was from the factory (They were pumping em out as fast as they could so quality was not always the greatest) and will last another 30+ years!

I love seeing these streams get saved like this. Any questions along the way, just ask.

[Dlord111]

Thanks hippie! Do you use balsa for your core? I was thinking of using nidacore. And for my transom using coosaboard 1 1/2" thick. I will start cutting the gunnels out tomorrow. Did you make a jig or just leave it on the trailer?

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[Hippie459MN]

I used balsa for the core and 3 sheets of 1/2 inch marine ply for the transom and the same 1/2 inch marine ply for the stringers. I figure if it lasted 20+ years with a crappy lay up, it should last 40+ with a proper lay up. Plus its half the cost.

[Dlord111]

That's true. I know it's more expensive but I was also looking at weight reduction. The little bit of research I did it said it was 30-40 percent lighter. It was $198 for the piece for the transom and $67 for a sheet of that nidacore

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[Hippie459MN]

Honestly, there really isn't a huge weight savings. Maybe in the transom but thats about it. I guess it depends what you plan to use the boat for. If you're going to racing with it I could see going for some weight savings but the difference to me wasnt worth the cost. A sheet of 2x4 balsa core isn't but a few pounds. That stuff is super light. Plus now thats its done right, I dont see the core getting wet anytime soon. All personal preference. Builders are still using wood core and transoms to this day cause its what works. Thats just my .02 cents.

[Dlord111]

Started on the gunnels and braced more bunks. Do u think that's enough support under the hull and the proper way of doing it? Man that foam is going to be a long process

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