1967 Dave Marin 45 Sportfish Restoration

[hand701]

Good Evening, I just recently become the owner of one of Dave Martins boats and came across this site due to a thread I found during a search on google. I am glade I came across this site, the knowledge and craftsmanship is unbelievable on here. This is my first wood boat and not really sure what I have gotten myself into. The boat was restored in 2001, fully refastened and painted. The boat has sat for 3 years since it was last in the water. The bow is completely striped and ready to remove some areas of rot, I then was thinking about glassing over the bow section, thoughts? The sides need the epoxy removed and repainted. The bridge has a lot of rot and will need a total overhaul, the other concern I have is the front stem (see pics). I would love some input, good or bad on what I haven gotten into. I have several more pics of the boat as today was the first day of the restoration. I look forward to hearing from everyone.
jay

[hand701]

I have several more pics, but don't want to overload or upset anyone with to many pics.

[seapower]

Of the 4 "bigger" boat's I've owned, 3 have been wood. 2 were much older than your's, one was built in 1929, the other in 1930. The newest build was in the 60's. They were commercial boat's, but from my point of view the mechanic's are the same. The only way you're gonna know what you've got, is to strip it down to bare wood. You mentioned that it was rebuilt, but has rot already, why? Was it poor wood or poor maintainence? I have been where you are myself. Hope the wallet is padded and you have plenty of time. Resurrecting a wooden boat is not for the faint of heart, but in the end you can have a functional piece of art. Frank

[Agitated88]

You can never have too many pictures...post away!

[SportFishStaff]

You can never have too many pictures...post away!

Agreed, Post away and pics are never to many. Plus it may give someone a different angle and see something that could help and save you time and money. Our site is a resource, don't be afraid to use it. Thanks Tim

[hand701]

Here are some more pics of the bad areas. Even though they look bad they are still very strong. My plan is to strip everything down to the wood and see what needs to be replaced. I am not sure if I will epoxy the sides or just paint, the bow area I believe I will fiberglass over as well as the bridge.

[Fortunate One]

Jay,

From afar, i can see why you'd fall in love with her classic Jersey lines. But after looking at the close up pictures, it seems you may have bitten off quite a bit.

I'd say perseverance is going to be necessary.

The rot can be cut out and replaced. Parts can be fabricated, she can be restored, but you're looking at years of restoration and unless you're talented in the area of wooden boat restoration, you're going to drop a lot of money into the project.

I don't want to be a buzz kill but it's time for some soul searching.

I don't think glassing the deck is a question that needs to be posed at this juncture. What needs to be addressed is, how are the stringers? You mention problems with the stem. Is it rotted or just coming unsecured? What's the condition of the knee it's attached to. Has anyone thoroughly checked the structural components for moisture?

Once you get past the rot and glass work, at some point you're going to get into systems. You're going to need to look at power plants, generator, electrical, plumbing, oh and did I mention electrical. Electrical systems are the worst when they're old. I'd be wiling to bet that under that helm panel are wires that nobody would have a clue to where they go or what they power.

Having had a boat built from scratch, I've learned a thing or two.

My suggestion at this stage is to find a good wooden boat surveyor. Have them check everything out including the mechanicals. You could pay someone to do a detailed cost estimate on the findings at that point.

There are many hungry craftsmen in the marine industry so that's a plus for you.

At one time there was a guy on this site that restored a Rybovich, but unfortunately as a result of negative and nasty comments he pulled his restoration thread and left the site. it's too bad that he's gone since he would have been an excellent resource.

Good luck if you decide to move forward with the restoration.

[hand701]

Thanks for the great note back and I agree I think I have bitten off more then I wanted at first. I took on the challenge and hopefully I will be able to get it restored. The boat had the stringers replaced in 01 with the rest of the build. Below the rub rail the boat still feels strong, but will not fully understand whats is there until I strip it down. The stem I should have been more clear, it has cracked and separated from the hull. It seems the wood is very dry in some areas and is cracking. Below the waterline the boat seems very strong beside some gaps where the transom meets the bottom.
I have been looking at this boat for about 3 years and it was out of budget then, I have gotten to know the owner well and he is a very good guy. He had to relocate down south and we have always been in contact. He offered me the boat for Free because he believed it was going to a good home and he knew I would take the time to have her completed once again.
The mechanics where also overhauled in 01 with the 80's Detroit rebuilt and a new generator installed in the hull but never hooked up. The boat also has a rebuilt transmission that has yet to be installed. I believe the mechanics at this time are my least of concerns. I have been lucky enough to find a ship builder from mystic seaport to help with the restoration and also some general labors from the local yard to help with sanding and cleaning. Again thanks for your comments, any info is great.

[seapower]

After having time to think about this project for the last 3 year's, do you have a dollar cost amount in mind? If so, at a minimum double it. That is generally the closest formula I know of. Good Luck with it, Frank

[hand701]

The sad part is no i don't have any idea on the cost to restore her. I have an endless supply of epoxy and paint, so that should keep some cost down. As for labor and wood that will need to be replaced, I have no idea really.