76 SRV 200 Project

A

AquaNoob

New Member
Jan 14, 2011
52
NE Ohio
Boat Info
1976 SRV 200.
Engines
351 W 233 h.p.
The Start...
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/41072-Question-about-deck

I was finally able to get to the boat and get it out and uncovered.
So I guess this has become a "Project". I actually tore into it yesterday. I took some pic's but they are mostly to remind me where things go when I put it back together! They really do not show any progress. Well maybe some of "what was left of the carpeting" being tore up in spots.

It seems to be the original flooring in it, and it is 1/2" thick with epoxy resin and glass cloth at the joints. The flooring only really seems to be rotten/soft at the point shown in the referenced thread above and all around the ski locker. There are three pieces of plywood that make up the floor.

Has anyone here found a good way to get the resin out of the screw heads so they can be removed? Or even clean them up so you can reuse the good ones? My method right now that I tried late yesterday:
Started with a old 1" wood spade bit and a hammer. I used the point to tap in the middle of the screw and break the resin out enough to use a phillips bit and remove it. But after a quick trip to Lowes last night for some non related items I found a much better attachment for my dremel. 5/64 diamond tip Sanding wheel point works very well, they make a 3/64 which would be better but they were out of stock.

Providing the weather works out for me I will uncover the boat again and try to get some good pics of it with nearly all the interior stripped. Following that I hope to have the floor up next weekend if all goes well!
 
My floor runs all the way back to the transom. It looks like yours was added on to. I have soft spots in mine to so some floor redo will be in store for me this spring as well. I just redid the side panels, cushions, and wood sub structures but did not do anything with the floor yet.

Is your transom in good shape? Mine seems good and dry. I added braces to the swim platform and found solid wood. The platform is new using composite wood . Way better than the single platform that came with the boat.

I'll be watching your progress.

Good Luck.

Dathan, Coca Cola 034.jpgDathan, Coca Cola 033.jpg
 
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I think the same thing about the flooring, but the more I get into it the more I think it might be original and they just short cut the pieces for the rear seats! It's either that, or the person who redid it put a lot of effort in to install the new floor including foam, SS screws, Some type of resin and mating at the joints. Granted this doesn't rule out anything, and I shall see whats really going on after I spend about 10 more hours chipping crap out of screw heads and figuring out how I am going to pry this stuff up!

As for the transom... Its funny you asked! I actually started there, pulled the out drive off for other reasons and actually that is what determined me putting a little money in to this project. I literally pulled every bolt/screw out of the transom (that was out side) and inspected each and every hole plus obviously the big hole from removing the out drive. Once that was determined to be much better than expected I figured even if the stringers were shot, it wouldn't be too big of a deal. As we spoke before this poor vessel has been abused and neglected when it comes to the chop jobs on the wiring and the plain and simple fact that it had to been left for who only knows how long! The mere fact that it hasn't rotted into the dirt and still runs pretty decently is a miracle to me!

So my list of known projects including the floor goes something like this:
1) Finish floor removal
2) Lay in temporary new floor (so I have something decent to lay on! Probably just be the original after I get a trace out of it :) )
3) Start hacking into the wiring
4) Figure out whats up with the steering, it moves fine one way but seems tight going the other not sure if its going bad or if I can just lube 'er up and hope that works!
5) Fire the grill up and pack the cooler/ then invite a few dudes over cause I need more hands for this one! I need to either A) Find the right adjustment on the shift cable to get both drive and reverse (Only goes into reverse right now) or B) Install new shift cable from engine to out drive.
6) Hopefully #3 will fix a bunch of problems, which I am pretty confident it will.
-If Not-
7) Trim not working properly actually at all but I think its a lack of power. (Anyone know how to jump these out to test with a battery?)
8) Nav lights busted (I believe thats the switch)
9) Horn wont work (Again the switch)
10) New bilge pump
11) Figure out the mess of blower piping. And get blower working. (Oldskool you might be called on for this one, if you have any pics of that)
12) Put new floor in
13) Frame and build new Engine Cover and rear seats
14) Tune up engine
15) Get the muffs out and fire 'er up and see what else I need to do!
16) Put interior back in for this year
17) Spend a weekend buffing/waxing

I have a feeling thats more than enough to get me to the end of May. That being the case I will be more than ready to dump her in the water for a field test!
 
If you are looking to reconfigure the interior you could frame the rear to include a sun pad and a bench seat and change your back to back seats to buckets- it would update the interior and in my opinion open up the boat with some more floor space and give you more storage next to the motor- just a thought.

Good luck on your project.
 
Actually have something like that as one of my drawings...

Its sooo hard to decide, I need seating as we have 3 kids, so its actually a major concern as to how I am going to re do it. I have actually even thought of putting the old back2back in and building cheap rear seat with PFD's as the coushins for this season, then maybe a major overhaul U shape with buckets over the winter. Who knows what I will end up with, too many thoguths flying thru my head right now!
 
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Actually got on piece of flooring up today to find what we had figured... I gave the Previous owner a little too much credit. It is pretty much the same as the hack job on the wiring. It looks to me like they removed one side of the original stringers and added a new set in along with what looks like great stuff foam "sprayed" in somewhat.

One of the originals is still there... somewhat... Looks like I need to do tons more research and pull the out drive back off and double check the transom. It looked good the first time like I stated below, but from the looks of what used to be the original stringers, I am not sure if its possible for it to be in as good of shape as I thought it was, or is it?

As for the new stringers, they are on there way out. They aren't oatmeal yet but they are super damp for about the top two inches which is why when I drilled them from the ski locker I found good wood.

I know I am killing you guys without having pics to show off, but please bear with me this afternoon I worked under a tarp and dont haave the greatest light to take pics that would reveal anything! Hopefully Sunday I can get some for you all.
 
Update:

I spent about 2 hours Saturday finishing pulling up the floor, and assessing the damage to the wiring. Sunday I got into probably the least amount of fun you could imagine... You will be able to tell by the pics! I don't have any good pics of the wiring but here are a few from my last two times the weather has permitted me access! (Yesterday and the day before!) Oh and if anyone has any good ideas on removing this crap please let me know! Its a PITA considering about 1/3 of it is original and about 2/3 of it is Great Stuff or its equal.

Before:


IMG_0547.jpg


IMG_0546.jpg



IMG_0542.jpg



After about 4.5 hours of scraping, beating, cutting, swearing, and a 6 pack...

IMG_0551.jpg




IMG_0548.jpg


IMG_0550.jpg


As I am sure you can tell... that was only about 40% of the overall foam battle. The previous owner was nice enough to not cut all the floor out and figured he'd leave the fun stuff for me! As I said in the other post I am fairly sure the transom is good, but I think I am going to tear the rest of the old floor out and do a double check of the transom. My biggest worry is the bilge compartment. I am not ready to take on rebuilding that part this year... I am going to investigate and go from there, if it needs redone I am going to be slightly discouraged! I literally stood up yesterday to give my back a break and watched 3-4 boats pulling skiers yesterday. Granted it was unusually warm here yesterday, but it was feelings of both motivation and jealousy running thru my head at that point in time!

Anyone have any time saving techniques for removing this mess? I am officially open to ideas or opinions for replacement foam. I have kicked around about every possible option from pool noodles to two liters to sheet foam. I do know from the little bit of stuff I have read on it that I am going to need a "boat load" of foam to offset the weight of this beast. I believe the spec sheet says 2900 lbs. If I remember from another article that I read that if your boat is over 20ft you do not "have" to have flotation. What measurement is that? My centerline is 19' 11" but the gunwhale is 21' 2"? I plan on putting something back in but I am not sure I can justify the money on 2 part pour in, when I can accomplish the same with sheet foam?

If you are interested I have started a Photobucket album or two with this project. It can be found at... Srv200project
 
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Aqua,
Are you sure the engine is a 351? looks like a 188 5.0 305 ford like mine. I think 351 came with 4 Brl carb.
It looks likt the stringers are nothing more than a square box fiberglassed to the floor. Are there any cross supports from the stringers to the gun walls? Almost looks like the hull would support itself without the stringers. I thought there would be some massive structure. Looks like the hardest part of the job is clearing out the foam. Are you going to refoam it with block foam or leave it open. Wonder how much noise there will be from the hull without foam? Sure would make great storage areas.
 
OldSkool,

I'll try to get a better pick of the engine next time the weather permits, but I do know this much. On my title it is listed as 233 HP and I believe there is a sticker/decal on one of the exhaust manifolds. I do find it weird about the whole 2/4barrel thing. The previous owner said I'd be amazed on how well it does on fuel, but to me it seems that the intake/carb would be restricting this small block. Maybe thats how they rate the 233hp? I would assume with a 4 barrel and good intake it should have no issues producing 250-275. Granted I am new to Fords literally just got my first Ford about 4 mths ago in the form of this projects tow vehicle! But I have built many 350/5's and they have no issues producing power even on a tight budget. I have heard that you could in theory find an intake form a similar year vehicle and replace it along with a marine 4bbl. Problem is, only thing in 76 ford wise with a 351 that I am aware of came with a 2bbl stock. I believe they made a 6.6l (403) and a 7.5l (460) problem with that is the 6.6 in the torino/gran torino were only 2bbl that I am aware of also! /end sidebar

I have a feeling when you open your floor you are going to find something different than what my pics are showing. Here is my thoughts and some more pics :).

In this pic you can see what is left of what I assume to be an original stringer, I plan to cut the rest of the floor up by the bilge area and remove what is left of that, this will also give me the chance to check out the motor mounts.

IMG_0538_2.jpg


Next up we have a discovery in the front of the boat that reinforced my theory. Here you can see the remainder of some type of adhesive it sits about 2" to the right of the "box" known as stringers. I believe this was also remaining from the right side original stringer. I believe they added the piece in the from to make life easier considering it is on the centerline of the boat, I cant not see how much structural support it providing. I think it was added to screw the floor to?

IMG_0554_2.jpg


So for all intensive purposes I am gong into this blind with no true idea of what true OEM stringers look like in this boat. I always thought they ran a good majority of the hulls length, but heck what do I know?!?!? Looks like more research while I wait for the weather!
 
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I have been investigating different threads on this topic and all show 2 stringers bow to stern in some type of configuration. That's why I thought it strange to see yours with one in the center. I plan on running 2 stringers much like Frisco is doing and adding some cross pieces to mount the seats to. I may be over kill but better than not having them. I'm still undecided on installing foam. It really holds the water and makes the boat heavy though I like the sound proofing it does.
 
@ Big Island

I have been following him, but thanks for the advice. He seems to have a tons of knowledge on this so I watch the videos over from time to time to "re assure" my self that it isn't as bad as it seems. Until I watch the grinding video! Then I shudder and ask myself why o' why do I do this to myself!
 
In the one side I have taken out 11 bags of foam pieces, I estimated about 200lbs. Some of the bags are doubled or tripled up because of the weight. I know for sure I have one that weighs in at 45 lbs, I actually weighed it!

The whole foam thing is a huge debate that I have noticed! I am working on a drawing of my thoughts for the new stringers so when I get it finalized and digitized I'll post it too so you get an idea of what I plan to do... Your a step ahead having the interior redone, I think I might change the layout when doing mine.
 
I have had many thoughts about redoing my limited floor plan. I have some wild plans like bolting another 5.0 in front of the original 5.0. Probably need to replace the drive with a bigger unit and make sure it could flow enough cooling water through the one drive for both engines.

I figure the water soaked foam I'd remove probably weighs about the same as the extra engine.

Another thought was to move the fuel cell to either side of the engine and open the front cuddy up. Or I could use a custom tank in the ski compartment.

The great thing is I'm only limited by how much money I want to dump into her.:wow:

I am working with Volvo Penta (sister company)on proto type to see if it is possible to mount a 5.7L with IPS in the canoe. Not sure I want to cut the huge hole in the bottom and then build a custom trailer to haul it on but hey what a kick it would be.:thumbsup:

I'm blessed to have the tools and a little know how to take me where angels fear to go. :grin: :grin:
 
I'm redoing all my interior now. I have a few soft spots in the floor that I'm gonna tackle this week. Most of the wood is in good shape. I have a sun deck with a bench in front of that and that was one reason I went with this boat. It gives more seating. We also went with smaller less expensive pedistal seats and are glad we did. They give more room then the newer style seats. I keep thinking of your problem of removing the foam and can't come up with much other then a solvent. I once had to remove a fuel tank foamed into the bottom of a boat. I used a 3/4 padle bit and drilled all the foam out I could. Then I used a winch to pull the tank, so I know your pain.
 
When I did Old Skool interior I thought about using single pedistal mounted seat too. The only reason I went back to the back to backs is because Boaters World on Hilton Head closed and I got them for half price in the color I wanted. I did raise them 6" inches. (The yellow band around the bottom of the seats boxes). It's great to dream about what we can do. I'll just be happy to get back on the water with or without the mods.
 
I am actually debating one 2 or 3 different ways of doing the interior. 1 is to just throw the seats I have back in and build two seats oin the back and use throwable floatation seat pads for this year... and save for all new seating next year. 2 is to spend some money and get a decent capitans chair and do bench seating down both sides of the boat. 3 is the sundeck idea with two pedistal seats up front a U shape bench and a deck above the engine.

So heres a pic of the enigine. Haven't had much time to do anything this week, and the weather hasnt been the greatest either. I am hoping to get some stuff done tomorrow but due to work related projects might not get back in it until Saturday.

IMG_0557.jpg
 
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When I was redoing my interior my dream was to put in a double wide captains chair with a flip up bolster and a L shaped bench starting at the passenger side wrapping around the stern. I wanted a flip back back rest for the passenger seat so a passenger could face forward or flip the back and turn it into a large lounge. That was my dream- you see the set up in some Cobalts and wakeboard boats. I went the cheaper route and just added a front back seat on the starboard side. I ordered my seats from http://veada.com/index.html and also go the same vinyl to recover my back bench and the rest of the trim. Good luck!
 
AquaNoob said:
I am actually debating one 2 or 3 different ways of doing the interior. 1 is to just throw the seats I have back in and build two seats oin the back and use throwable floatation seat pads for this year... and save for all new seating next year. 2 is to spend some money and get a decent capitans chair and do bench seating down both sides of the boat. 3 is the sundeck idea with two pedistal seats up front a U shape bench and a deck above the engine.

So heres a pic of the enigine. Haven't had much time to do anything this week, and the weather hasnt been the greatest either. I am hoping to get some stuff done tomorrow but due to work related projects might not get back in it until Saturday.

IMG_0557.jpg
Click to expand...

Check out this thread on iboat. It addresses the 2brl 350 233hp engine. I think 4brl took it to 250 but not completely sure on that. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=56448&page=1
 
The 351 w/ 4bbl carb at that time was rated at 255HP. The majority of those seemed to end up as inboard engines although I remember some set up with outdrives. Alot of which werethe old TRS drives. We had the 233 in a 77 Sea Ray 220 OV that my parents bought new. Pretty good power even for that much boat. It was a 3600 pound boat and would top out right at 40 MPH. The 233 in a SRV 200 would seem to be a really good set up although we all wanted the 350 chevy 260 hp. I was convinced our Overnighter would run 45 mph with that engine! I was 13 at the time. Much more interested in speed than economy since I wasn't buying the gas!
 
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