TOPIC: 1959 Glasspar Seafair Restoration

Hi everyone, I'm new to this site, new to boating, new to fiberglass, new to posting on blogs; however, I've read many. I've learned an incredible amount from all of you.

Here is my 1959 Glasspar Seafair, 17-1/2' cuddy skiff. I purchased the boat, trailer, 1959 Johnson Super Seahorse "fat fifty" and a seventies Johnson Super Seahorse 40 hp-- all for $200. I brought my tools and a full compressor with me when I went to look at it. Tire blew out on the highway. Spare held air, luckily. I'll tow a project on a flatbed next time!

I am going to strip this boat down to fiberglass and completely rebuild/refurbish it. I will replace transom, floor, stringers, plus numerous small fiberglass repairs. I will buy all new teak or mahogany and use old wood for templates. I will sand, repair, sand fill/fair, sand, prime, sand, paint, sand, paint the hull and topsides with epoxy materials.

I will buy new glass, polish all aluminum trims, new rubber seals and rub rail, new instruments, etc. I am thinking of shortening the splash well. It is gigantic and I could probably get another 8" of deck aft. Just a thought. I will get all new hardware, bolts, screws, etc. Since I've had to grind almost every screw or bolt out. Stainless? I will polish all metal trims and clear-coat. I brought this home two weeks ago, have made some progress. I look forward to sharing more and continuing to learn from you all.

-Dan

Here are some pics. I have every screw, bolt, nut, piece of metal off the boat. Took nearly 40 hours. Grinding will start this week.

Having trouble uploading pics....

pics

pic

I've read of this spring taking hands off.

old trailer tires

splash well is too big?

Transom finally clean

This boat needs everything. My fingertips are rubbed raw from taking this thing apart.

Finally got the cabin off. The hard part was grinding all the 57 year-old hardware out!

Motor, trims, wiring, hardware, cabin, off of boat. Ready for grinding and sanding.

My goodness, quite the project you have there! Looking forward to seeing it progress!

Hi Modeler, yes it's a project alright
I was wondering if you could direct me to a board member who knows a lot about Glasspar Seafairs? Or someone that could direct me?

Thank you!!

-Dan

Does anyone know how to remove the extruded aluminum rub-rail metal from the Glasspar Seafair? It looks riveted. Some of these were popped out and I was able to pull them all the way out. Then I pounded them back all the way in. Are they simple mechanical (removable) fasteners? I would LOVE to completely remove the topsides from the hull. I wasn't going to, but all the wood in the bow (under hatch, forward bulkheads, hatch supports etc.) is soft. Also need to repair fiberglass and gel-coat in one spot by the rub-rail (and slightly straighten the rub-rail metal).

Or should I just leave it and sand and saturate all forward wood in epoxy and glass tape as necessary and call it good?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

-Dan

Does anyone know how to remove the extruded aluminum rub-rail metal from the Glasspar Seafair? It looks riveted. Some of these were popped out and I was able to pull them all the way out. Then I pounded them back all the way in. Are they simple mechanical (removable) fasteners? I would LOVE to completely remove the topsides from the hull. I wasn't going to, but all the wood in the bow (under hatch, forward bulkheads, hatch supports etc.) is soft. Also need to repair fiberglass and gel-coat in one spot by the rub-rail (and slightly straighten the rub-rail metal).

Or should I just leave it and sand and saturate all forward wood in epoxy and glass tape as necessary and call it good?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

-Dan

Does anyone know how to remove the extruded aluminum rub-rail metal from the Glasspar Seafair? It looks riveted. Some of these were popped out and I was able to pull them all the way out. Then I pounded them back all the way in. Are they simple mechanical (removable) fasteners? I would LOVE to completely remove the topsides from the hull. I wasn't going to, but all the wood in the bow (under hatch, forward bulkheads, hatch supports etc.) is soft. Also need to repair fiberglass and gel-coat in one spot by the rub-rail (and slightly straighten the rub-rail metal).

Or should I just leave it and sand and saturate all forward wood in epoxy and glass tape as necessary and call it good?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

-Dan

dfoose wrote:

Hi Modeler, yes it's a project alright
I was wondering if you could direct me to a board member who knows a lot about Glasspar Seafairs? Or someone that could direct me?

Thank you!!

-Dan

Unfortunately I cannot. Give it a few days, one will read your thread and offer experienced advice.

I have never done it, but perhaps search Glasspar Seafair and when searched pop up, maybe you will see names of people commenting that may have them. I would think one message to even one of them would help get several members names to help you out. Nice Boats! Good luck.
Mark