Ranger Rebuild

[Hoggsnatcher]

I have a 1986 Ranger 370 V . I decided to do a little work to it an get it going again. This started off as getting new carpet, seats an re-cleared. Then getting Mr. Perry to do my motor. I didnt like the original color of the boat an dont like the silver look you get when you get into the metal flake. Now im starting to get in deeper an deeper. Decided to change color completly. Since im in this far decided I would redesign my seats and have the wife do the sew work on them. Gotta get new color on boat and then match the seats to the boat. And if you gonna do the boat you just as well do the tralor .As of now I have the boat completly stripped down...its just a hull sitting there. Almost got the entire top and inside of the boat sanded and all unwanted screw holes an such filled. I will try to get some pics on here to show some progress but I think this build will take me a while. So here is my first question...The bottom of the boat is getting new paint too. Im going to flip this boat upside down. So the hull and trailor will get done around the same time. Ive found people use several different ways to flip a boat this size ( 17' 10" ) . Has anyone on here ever done this that wants to give any tips on flipping a bass boat.

 

[Fixxxer93]

I'm not sure how to flip one ect, but keep us updated with this, it sounds interesting and may help someone else later. Good Luck emoSmile

 

[dtw2]

check out bass boat central, alot of good tips on there.

 

[SNUFFY]

I flipped an Allison 15 footer a couple of times many years ago. I used a couple of chainfalls and a come-a -long on the 2 eyes in the back and the one in the front. You need a really strong overhead structure and the ability to move your pick points as it gets on it`s side. While the difference in the weight of my boat and your Ranger is probably substantial, I would think that the eyes are strong enough to handle the weight. You might call Ranger and ask before you start. It can be kinda tricky to get your rigging moved around in the process and you will hold your breath at times. At one point you are hanging on 2 points...the front and one in the back...till you get it started back toward level upside down. I did it in a too small garage with limited rigging points and managed it OK but rigging heavy stuff is a large part of what I do for a living. Ask around to some other people and get enough info before you start.
If you`re going to change colors, I would look into some of the new paints that are available. I changed the color on mine and used Dupont Imron that was a fairly new paint then. Worked out great for a guy who had never painted anything except with a spray can on the duck boat. Best thing about it was really shiny when I got thru spraying.....no wet sanding or polishing. I saw the boat a couple of years ago and after nearly 20 years it was just as pretty and shiny as the day I painted it. Expensive but really good paint. I`m sure they got some better stuff now so check around. Good luck !!

 

[Labman]

Saw a video that someone posted on here where a custom boat builder used a double canvas sling (one forward and one toward the back) lifted by a forklift. Then 3 people just pushed on one side and it just rode up the sling and gently turned over. Didn't look too difficult. Of course I wasn't there doing it, lol. Keep us updated with pictures, sounds like quite a project.

Regards, Labman

 

[Hoggsnatcher]

Well i got the old boat flipped. Tied the back of the boat off to the front my sons SUV. Used my truck with the trailer hooked to it. Slowly pulled the trailer out from under the boat. While doing this my son and a friend of his placed tires under the boat. Now with the boat resting on tires we made two rows for the boats toprail to land on at the end of the flip. 17' 10" Ranger, it took five people to flip it and could have used a couple more people, heavier than i thought or just awkard to put in that position. With the boat upside down resting on tires it was time for the lift. Took a skid steer with forks and did a little rigging with some pipe and angle iron to get ready. We used two 2" heavy ratchet straps for the lift. With the boat in the air we backed a 16' utility trailer under it. Placed a few 2x across the trailer and lowered the boat onto them. Once released from the straps I placed some wedges on the 2x because of the toprail not being flat. Not to bad of a job to do, did see the sides ever so slightly flex from the strap pressure. I think a spreader bar would have helped in this area. Its back in the shop now an sanding has resumed. I will try to get some pics up.

 

[greenhead]

Wow!! Looks like your project will be well earned!!!!!!!!

 

[Hoggsnatcher]

Ive got the hull of the boat ready for paint. Now im getting the trailer ready . Just wondering if anyone has ever painted a keelguard ?

 

[Hoggsnatcher]

I almost got the trailer ready for primer today, it should be ready early in the morning. Primer is on the hull of the boat and already wetsanded. If all goes well the paint will go on the hull tomorrow and the trailer will get primed. Here's a pic of the boat after wetsanding primer.

 

[Hoggsnatcher]

Man if the pearls dont pull this paint scheme together im gonna have a crazy looking boat....oh well thats how it goes when your not a designer and try to do something different...over $600 in paints and supplys....i really hope this dont look stupid

 

[Fixxxer93]

Hoggsnatcher - 6/8/2012 3:30 PM

Man if the pearls dont pull this paint scheme together im gonna have a crazy looking boat....oh well thats how it goes when your not a designer and try to do something different...over $600 in paints and supplys....i really hope this dont look stupid

Lol, hopefully it won't. Thanks for keeping this updated emoThumbsup Its looking good so far and looks like a ton of work, but you'll have a "new" boat when you finish. emoWorthy

 

[ab333]

This is awesome to see! Keep the updates coming. Will have alot of blood,sweat and tears I'm sure by time it is done, but look what you will have. Thanks for sharing.

 

[loneranger93]

Can't wait for the finished picture!
Good luck!

 

[BulletTJ]

What colors are you doing?

 

[Hoggsnatcher]

White & Orange

 

[Hoggsnatcher]

Well its been a while but ive been busy. Got paint on the trailer and bottom of the boat. Its ready to flip back over. Here is a couple pics. In the pics you cant really see what it looks like from the light. The white is loaded with white pearl and the orange is loaded with gold pearl and bronze pearl. I will try to get some more pics to show the colors better. Almost every boat has stripes so i decided to go with something crazy,something different.

 

[SNUFFY]

WHAT KIND OF PAINT ARE YOU USING ??

 

[Hoggsnatcher]

not sure without looking, my bro in law was in charge of that

 

[Fixxxer93]

When you get done you'll have one of a kind for sure, looks good so far.

 

[niteowl]

Looks good so far. Keep us posted. Can't wait to see the finished results