Custom Center Console Boat Conversion - Part 1

Step by step boat conversion from a 1973 Glasspar Avalon runabout to a practical 16' custom center console. Transom replacement, deck replacement, ribs & stringers, and wood core construction of the bow and stern boxes, gunwales and console. All wood is pre-saturated with thinned polyester resin then covered on each side with 6-10 oz minimum fiberglass cloth. This runabout makes a stylish and functional center console with some effort and creativity.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• boats
• repairs
• fiberglass
• boat conversion
• center console
• runabout to center console
• boat repair
• boat building

[tasmania105]

Did you post this restoration on any online forums? If yes, can you please tell me where?

[brettswindell]

@tasmania105 - I may have posted a link to this video on a classic Glasspar forum but I didn't do any big postings. Most of the forums I visited were back when I was looking for ideas to start my project so postings were usually questions etc, rather than info on my project.

[KAIZENUSA]

what is the rope for when you were building this boat?

[brettswindell]

@KAIZENUSA - I kept the hull covered while I was working on it and the rope with a couple poles kept the cover up so water would run off.

[brettswindell]

The last video - Part 3 - has been uploaded. The boat is finished and I've been using it. It runs great, gets up on plane quickly and will do 30-35mph in good conditions. Total cost for the project (including all materials, parts and motor) was around $3500. Good luck with your project, if you have any questions feel free to ask. Pura Vida & Tight Lines. Brett

[brettswindell]

@KaizenUSA - in general it's called fairing compound. You can buy it (like Bondo) or you can make it yourself that way it's cheaper and you can control consistency. 3M makes a product called 'Glass Bubbles' - it's a fine white powder - you just add it to polyester resin to thicken it and make it spreadable. West Systems also has a similar product. You can use it with wax to make it sand easier.

[KAIZENUSA]

@brettswindell smart!!! _))

[brettswindell]

@KaizenUSA - in general it's called fairing compound. You can buy it (like Bondo) or you can make it yourself that way it's cheaper and you can control consistency. 3M makes a product called 'Glass Bubbles' - it's a fine white powder - you just add it to polyester resin to thicken it and make it spreadable. West Systems also has a similar product. You can use it with wax to make it sand easier.

[KAIZENUSA]

How you doing brother, it's me again. what is the stuff you used on 2:47 ? that white stuff to seal the corners .. ? actually white stuff that u basically used it everywhere to fill in.?

[brettswindell]

@Kaizenusa - I built the console around the gas tank - it's an 11gallon portable. that was the reason the console was a little on the blocky side (for this version).