Free, but is it worth it? 12 ft Ostrem project boat

Hi everyone. New to the forum and have already learned a bunch looking at past posts.. Hopefully one day I can help in return.

 

I picked up a 12 ft Ostrem drift boat that was headed for the burn pile. The transon is so rotted it fell off on the way home. Thankfully the anchor rope was tied back and it stayed with me instead of on the highway...

 

My question is about the rotted wood. Seems to be mainly in the rear end of the boat where the previous owner had layed in fibergalss and kind of sealed in the already decaying wood. It all rotted away leaving just a fiberglass shell. I cut out the rotted wood and believe I can "scarf" in new sections as needed. My problem is with the bottom. It seems solid from about two stringers forward. Is it realistic to belive I can replace 1/3 of the bottom, or do I need to replace the entire thing? This is intended as a fun winter project for my son and I, not looking to create a master piece or anything, just a reasonably sound boat to play with.  

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on February 2, 2011 at 12:54pm

It can all be done and has been done before.  The old equasion of time, money and effort.  What combination works the best for you?  the scarfing can be done, check out Kevin C's posts on the rebuild. 

 

I would bet that the boat was stored outside with the trailer tilted up in the front. 

 

What part of the country are you located?

 

The search function here will point you to the methods you need to repair your boat. 

 

Another question is what tools do you own and what do you have access to.

 

Good luck,

 

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by Mark Irving on February 2, 2011 at 1:14pm
Thanks Rick. We live in the Yamhill County, Oregon, and yes I would agree with the past storage issue. I have a pretty complete set of power and hand tools, just never really tried to make anything completely water tight. I will do a search as you suggested.  
Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on February 2, 2011 at 4:06pm
Any free boat is worth something and an Ostrem boat is well worth your efforts.  Consider it a "practice" boat.  My guess is that you will learn alot when you get into it.  Use your own common sense and proceed in a logical manner.  Use proven methods and the right types of wood and goo and you will end up with a servicable boat.  What you learn along the way will make your next build or rebuild that much better.  It is a very honorable project. Have at it and enjoy the ride.  There will be plenty of help along the way.  This group is hungry for opportunities to consult. 

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