Restoring An Old Montauk

[abcav]

Q1: how hard will the work be to restore a c.1990 MONTAUK 17?

I have been considering restoring my grandfather’s c.1990 MONTAUK 17. The boat has been sitting unused for about four years.

I plan to:

• clean up the power steering cable;
• install new spark plugs;
• install a new battery;
• change the lubricant in the gear case; and
• perform other general maintenance.

I think the hardest task will be applying a new gel coat. Not only is this time consuming, it requires some form of a boat lift to hold the boat off the trailer while I coat it.

Q2: am I correct that applying new gel coat will be the hardest task in the restoration?

I'm not a master mechanic. I figure most of the work can be learned either from Google or from good friends who are much more versed mechanically than me.

Please let me know.

—abcav

[frontier]

Boston Whalers have high quality gelcoat from the factory - best to save it and keep it original if you can. Late 1980's or early 1990's is not that old for a Boston Whaler. May just need a good cleaning. Barkeepers Friend does an amazing job on gelcoat and fiberglass .If it doesn't have too many gelcoat cracks, that may be all you need.

[abcav]

Thanks for the input. I looked close at some of the pictures I was sent, and i[the condition of the hull gel coat layer] really doesn't seem too bad.

The bottom paint is an aqua blue, and it appears to need repainting.

Q3: I will need to apply new bottom paint?

[jimh]

Q2: am I correct that applying new gel coat will be the hardest task in the restoration?

You are correct. Applying a new gel layer to the boat would be insanely difficult. Such a “restoration” for a c.1990 boat has probably NEVER been done, and it would NEVER be attempted by someone who was not familiar with the process.

Most likely there is absolutely NO NEED for you to apply a new layer of gel coat to a c.1990 Boston Whaler boat. You just need to wash the boat with a proper boat soap. The gel coat probably just needs a bit of buffing and a coat of wax.

Do NOT use a harsh chemical like “Barkeeper’s Friend” unless the gel coat is severely distressed. A good boat soap and thorough cleaning should be the first step.

[jimh]

Q3: I will need to apply new bottom paint?

Bottom paint is only needed if the boat will be kept in the water continuously for weeks and months.

See the owner’s manual for advice on bottom painting.

If you don’t have a printed copy of the owner’s manual, read my copy at

https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/manual9-17/

Read the Frequently Asked Questions answers at:

https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/FAQ/

If you need advice about any PARTICULAR repair or restoration work, start a NEW thread on that specific topic in the forum REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS.

[fezyn377]

You’re right that applying a new gel coat can be one of the trickiest parts. It’s time-consuming, needs a good setup to hold the boat steady, and the surface prep has to be done just right. Plus, gel coat work usually takes a few coats and some sanding in between.