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1953 Aqua Skier Restoration

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mamaa39 View Drop Down
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    Posted: October-04-2020 at 7:49pm
I have inherited my father in laws 1953 Atom Skier.  He restored it twice in all the years he had it.  It has been sitting for about 12 years. The last time he restored it he coated the inside with Gluvit.  I was wondering if I should coat it again with the same thing or is there something better to use.   Does anyone have any suggestions.  This is my first time tackling a project like this.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ultrarunner Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-04-2020 at 8:31pm
We definitely need some pictures!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-04-2020 at 9:15pm
Sheila,
Yes, pictures are needed. It sounds like there are some major problems if your father-in-law use Gluvit on the hull. Not something I would refer to as a "restoration". My atom went all the way down to the frame, some new frames, all new knee gussests, new inner and outer keel, some new hull skins, new deck new upholstery, engine rebuild, and plenty of paint and varnish. Get those pictures up so we can give you a better idea. 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 7:23am
Sheila,
Thanks for the pictures. Here's what is happening to your Atom. Back when CC built their wood hulls they used a talc and oil based bedding compound between all the frame members and hull skins. With age this bedding dries out so the bond between the frame and skin is lost leaving only the screws holding the two together. On my Atom I was able to simply unscrew the hull skins from the frames. Now getting anything to replace the bedding by just pouring in a epoxy or any other liquid is and will be a "hit or miss". Over the years dirt and oil has gotten into the joint plus old dried out bedding compound will inhibit any bond. The joint must be opened up, cleaned and then bonded again. I would recommend 3M 5200 which is a polyuretane adhesive sealant. I would not use a hard epory like Gluvit since wood boats have some flex in their hulls that the 5200 will handle. Hard epoxies used on wood are known to hairline fracture allowing water to get into the joint and then the rot starts/continues.  


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 7:51am
Sheila,
Regarding rot, there are hidden spots that you can't see from the inside or out so if you do open up the joints, don't be surprised. On my Atom, I found lots on the transom frame, the stem and then the inner and outer keel. 

Where's the engine and what is it? A Gray Marine? Is it being worked on? 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SNobsessed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 7:51am
2 classics side by side! 
If the boat doesn't leak at this time, use it until it's a problem. 
Like Pete said, it's pretty much a full resto to fix it right.
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Ben Franklin
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chief450 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 7:59am
This is Sheila’s husband Rick.  I just joined the group.  It’s a Gray Marine.  It’s a Gray Marine and it ran 12 years ago.  My son removed it and all interior parts without trying to turn it over.  We haven’t done anything with the motor yet.  We have been waiting for it to cool off before we started the project.  I have a feeling with a little Maintenance and TLC we can get it running  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 8:12am
Rick and Sheila,
Welcome to CCfan The Atom and yourselves are a great addition to the group.

Originally posted by Chief450 Chief450 wrote:

It’s a Gray Marine.  It’s a Gray Marine and it ran 12 years ago.  My son removed it and all interior parts without trying to turn it over.  We haven’t done anything with the motor yet. I have a feeling with a little Maintenance and TLC we can get it running

What's up with the Gary? Does it turn over? How was it running 12 years ago? 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chief450 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 8:30am
It ran 12 years ago but the boat sat for a long time due to my father-in-law’s failing health. It turns over manually. We didn’t have a battery so we didn’t try to start it before removing it for the project.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 67 ski nat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 8:46am
Yes welcome super cool boat to have join us here
You’ve got the master helping you now (8122)
I’m thinking the motor is easiest part, probably will fire up
Good luck and most importantly, enjoy
Should be fun to watch your progress
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 8:47am
Here's a link to my Atom in the diaries. Regretably all the pictures are lost after the CCfan ransomware hack.



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 8:49am
Originally posted by mamaa39 mamaa39 wrote:


I'm surprised with the Gray 6 cylinder. How long is the boat? are you sure it's an Atom Skier and not an Aqua Skier? 

EDIT: Looking at the picture again, It sure looks like an Aqua Skier due to the wide deck at the bulkhead between the fore and aft cockpits. 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NCH20SKIER Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 9:40am
Another good representation of an atom is at:

'05 206 Limited
'88 BFN
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chief450 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 10:56am
We are not positive it is an Atom skier now that you mention it.  We do not have any paperwork on it other than the title.  The title has it listed as 15’ 10” long. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 4:58pm
Originally posted by Chief450 Chief450 wrote:

We are not positive it is an Atom skier now that you mention it.  We do not have any paperwork on it other than the title.  The title has it listed as 15’ 10” long. 

It's the Aqua Skier. An Atom of that era would be 14' 6". 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mamaa39 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 6:02pm
Thanks for the info.  Guess I’ll change the title of my threadSmile   We learned something new today.  To me it’s just my Daddy’s boat.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ultrarunner Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-05-2020 at 6:38pm
Originally posted by mamaa39 mamaa39 wrote:

.....To me it’s just my Daddy’s boat.  

As it should be! Smile
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 67 ski nat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-08-2020 at 8:53pm
So rick and Sheila
You changed thread title to aqua
It’s been a few days to think
Are you going restore her
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chief450 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-08-2020 at 10:16pm
We haven’t had a chance to evaluate it yet.  There doesn’t appear to be rotten wood on the inside.  When it cools off a little, I plan to look at the inside better to see if there is any damage.  From the surface there doesn’t appear to be any.  I am considering working on the outside first.  I am unsure if I need remove the old Gluvit, since I have heard that Gluvit is not the optimal sealant to use if  an interior sealant is needed.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 67 ski nat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-08-2020 at 10:33pm
Pete 8122 probably nailed it. Boards need 5200 all redone
Are you ready for that
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gary S Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-08-2020 at 10:52pm
I vote to put the motor back in it and have fun Thumbs Up
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-09-2020 at 7:13am
Originally posted by Chief450 Chief450 wrote:

We haven’t had a chance to evaluate it yet.  There doesn’t appear to be rotten wood on the inside.  When it cools off a little, I plan to look at the inside better to see if there is any damage.  From the surface there doesn’t appear to be any.  I am considering working on the outside first.   

Originally posted by 8122pbrainard 8122pbrainard wrote:

Regarding rot, there are hidden spots that you can't see from the inside or out so if you do open up the joints, don't be surprised. 

It's hard to tell from the pictures is the Aqua double planked? It was a CC option where they would take their ply hull and plank over the top of the ply. Has the bottom been fiberglassed? 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-09-2020 at 8:10am
Originally posted by Chief450 Chief450 wrote:

  I am considering working on the outside first.   

What are your plans for the outside? 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 67 ski nat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-09-2020 at 8:57am
I understand some of the wood boats in Lake Tahoe need to be put in water couple days prior use so the wood can swell up and seal leaks. Boat will take on water fro first day
Does yours leak or should it leak a little then seal ??
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8122pbrainard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-09-2020 at 9:34am
Originally posted by 67 ski nat 67 ski nat wrote:

I understand some of the wood boats in Lake Tahoe need to be put in water couple days prior use so the wood can swell up and seal leaks. Boat will take on water fro first day
Does yours leak or should it leak a little then seal ??
Wrong. The only wood hull type that needs soaking is a single plank like on Century's. Any other hull that needs soaking has problems. 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 67 ski nat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October-09-2020 at 12:50pm
I was asking a question about soaking boats
Sounds like some do need soaking
But not the aqua
I’ll be more careful in future
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