What I Did This Winter...’76 Southwind
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Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=10383
Printed Date: November-19-2024 at 5:23pm
Topic: What I Did This Winter...’76 Southwind
Posted By: davidg
Subject: What I Did This Winter...’76 Southwind
Date Posted: May-04-2008 at 11:29pm
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I made a few posts this winter, and you guys were all great in answering my questions relating to my "little" winter project. This is my third Correct Craft. Previously, I owned an '87 Martinique, and an '83 Southwind Open Bow, and now the '76 Southwind 18.
What is really cool is that Correct Craft introduced this boat in '67 as a Freeport. It matches up well to my '68 F250 which has the body style introduced by Ford in '67. So, kind of a period correct, matching set. Colors go well together too. I still need to put the railing on, and tie up a few other loose ends. I hope to be able to bring it to Green Lake this summer. As it turns out, our freinds have invited us up there for a couple of days which coincides with the reunion. Long drive home from MI back to IL in January. 
Port side as it looked the day after I got it home, 
Starboard side originally. 
Lots of measuring, sawing, fitting, and painting. 
Port Side After. 
Starboard Side After. 
Rear Angle w/ '68 Ford F250 Camper Special 
Fired the engine up today. Sounds SWEET!!! 
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Replies:
Posted By: bmiller
Date Posted: May-04-2008 at 11:34pm
| Nice Job! |
Posted By: p/allen
Date Posted: May-04-2008 at 11:47pm
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Great job !!! Goes well with the f250.
Where do you live ? ------------- Pat http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w146/72ccfan/100_5977-1.jpg - My 72 Skier Rock River Dixon,ILL. |
Posted By: The Lake
Date Posted: May-05-2008 at 1:09am
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Davidg,
Great work, hopefully we can see some pics once it hits the water. Chuck ------------- Walk on Water www.coldwater.me http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=775&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970 - 69 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: May-05-2008 at 1:29am
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Pat;
I live in Cary, IL....a far northwest suburb out by Crystal Lake. Dave |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: May-05-2008 at 2:02am
| Matching rigs are the bomb and so are camper specials. Those stripes look really nice. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-05-2008 at 7:20am
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Dave, Looking great!! We'll be looking forward to seeing you and the boat at the reunion. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: May-05-2008 at 10:16am
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Looks sweet, make sure you get up to Green Lake in July so we can check it out.
------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: RainDog
Date Posted: May-05-2008 at 1:31pm
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That looks really sharp. I've always liked the larger general purpose CC boats. Did you retain the original gel and paint just the stripes? Also, post pics of the interior and engine if you have the chance. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1868&sort=&pagenum=1 - 62 Classic http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5242&sort=&pagenum=1 - 2002 Super Air |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: May-05-2008 at 8:22pm
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Rain Dog;
It is the original gel coat (after removing about an 1/2" of oxidation), and repainted over the orginal stripes. As soon as I get the interior done, I will send some pictures of that as well. The interior will be next weekends mission. Thanks! Dave |
Posted By: Riley
Date Posted: May-05-2008 at 8:32pm
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Nice job. The trailer looks good, too. ------------- |
Posted By: MaddMarxx
Date Posted: May-05-2008 at 9:21pm
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That is one nice rig, I always loved those old Southwinds!
What kind of paint did you use? ------------- |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: May-05-2008 at 11:18pm
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MaddMarxx;
Thanks for the compliment. I used good old fashioned Rustoleum enamel spray cans for both both the boat and the trailer. I did buy an airbrush system for painting the black fade around the red stripe and letters. It makes it look more factory that way. Dave |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: May-06-2008 at 1:32am
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Lookin good Dave,hope to see you out on the river soon if it ever opens-
I'm just about ready to put mine in,but that weather is just not breaking yet. I want to start my trailer project,I found a place in Cary over by the Tennis club on 31 that will blast and prime for $300 ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: May-06-2008 at 2:00am
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Cool boat davidg...I agree..I have always liked those older Southwinds. Looks boss with the truck. I always like my rig to match.
Gary: When I seen the title "What I did over the Winter" I thought of ya...I know what you were doing! Just talked to my buddy at the garage...big "tap" went down and they didn't get enough mgmr's gone so they bought out the two guys I worked with as craft in our garage and FIRED the young guy who was my last boss. Real good guy. Very bad deal. Sorry for the thread jack. john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: cisom
Date Posted: May-06-2008 at 5:41pm
| davidg, Looks great! I've got a '75 Southwind 20 that I cleaned up a few years back with new stripes and new interior. |
Posted By: kevin719
Date Posted: June-23-2008 at 2:23am
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david your boat looks great! I just bought a 74 southwind and I am restoring now! can I get the measurements of your stripes and a closeup of the southwind logo? I would greatly appreciate it! What did you use to clean the gelcoat? Also do you know what is stock for the wood that supports the fuel tank in the rear.Mine has what looks like 3 one by twos covered in vinyl?? 2 ------------- kevinindy |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: June-25-2008 at 3:02am
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Kevin;
I will work on getting you the measurements for the stripes, but, will be on the road the next few days. My gas tank support boards were also wrapped in blue vinyl. Will measure those as well. To take care of the gel coat, I used a heavy compound (Wizards Turbo Cut), then a fine compound (3M Finesse It), and then a polish (Wizards Polish). I see you you are from Indy. I grew up in the Fishers area (near Conner Prairie), spent many days boating and skiing on both Morse and Geist Resovoirs. Where are you going to run your boat at? By the way, post some pictures of it. Would love to see it. Dave |
Posted By: kevin719
Date Posted: June-25-2008 at 4:21am
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I am in no hurry on the measurements! I will finish the floor and all new seats and upholstery hopefully in a month! The exterior will be a winter project! Yep I have skied up on geist and morse many times!Several times on geist with reggie miller! If I ever get my house sold I am going to buy a house on heritage lake. My family live on the lake and I am there every weekend.And probably go to racoon occasionally.I bought this megueirs boat hull oxidation remover and boat wax online.It is supposed to work without buffing?I will post some pics! Thanks! I did see a southwind just like ours on heritage this weekend it sounded great! I did not care much for the colors it was all aqua blue? ------------- kevinindy |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-25-2008 at 7:21am
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Kevin, Don't count on something working on the hull without buffing. I have yet to see a product work. You need to remove the top layer of gel that has oxidized. If real bad, even buffing won't work and it has to be wet sanded. There are some great threads here on doing it. Tim's (TRbeng) comes to mind. I'd hate for you to not get the hull done correctly before you put on new graphics.
How far have you gone into and under the floor? You said that you were going to remove the wet foam. What have you done to check the condition of the stringer system? ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: kevin719
Date Posted: June-25-2008 at 8:35am
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I have drilled holes about every 4 to 6 inches to check the stringers and all is good! I was amazed myself.I just kept drilling because I just knew that they woulb be bad! I think that the worst of the damage is because the previous owner had no cover for the boat and the the last floor repair that someown did they put a ton of screws in the floor! the bilge does have a nice float activated pump that is wired so it is hot all of the time and that may have saved the stringers! ------------- kevinindy |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: June-25-2008 at 11:00am
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Kevin;
Just my opinion and to echo what Pete is saying.....Use a "machine" when you compound/polish your boat. I don't think there is a polish or chemical that will do it right....without using a good dose of old fashioned elbow grease swinging a 30 Lb. Milwaukee buffer around. Also trust me....you DO NOT want to do this job by hand. You just won't get the results....in my opinion. I got some very good tips from this site. Get yourself a good clean pad and just start buffing it in until the compound disappears and the hull starts to shine. It took me awhile, but, I finally got the hang of it to determine what combination of time/amount of compound/correct pressure worked best. Just keep the buffer moving around a specific area until it looks good, and then go to another area and do it. By the way, what color combination is your Southwind? I take it yours is a Southwind 18?? Dave |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-25-2008 at 1:35pm
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Kevin, Are any of the graphics still on the boat? If so, get what you can by tracing them before you start any buffing. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: kevin719
Date Posted: June-25-2008 at 11:54pm
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Pete no unfortunately all traces of the original stripes has been rtemoved! All the decals and even the emblems were gone! I have purchased all of the decals and the emblems!Today I received the last of them! I bought the correct craft 1925 and the flag medallions but I can see the tracing of only 1 madallion,the american flag just after the c.c. emblem.So I might not use the cc ones if they were not stock! Dave yes it it a southwind 18.The top of the boat is a cream color(and it is gellcoat)The bottom(from where the stripes would be and down)looks like it was originally aqua?Have you guys seen this?The previous owner covered the bottom with that white texture stuff that I guess is supposed to be algae resistant.It does not look bad but they painted in on the trailer and just went around the trailer rollers?? Thai is how I know that at least the bottom was aqua! I am not sure what to do with this! Any suggestions guys? I have posted some pics here in diaries ------------- kevinindy |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-26-2008 at 9:23am
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Kevin, If you just sent Keith your addition to the diaries, he hasn't put it up yet. He reviews each one so sometimes it takes him a couple days. Anyway, post some pictures in this thread. The diaries only have room for 3 pictures.
I'm going to take a guess at the PO's attempt of "restoring" the hull! Since you stated that it is textured, I'm wondering if he put white bed liner on it?? If so, it's going to be tough to get off. Try some paint and varnish remover like Zip Strip. I'm also wondering why! The spots that weren't covered near the trailer bunks, can you see any hull blistering or gel cracking? I do believe that your boat would have had the USA medallion on it only. Which type CC side emblems did you get? ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-27-2008 at 9:13am
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Kevin,
From your other post: kevin719 wrote: The po said that this crap is a hull protector and algae inhubitor.I did see this stuff at a marine store site when I was buying epoxy resin tonight.Thanks "Kevin, I think you're answering the statement I made in your other thread. "I'm going to take a guess at the PO's attempt of "restoring" the hull! Since you stated that it is textured, I'm wondering if he put white bed liner on it?? " What you saw at the store, is anti-fouling bottom paint. It is common for boats that stay in the water for extended times especially in waters that grow algaes on hulls quickly. Bottom paint is not "textured". I'm getting the idea that you're not getting the full story from the PO. I asked you to check the bare areas of the hull (around the bunks) for blistering and gel cracking. Do check. When you get under the floor, Do try to get some pictures up. I'm still concerned about your stringers even though you drilled the holes." ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: kevin719
Date Posted: July-02-2008 at 11:45pm
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dave I just posted a thread in the maintenance section tonight.Please check it out and get back with me.I cut out my floor today and it is different that the other ones that I have seen here! I am hoping that you did your floor already and I can pick your brain.Thanks Kevin ------------- kevinindy |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: July-04-2008 at 1:55am
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Kevin;
I haven't gotten into the floor of mine just yet. It bascially took me six months just to do everything else but that. I did saw out one piece of the floor where the pylon is because the wood was rotten underneath it, but, thats as far as I went. I knew it would be a big job, and I wanted to see how good or bad it ran before I took that one on. I had it out on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin today. Here is a picture. It runs great and handles the big water on Geneva very well. That flared front hull really keeps you dry, and the deep vee hull rides very smooth....relatively speaking. The only complaint from the back seat is...."IT'S TOO LOUD"!!!!!! Good luck with the floor, and I will be picking your brain next winter before I tackle mine. Dave 
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Posted By: kevin719
Date Posted: July-04-2008 at 2:31am
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You got the rails back on her looks great! Looking at your pics gets me motivated to work on my floor tomorrow! There is so much foam in the bottom of these that I will pull her up to my shop and just park it next to my dumpster and unload!! I am not joking! Is your bottom step rotten? I am looking for one of those as well! The dog is a nice touch! My dog loves the water and will be with the wife and I as well! As for the noise I found a stick on insulation on ebay that I might put on the inside of the engine cover to help that.What comes out of the pipes is another story I LOVE THAT! These things have a sound of their own!Have a good fourth!! Kevin ------------- kevinindy |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: July-04-2008 at 11:50am
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Kevin;
Make sure you take lots of pictures as you proceed. It will help me (and many others) understand what is underneath the floor and how best to deal with it. I know I have some wet foam, but its just a matter of how bad it is and balancing out whether it really needs replaced short term vs. just getting out and enjoying the boat the way it is. So far, it seems it is not a big problem. The boat sits level in the water and top speed is around 40 mph....both indicators of excessive water in the foam. However, the one thing I have noticed when the boat is sitting in the water is that it does seem to sit bow low/rear high when nobody is in the boat. Not sure if thats just the nature of the beast or if that is the wet foam rearing its ugly head. By the way, one of the many things I replaced on the boat was the ladder steps. The old teak was pretty much shot and looked very shabby. I ultimately found a place in Wisconsin called Badger Hardwoods. They set me up with a very high density (heavy) wood called Neepa (spelling). It is great for outdoor and water applications. The wood for three steps cost around $15 total. It is about 1" think. You will need this kind of thickness for good strength. I had previously found some thinner teak wood I thought would work, and the first time I stepped on it (lowest rung), it shattered. I weigh around 205. I just wanted to make sure it was safe for heavier skiers. If you need me to get you some, I will. I am up in that area all the time. Also, let me know when you are ready for the measurements on the stripes/letters. I have just been very busy the past few days. Dave |
Posted By: kevin719
Date Posted: July-05-2008 at 11:26pm
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David today I went to my shop to finish up removal of my floor. I have been worried about the stringers because I could not find any bad spots after drilling at least 20 test holes! I got my drill back out and drilled right next to the motor mounts.There was nothing! No sighn of wood????I have been trying to come up with a plan for the floor supports and I beleive that it will be easiest to do stringers and the supports together! I was wondering if I was to take my die grinder and cut the top of the stringers glass off so I can reuse it later how much of a pain will it be to get the good wood out?? I thought of using my hand held hammer with a chisel bit and hit it at a angle so not to damage the hull??Has anyone a better idea? I hate to remove all of the glass because it is in great shape? I also went to west marine today looking for pourable foam today.That stuff is expensive! At least it will be to replace whats in this hull!!! The guy at west said that he would not put it back in?? I really do not want to reengineer this boat but if I tear out the front of this boat I may spend at least a grand on the foam! Also do you guys know if the srtingers end at the ski pole??I believe that there is a metal bracket up there to tie everything together.If so,this project will not be so bad! And I am taking a ton of pics! If I figure out how to put them on here I will! ------------- kevinindy |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: July-06-2008 at 4:32pm
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Kevin;
Sounds like you have a big job ahead of you. Even though I haven't done my floor or stringers, I will try to give some advice I have picked up on this forum. I would also ask anybody else that has more experience than me to give their advice too. On your stringers.....The first bit of advice I would give is to not cut both stringers out at the same time. I have read on this site that people that do cut both out at the same time have had their boat distort because both "backbones" were gone and the fiberglass could not support itself. I would go ahead and cut them out (one after you have fixed the other) using some sort of saw that can cut the glass interface at the hull surface that won't harm the hull glass, and pull the whole thing out. You then may have to grind down the remainder of any material left on the hull floor to get it completely smooth. Try to salvage the stringers to at least use as a template for the new ones. I would certainly not try to salvage part of the stringer. Those are the main structural support for the boat, and having one pieced together may not give you the best result. I would go with a whole new stringer (Douglas Fir I think I read was a good wood to use), and encapsulate it with new fiberglass. Do it once, and do it right while you have the floor opened up. Also, do searches on this site. Many others have been through what you are going through now. I know you will pick up some great advice on the best way to proceed. On your foam.....as I mentioned, I have never done the foam, although I did get glimpses of mine when working around the sides of the engine bay area. You have got the right idea to dig it all out, and replace it. It is there for a reason. It may keep your boat bouyant enough for help to arrive should something ever happen, and make retrieving it much easier. I would be curious what you find, and how wet it is. As mentioned, I know I have some water in my foam, I am just not sure how bad it is. Its probably worse than I think, but, the boat seems to be okay in the water (sits level, and has good speed). So, I may hold off for a year or two before I tackle it. Also, I did not realize the foam was so expensive. Do some searches on this site, or pose the question in a new thread asking about the best foam to use, and the best places to get it. You might find a better foam, at a lower price. Where do you live in Indy? Next time down, I may give you a call and come over and check your boat and progress out. Hopefully by that point, you will be the old pro at stringers, glass, and foam and can give me some advice. My mom lives in Fishers up by Conner Prairie, so I am close to the north side, and thats where I spend my time when I do come down. Good luck! Dave |
Posted By: kevin719
Date Posted: July-06-2008 at 5:20pm
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I plucked out my engine today in about 30 minutes today.Very easy!I do have the benefit of using my companies forklift to reach over the boat and under my sling! I can see where using a engine hoist would be a pain! David as for the foam, I have the floors removed to right about even with the dash now. It has been for several days! Every day I go in there is at least a gallon and probably closer to two that has ran out from the bow! I have my trailer jack all the way up to help this! I just want it a little drier so it isnt as nasty when I pull it out! I bet that this boat will be hundreds of pounds lighter! I stuck my finger into the bows foam and water bubbled out! And this boat has been in the sun or my shop for 2 weeks! I am amazed! I can see where it would slow the boat down!All of the engine mounts tightened down(I checked before I pulled the motor) so we will see whats inside? I am wondering if the stringers are notched at the mounts and that is why I hit no wood? ------------- kevinindy |
Posted By: kman
Date Posted: March-03-2009 at 4:01pm
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Davidg - I have a '76 Southwind 20 that I would like to repaint the striping. I would like to ask you a few questions if you have time and I couldn't find any contact info for you. Could you email me with your phone sometime? Or at least email me the steps and process including type of paint you went through.
kstateson@identitybusiness.com Thanks - Kirk mobile 817-914-2920  ------------- Kirk 1976 Southwind 20 Eagle Mountain Lake Fort Worth |