1982 Tarpon 19

D

dizzyspots

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Sooo....just finished re-freshing a 1975 Wellcraft Airslot 185. Pulled the orange/black stripe astroturf...bright orange upholstery. Replaced with neutral 2 town gray. Bimini top...and strong general cleanup, modern gauges, gps and contura switches....Nice 40mph cruiser for Baja w/ a 200hr 14ohp Evinrude
THEN: perusing CL and find a 1982 GW Tarpon 19...no motor...all there, but needs STRONG detail bow to stern...missing access cap over fuel tank area...transom appears solid...I was able to do quick once over...but would like to go back and dig into it deeper...thoughts of swapping motor over to the GW and selling the Airslot...

1) Am I crazy and is there a cure?
2) What should I be looking for when I re-visit the boat?

Thanks in advance..
Mike
 
Yes, you are crazy. And yes, there is a cure - death. :D sounds like you really enjoy a good project and challenge. I think the evinrude would be adequate for the Tarpon. I would be concerned about the access plate being gone above the fule tank. In other words, has rain been getting in there for 20 years, etc.. I would check for soft spots on the deck, check transom for moisture and make sure it is solid, and of course, don't pay a lot for the boat. You will have to rewire and rig the sucker, new gauges, etc, so that won't be cheap. But it sounds like you are the type that loves to do these projects. Good luck! Please take lots of photos and post them if you take on the challenge.
 
The boat was originally from NJ...but is now in AZ...we do get rain...summer monsoons and winter stuff, but the summer stuff is always followed by triple digit temps. The seller is asking $1000 or best offer. Ill find out how long its been in the dry heat.The finish is chalky from the sun, etc

When water does get into the tank well...where does it go...transom drain?

With no motor on it to flex and check transom strength...whats another technique?

Prepared for the other parts of the re-rig, but would like a solid hull to start with

Thanks for the reply

Mike
 
Headed out tomorrow to take a second look at the Tarpon...
Any specific tips and suggestions that you veteran Grady owners have for this rookie..
Thanks in advance for your help

Mike
 
Not familiar with the tarpon. I/O or outboard ? were the mounting holes for motor or outdrive sealed someway ? How long open if not. Heck even duct tape over them better than nothing. If they have been open to the elements for a few years most likely water in the transom.
 
Outboard...no motor on it now...gonna go take a second hard look at it today...
Thanks for the reply

Mike
 
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