Noob with a 1996 Speedster trying to learn!

[AbeGua]

Hi Guys,

I just purchased a 1996 Speedster. Love the boat! it is my fist boat and I'm so excited. I'm not an expert in mechanics. I'm more of a computer nerd, however I am the kind of do it myself kind of guy and I don’t mind getting dirty. The boat runs great, the last owner is a mechanic and seems to have taken good care of the boat, but some spots were the clear gel had stripped away by beaching the boat and what not but nothing I can’t fix. However I wanted to know, the gel coat is gone on some of the scratched parts and I can see the fiberglass. is this a problem that I need to fix right away or can it wait for repairs? Also, the engines run great but I noticed that my boat does not make any sound when I put the key in. Is there a place where the beeping speaker goes that I can replace myself or is it part of an electronic board that has to be replaced completely? Also, I noticed that the bilge pump makes a really LOUD noise, is this normal or is it more subtle and quiet like the engine air blower?

Thanks guys, Hope I learn and share with you guys from here on out

Abe

 

[devonte007]

Abe, welcome to the forum and congrats on the new boat! I may not have answers to all your questions, but what I know is below:

1: Gelcoat - If the gelcoat is chipped off for worn to the point where you can see the fiberglass and it is below the water line then it would probably be a good idea to repair it. If you let it go too long water can infiltrate the fiberglass and saturate it if there are any air pockets. Once this happens the fiberglass tends to rot (for lack of a better word). I just performed some gelcoat repairs to my boat a couple of weeks ago (first time ever with gelcoat) and it was quite easy. If you can spackle drywall then you can do gelcoat repair. I purchased a quart of gelcoat (white) with wax from Overtons: http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=White-Gel-Coat-With-Wax-Pint&i=81444&str=gel+coat&merchID=4005

It comes with the hardener so you should be all set. Just so you know (had to educate myself) gelcoat is like an expoxy where you mix in a hardener. There is a working time of about 15 min. then it goes from liquid to solid before your eyes. Gelcoat with wax has special waxes in it that allow it to dry exposed to the air. If you buy gelcoat with no wax, you would need to seal it with plastic and remove any air contact for it to cure correctly. Do a web search for videos on how to do gelcoat repair and you will learn a lot. I just got together some small paper cups (do not use plastic cups the gelcoat will eat them), some wooden Popsicle sticks to mix it, small disposable brushes and acetone to clean the surface. Also, if you need to do color repairs purchase a kit that come with pigments.

All you really do is clean out the repair area with a scrapper or dremmel tool, then apply your mixed gelcoat resin. Let it sit overnight, and sand smooth. If you have chips that are on the bottom of the boat you will need to make a few applications to build it up b/c of gravity. Sand in between each application and always clean with acetone. Once you get it back to just above the surface level sand it and switch to milder grades of wet sand paper then buff to a shine. Let me know if you have any more detailed questions about gelcoat and I'll do what I can to help. It really was very easy if you have patience.

2: Beeper - Not an expert on the beepers but I think they are located on the dash under the steering wheel. I think you can get a new one from radio shack for about $10. Here is a thread that explains it better: http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?46092-Beeper-gone-bad&highlight=replace+beeper

3: Loud Bilge - I would just replace the bilge if it is really noisy. They should be almost whisper quiet. Noise is an indication it will fail soon. They are inexpensive and can be bought almost anywhere for about $25 or less. The engine air blower fan should be much louder than the bilge.

I hope this helps a bit, let us know if you have any other question. Good luck!
--Deven