1998 355AC

[tomschauer]

After almost three months from offer to settlement, as of May 7, we now own a 1998 355.
We had to work through some issues, the main issue was the previous owner owed about 30k more than we were willing to pay, so he had to work though this with his bank. It was sitting on the hard for three years so it definitely needs some work. we also had some survey issues such as chatter from one of the flex plates (thanks for all your help with this). Other than this there were only minor issues. In the end it surveyed for over 30k above what we paid, and has solid hull and decks, so I believe we made a good purchase.
We had it hauled today for a double compound and wax. Next week all new canvas. A couple pictures attached.

Oh, forgot to add the new name..

Suspicious Fishes !

[Viper]

Congrats Tom

[waybomb]

Nice! Good luck and enjoy!

[RGrew176]

Very nice looking boat. Lots of room aboard Carver boats. Hope you get a lot of enjoyment from your boat and that you have a great season.

[tomschauer]

Thank you all.
I will add some pictures as we return it to its former glory.

[tomschauer]

First week end of working to bring it back to near new.
As I am not 30 or even 40 anymore, we paid a detail contractor to double compound and wax the exterior.
3 guys 2 1/2 days, would have taken me about 3 months of weekends.
They did a great job.

20160515_145012[1].jpg

[tomschauer]

As some of you may know these older boats with the aluminum windows frames and no rain cover need sealed every few years or water gets into your boat, where you don't want it to be.
This was the case with this one. Unfortunately years of neglecting to spend a couple bucks and a hour of labor let water leak behind the aft cabin windows and rot the aft head cabinets and counters tops. I knew this was going to need to be repaired prior to purchase.
We pulled both windows this weekend, removed all of the rot and mold.
Good and bad news. The port was not nearly as bad as I had anticipated, but starboard was a bit worse. The wood backer for the rub rail was nothing but rotten ply wood.
I was surprised to find this was just standard plywood, not marine grade or treated. I guess they thought it would never get wet.
The good news is I was able to access and remove all the bad wood.
That is of course the wife and not me in the picture....

[tomschauer]

I then pulled the cabinets out of the head.
Time to remove all of the stuff piled on my table saw and router table and make new cabinets.

[tomschauer]

Also met with Kevin from Canvas Plus, should have all new canvas by end of day next Friday.

[waybomb]

Great - keep posting pics of your progress, please!