32 Hustler SS project
 

Ok, So I won this boat on Ebay. I own a automotive Performance/fabrication shop and have been looking to get into power boats. I have always had a love for the water and cruising on the parents 03 rinker 270 viesta vee isnt cutting it anymore.

I went to go check it out yesterday for the first time in person. It needs alot more work than I thought. The Gel coat on the deck half is cracking in a bunch of places and for cosmetic reasons should prob get a full recoat. The cabin is pretty clean but the upper deck will need the most work, reupholster, wood trim pieces replaced, New flooring. The captain and nav buckets developed fractures which someone had began repairing and did a piss poor fiberglass job. I dont like the way the seats are anyway so instead of redoing to repair they will prob be cut out, Patch the holes and run twin floor mount rotating buckets in their place. The wiring is all there and doesnt appear to be cracking etc but rather than dealing with the mess I will rewire. Outdrives appear to be in better condition than the one on my parents 03 boat and the transmissions oil/power steering has no leaks and fluid looks mint. Props are good as well. Hydrolic actuators are prob all shot and im assuming will not be in good working order. The hull itself is free of stress cracks and looks clean aside from a scuff in the front and the usual blemishes from objects in the water and docking over the years.

I am not afraid of a project and will enjoy doing a restore on the boat but it has been sitting uncovered and there is alot of water under the cabin floor. The fiberglass does not seem to be effected but being i know next to nothing about the actual hulls of boats this worries me. Is this an ok, and a common thing on boats that I shouldnt worrie about? What is the worst i should prepare for? Should I run for the hills before i give up my money?

Also, I was wondering if anyone on here knows of this boat and anything about it? Oh and whats the diff. between the 1982 hustler packages SS,LE etc?

Thanks,
Nick

Pics:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...0/IMG_2140.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...0/IMG_2124.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...0/IMG_2137.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...0/IMG_2134.jpg
http://i16.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/a6/59/f717_3.JPG

Here is some pics of the water:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...0/IMG_2098.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...0/IMG_2110.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...0/IMG_2102.jpg

Its hard to see the water but in the third picture you can see its up to the top of the right support.

Congrats on your boat. I saw the boat on Ebay and as long as the hull is sound it seems like a good deal.I would not be concerned with the water as long as the wood under the fiberglass is not wet.If it is, then you have some big problems.Just wet vac all the water out and let it dry out.You have to get it completely dry or you may get mold and mildew in the cabin later on down the road.You might want to have a marine surveyor do a moisture test on the hull before you start the project.I believe they have some sort of scanner or machine that detects moisture trapped in the hull.You have a lot of work ahead of you but in the end it will be worth it.Those hulls are built very strong, and you should be able to run hard in some nasty water. Just take your time and do it right the first time.If you try to cut corners you will be sorry in the end.I would change the boat over to Bravos if you can afford to do it.The TRS drives with transmissions can be a pain the rear sometimes.Just my opinion based on friends who have had them in the past and present.Give me a shout if you have any other questions.Best of luck and enjoy.Patience!!!!!!

Jay

Thanks Jay, For the vote of confidence. I build race cars and the same rules apply as far as doing it right the first time! I guess at this point im crossing my fingers for no rot and im very uneasy about it! Im actually trying to get the price dropped down a bit because I was not informed of the water and if all goes well I will be going back with the truck this weekend to pick her up. I will post again once I get it to the shop and pump the water out so I can really see whats going on.

Oh , I read somewhere that in 82 these hulls were vac bagged? Is this true? If so im assuming it would increase my chances that the stringers are sealed up tight?

i doubt that they vacum bagged those hulls back then. the 32 is a very fast hull. i would get the boat surveeyed before goin threw with it just to make sure.

I doubt that is vacum bagged also.If you want to know for sure try calling Paul Fiore at Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats.He owned the company at that time and is a real nice guy.I am sure he could answer any question you have on that hull and be an invaluable resource for you in your restoration.He is an incredibly intelligent man that knows his boats and is very nice to talk to.I know Outerlimits has a ton of things going on right now, but if catch him at the office I am sure he could answer some questions for you.The telephone number is 401-253-7300.I hope this helps.Let me know how you make out.If you want to you can pm me and I will give you my cell# if you need any other help.Good Luck.

Jay

This particular 32 has been bought & sold a couple times over the past 5 years. In '03 boat was in Kansas, then went to CT. Boat had 454/330 with TRS's. Hope you're buying it for right $'s.

Paying 7200. I figure between the 03' Aluminum Concept tripple axle trailer and the drives/trannys etc If things really go that sour with the hull I could part it out and make the money back or maybe put some in my pocket? What do you think?

Nick

hey nick its C.J. from the shop next door. welcome to the board man...... and good luck with the hustler:drink:

I would NOT use the rotating buckets..those kind of seats are built for about 50mph and no big water.. To many moving parts. Id get a fourpoint floor mount drop out bolster seat for it. The last thing you want is to be sittin on the floor when you land off a big 4'er...I think you got a good deal if the hull tests out dry. Project boats are a blast. Hell, you could make half back on what you spent for just that trailer.. Congrats and keep us updated on new pics.

Hey, When you told me you were into boats, I forgot to ask if you were on this forum. Its a small.......Internet! haha

I didn't realize those single post seats were so weak. Just thought it would be nice to have the ability to swivel around and face the rear bench when just hangin out and bangin back a few with the ladies. Though, I will MOSTLY be running the boat on the Hudson, I would like to build it keeping the next owner in mind so keeping it offshore friendly will be a priority. Thanks for the pointer.

its also ease of maneuvering..you'll want to be able to stand while driving sometimes... good luck, fun project..

Finally got to make some progress on the boat today. I started the endless battle of ripping out every piece of wet wood from the boat and gained access to the stringers for inspection. To my surprise they are all in tact and good to go!:evilb: The floor and just about everything else outside the cabin was another story but was expected and I had already planned on replacing. On the negative side of things when walking on the bow for the first time I noticed the foam core had started to rot away on about 70% of the surface!:mad: I have stopped all progress for the moment and im trying to figure out if there is a way to fix this and what would be the CORRECT way to do so. Oh and I was building a tent around the boat to keep the elements out during the build and I noticed the hull is 34' from the stern to the tip of the bow. Whats up with this? The people I bought the boat from knew next to nothing about it and I was told it was a 1982 32' Hustler SS. Did they make a 34' in that year or are hulls not actually measured from the longest points? (Im not including drive/swim deck just hull)

I like these projects!!!:D

Do you have the facility to split the deck from the hull, and flip it over?

My shop has steel beams in the roof so I suppose I could rig something that would allow me to lift the deck and flip it or maybe rent a forklift. I'm very interested in this method as it would save ALOT of blending/finishing work etc. What would be the proper way to lift and rotate the deck? I assume it would need quite a bit of support? Also, Some area's on the deck which are soft have lifted a little and gives some areas of the deck a wavy look. Will these areas relax back to the correct shape after I remove the glass under layer and damaged core?

Sounds like a good fit for a nice fast open bow or center console:D .

Good luck with boat, you are definetly in the right place for advice and resources.:cool:

Hahah crossed my mind! :rolleyes:

Great minds think alike.:cool-smiley-011:

Hey you may think it's crazy but it's done all the time. Not to mention that the Mid cabin style boats with open bows are definetly coming on strong in the market especially on the west coast. Would be an awesome party boat:party-smiley-020:

It will definetly be unique, should think about it.

Check out the 30 Advantage victory

project update
 

well back in nov. of 07 i purchased this this boat from
''32HUSTSS'' due to him moving out of the area. for almost the past 2 years i have been restoring this 32 and have made alot progress and would like to share it with the hustler fans. i have recored all of the rotted wood in the deck, new cockpit floors, re installed the origanal drop down bolster seats that someone sawzalled out and threw in the woods behind my shop that he rented. two new kc marine trannys fresh trs transoms and drives and fresh 500hps for power. i have alot left to do but it has came a long way.

cockpit and engine bay

i should have posted this first here are some before shots

some more befores

more pics

Who , you doing a hell of a job looks good !
You still got a lot to do but it's the more fun part to put in all the rigging stuff and see the inprovements step by step ,it gonna be more and more a complete boat.

I am doing a 89 32 le also did the cockpit floor and a complete dashboard and rear bulkhead and repowered it whit 2 cummins diesels and xr drives know waiting for the new cockpit upholstery .

Good luck and let the pics coming !

yea theres alot more but every weekend it looks better and better. this thing was ready for the chain saw :greenchainsaw:when i rescued her. but i am very happy i did this project. i have seen your pics of your build and you have done a great job yourself.

Looks good keep up the work i love the lines and style of the 32 Hustler.
-Mike

Wait till you have your first sea trail ,then you even gonna be more happy ,they are amazing to drive !

Yup enjoy running mine all the time. Trim it up and feel it just come rite up and ang on for the ride. With moderate power they fly. Anyone hwo buys onw would be happy as you will see in time.
-Mike

thanks for the positive words guys. i cant wait to take her out and see what there all about. i am looking forward more for the comfy ride than the speed (but speed would be a plus too). coming from my 24ft baja this should be like riding on a battleship...lol

sounds goo and let me know if you need a back up 32 I just happe to have one
mike

Any up dates on project

i used to own that boat!