Boat Builder Central - Builder Forums

Posted: **Sat Aug 15, 2020 9:35 pm**

Greetings! I’m a novice boater who just bought my current setup last year, a beautiful 1990 20 ft Roamer. I’ve decided to repower and in the process I found a pinhole leak I my 30 yr old tank. So I’m going to replace the tank and whatever else I need so I don’t have problems in the future. I don’t have any experience with fiberglass repair and honestly the build threads here are mind boggling for someone like me. So I’m going to try to get this beautiful boat’s fuel and stringers and deck sorted out. If I was able to find someone to do it for me properly I would in a heartbeat! Sadly, Myrtle beach has no such available tradesmen~. Alas, I’ll be learning how to fix a boat floor!
thanks in advance for any help—

Posted: **Sun Aug 16, 2020 2:13 pm**

That is a great looking boat.
So you need to pull the fuel tank and replace it? And doing so will involve cutting up some deck? The good news is replacing the deck is not too hard of a job. I hate to say this as it could be opening Pandora's box but while you are at it I would check the transom and stringers. I have no idea how well the factory did building it but You are dealing with a 30 year old boat.

Posted: **Sun Aug 16, 2020 4:15 pm**

Thanks Fuzz. Your expertise is evident as I have been reading through Slickcav and others previous projects. I really hope that I don’t have to rip the entire stringer system out but — it sure would be nice to gut it and replace it with dry wood! I really like this 20’

The transom seems SOLID.
Yes, the tank has a small pinhole leak I exposed right near the pickup. I was having some issues accessing all the fuel (it was running dry at 26-30 gals) so I thought the pickup tube might be bad. The tank is done, just a matter of time, but the floor has just one small soft spot at the 7pm position of where the console sat . The rest feels strong

I sure would like to cut the front and rear center stringers out like others have and build some “in the floor” storage (up front) and larger bilge area so that I can put my fuel filter down there.

Don’t any of ya’ll with so many years experience freelance!?

Posted: **Sun Aug 16, 2020 4:27 pm**

Questions:
Tomorrow I am going to start draining the tank of fuel and cutting a chunk of floor out. The tank is about 6’ long and 26” wide.
Do I just measure to the side stringers supporting the tank and add a few inches and cut, so that when I put new wood it will lay on the stringer?
Or is there a specific way I’m supposed to cut to make replacing easier?
Thanks

Posted: **Sun Aug 16, 2020 5:53 pm**

Are you going to be putting down new deck in that area? If so I would not worry if I had to cut it up in pieces. Either way you are going to want the deck to either be half way over the stringers or on new cleats that you will install for support. Make the cut out big enough to have working room to pull the tank. Do you know if it is foamed in or not?

Posted: **Sun Aug 16, 2020 8:55 pm**

I don’t know if it’s foamed or not, but yes I’m definitely going to want to replace at least the piece I cut to remove the tank, in the process replacing that one small soft section. I should know tomorrow if it’s foamed, and how rotted the stringers look. Maybe I’ll get lucky.

Posted: **Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:29 pm**

Hey man. Nice boat. I just finished (finishing up) a Retriever. It is also documented in CL's corner.

I remember when your boat was for sale. The guy had a couple of Privateers he sold. That pink one and yours. Is that right? You have a very distinctive console - I wonder what it came from originally. He was in NC I thought? If that is the boat I'm thinking about, it looks much nicer in your photos than it did on his listings. Sweet rig.

Have you opened up the floor yet? Upload some pics if so. You may get lucky and find the stringer under / near that soft spot is ok. It could have been caused by a console screw not being sealed properly.

Jig saw and/or a multi-tool with carbide cutting blade are your friend on this. I would try not to cut into the stringer if possible.

Slickcav (same guy here and THT) would be a good resource for you also. He is working on his second Roamer and did tanks in both. Below deck storage on his current build. He is up in MD if I recall correctly.

Posted: **Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:37 pm**

Assume you saw this project: https://forums.bateau2.com/viewtopic.ph ... 4&start=80

There are many other Privateer rebuilds out there of varied quality but worth looking at for tips.

Posted: **Mon Aug 17, 2020 6:24 pm**

Assume you saw this project: https://forums.bateau2.com/viewtopic.ph ... 4&start=80

There are many other Privateer rebuilds out there of varied quality but worth looking at for tips.

This is from another Roamer tank replacement, not my rig:

Posted: **Mon Aug 17, 2020 10:04 pm**

Thanks for all the info. Yes, I saw Slickcavs newer build- I am hoping to copy his storage up front and in the bilge.
* bad news today. Don’t ever use UShip!
Apparently someone in Gaffney SC needed a new outboard and snaked my Evinrude small block I had shipped from Sunset Marine in El Cajon CA.
*UPS Freight working with UShip bid the transport for $430.00 and I jumped on it.
It was supposed to be delivered today and they’re saying it’s gone missing. And, UShip is saying because it was an LTL shipment they only pay 10 to 50 cents/ pound.
I paid $14276.09 for the outboard, prop, batt cables and key switch, and delivery and they are saying I’m only going to get to claim $250
This is the manager at UShip saying this.
Needless to say I didn’t get to cut today and tomorrow I have to work, but yea, I was just going to use a skilsaw and cut just outside the tank stringers..
carbide tip you say?

Posted: **Mon Aug 17, 2020 10:13 pm**

boguesounder wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:29 pm Hey man. Nice boat. I just finished (finishing up) a Retriever. It is also documented in CL's corner.

I remember when your boat was for sale. The guy had a couple of Privateers he sold. That pink one and yours. Is that right? You have a very distinctive console - I wonder what it came from originally. He was in NC I thought? If that is the boat I'm thinking about, it looks much nicer in your photos than it did on his listings. Sweet rig.

Have you opened up the floor yet? Upload some pics if so. You may get lucky and find the stringer under / near that soft spot is ok. It could have been caused by a console screw not being sealed properly.

Jig saw and/or a multi-tool with carbide cutting blade are your friend on this. I would try not to cut into the stringer if possible.

Slickcav (same guy here and THT) would be a good resource for you also. He is working on his second Roamer and did tanks in both. Below deck storage on his current build. He is up in MD if I recall correctly.

I’m not sure about the pink one, I never saw that but yea mine came from a fella up not too far from Belhaven, NC. I had a guy in Georgetown SC make that bow rail and t-top. He’s an artist for sure. That console made it impossible to just buy a top because of the flares at the bottom. I’d love to know what it came off originally. Haven’t seen any branding yet. If slickcav is interested in moonlighting on that big farm of his for cash money I could have her up there in 9 1/2 hours

Posted: **Tue Aug 18, 2020 12:49 am**

Well that well and truly sucks about the outboard! I sure that can be worked out for you.
A skill saw with a carbide blade will make short work of the deck. Just be careful and do not cut the tank

Posted: **Tue Aug 18, 2020 7:53 am**

Ugh, sorry about the Uship trouble. Hope that gets straightened out for you.

What happened to the Zuke that came with it?

I went back and found that listing just to check my memory. CSuggs was the guy - and yeah he had two for sale. One was a rebuilt Roamer that was painted light purple...took a while to sell

Good tip on the skill saw and setting the blade depth so as not to hit the tank.

I imagine you know this already but SlickCav got his hatches from DayTrip.

Posted: **Tue Aug 18, 2020 2:55 pm**

Fuzz wrote: ↑Tue Aug 18, 2020 12:49 am Well that well and truly sucks about the outboard! I sure that can be worked out for you.
A skill saw with a carbide blade will make short work of the deck. Just be careful and do not cut the tank

boguesounder wrote: ↑Tue Aug 18, 2020 7:53 am Ugh, sorry about the Uship trouble. Hope that gets straightened out for you.

What happened to the Zuke that came with it?

I went back and found that listing just to check my memory. CSuggs was the guy - and yeah he had two for sale. One was a rebuilt Roamer that was painted light purple...took a while to sell

Good tip on the skill saw and setting the blade depth so as not to hit the tank.

I imagine you know this already but SlickCav got his hatches from DayTrip.

Well well, opening a claim seemed to motivate UPS Gaffney SC to find my missing motor. Whew, I was seriously sweating bullets.
Note to self USHIP IS DISHONEST, BE CAREFUL~

Anyhow, the motor is safely at Allan’s Marine in Florence SC waiting for my boat.

Also, driving from Florence back to the beach I passed through Marion SC. And then, as always, on the left, the Beneteau facility!..
I remember hearing that they were shutting down our location so I called there and what do you know, I have a name of a talented, soon to be unemployed, Fiberglass/ stringer guy!.

Can you send me that old listing? I’d like to check out the ad because I found this boat on Craigslist.
Thanks for the reminder about DayTrip, and reminder that tanks don’t like carbide tips...

The zuk I sold to a guy for 7500.00 ( ended up giving it to him for 7k) and he pulled it off himself, so saved me time and $.

Posted: **Tue Aug 18, 2020 10:28 pm**

That is good news indeed about the outboard! I am sure that made you feel better about the world as a whole.

Posted: **Wed Aug 19, 2020 3:03 am**

Fuzz wrote: ↑Tue Aug 18, 2020 10:28 pm That is good news indeed about the outboard! I am sure that made you feel better about the world as a whole.

Made me feel better about UPS Freight, that’s for sure!
I’ve always been generally pleased with the world

Posted: **Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:06 am**

Glad you got your motor!

Your boat: https://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale ... st12619640

Pink one: https://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale ... -20-a.html

Posted: **Wed Aug 19, 2020 4:45 pm**

boguesounder wrote: ↑Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:06 am Glad you got your motor!

Your boat: https://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale ... st12619640

Pink one: https://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale ... -20-a.html

Huh, that is my boat, at the fellas yard where I picked t up.
I gave him $17,500 IIRC. I wish I had checked that tank out better :/

Is it just me or does the hull look deeper on mine vs that purple Roamer?

Posted: **Wed Aug 19, 2020 4:55 pm**

The suzuki has nothing on this:)

Posted: **Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:30 pm**

Nice motor! Congrats. I don’t see many new Evinrudes around my waters. 200 hp outta push it good!

I would assume the two roamer are the same hull and that the difference comes mostly from the photos? Does yours measure out at 21’8”. I know there is a roamer II and I’ve probably know the differences of that hull at some point in my privateer fanboydom but can’t recall it off the top of my head?

Is the guy you found gonna swap the tank for you?

Posted: **Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:34 pm**

Btw the burren is a beautiful place. I really enjoyed my time there and over to the dingle peninsula. Pretty part of the world. If you’re named after another burren just ignore!

Posted: **Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:36 pm**

boguesounder wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:34 pm Btw the burren is a beautiful place. I really enjoyed my time there and over to the dingle peninsula. Pretty part of the world. If you’re named after another burren just ignore!

Same one. Looking to escape my 2 little ones there somehow...someday.

Posted: **Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:40 pm**

boguesounder wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:30 pm Nice motor! Congrats. I don’t see many new Evinrudes around my waters. 200 hp outta push it good!

I would assume the two roamer are the same hull and that the difference comes mostly from the photos? Does yours measure out at 21’8”. I know there is a roamer II and I’ve probably know the differences of that hull at some point in my privateer fanboydom but can’t recall it off the top of my head?

Is the guy you found gonna swap the tank for you?

Yessir, I’ve contracted him to do the cutting and glass. I know it’s taking the easy way but I just don’t have the energy/ talent/ time/ whatever..
We’re going to do whatever needs to be done once he gets that tank out.

I have another guy to fabricate a replacement local, or BRADLEY at Radcliffe said he’ll make me one if I send him the dimensions..

I’m thinking painted aluminum.

Posted: **Thu Aug 20, 2020 10:37 pm**

Cool. Good to find experienced help when you need it. Will have you back on the water faster. I enjoy mucking about but it is a slow process for me. Not sure what your timeline is but hate will you miss fall fishing. Fun time of the year around here to be on the water. Shame that tank didn’t last a few more months. I may have been tempted to run it off a portable tank until December, ha! Crossing my fingers for you that things are in reasonable shape under the deck. Keep us posted.

Posted: **Fri Aug 21, 2020 9:17 pm**

boguesounder wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 10:37 pm Cool. Good to find experienced help when you need it. Will have you back on the water faster. I enjoy mucking about but it is a slow process for me. Not sure what your timeline is but hate will you miss fall fishing. Fun time of the year around here to be on the water. Shame that tank didn’t last a few more months. I may have been tempted to run it off a portable tank until December, ha! Crossing my fingers for you that things are in reasonable shape under the deck. Keep us posted.

Agreed, but truth be told I scratched that old JB weld fix off and exposed the pinhole leak. I think it’s better this way since I was about to repower with all new rigging .. better to sort it out now and redo what’s needed. I want to clean up that transom. Fuel filter is going below deck, steering hydraulics changing to bulkhead fittings, etc.

I’m going to post pics and update this thread as if I was doing the work. Like I said, this fella has a lot of experience on the engineering level building out/ repairing/ retrofitting Beneteau boats $500k and up. Not a 55 ft Bertram but plenty enough to qualify him for my 20’ privateer!

Posted: **Fri Aug 21, 2020 10:20 pm**

Sweet. I look forward to watching your progress. Love the privateer rebuilds. Sounds like you have great plans!

Posted: **Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:17 am**

*Quick update. The floor had some rot, the stringers also. Not a lot but some soft spots so I decided to just gut it and redo. Dropped 3k to the Beneteau fella the other day for parts and materials. The fuel tank was tiny. 72”x26”x4” with a v taper at the pickup. About 30 gals total so that explains a lot.
I picked up a poly moeller from Great Lakes skipper for 750.00 that gives me 65gals and will fit between the stringers.
I’m still looking to get a LiveWell plumbed at the transom, a 4 or 6” setback jackplate, floor storage up front and I’d like to increase the bilge area and mount the fuel filter for the Evinrude under deck. I know I saw a picture of someone’s like that and it was nice and clean..

Posted: **Fri Oct 16, 2020 12:44 pm**

Sounds like it will be really nice. You going with composite on the rebuild?

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1990 Privateer Roamer 20 ft.

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