Larson Restoration
This 1985 Larson Senza ski boat was brought to us as shown in the first few photos with a blown powerhead and a rotten transom. Its new owner purchased it on eBay for $700
We cut and removed the aft section of the deck to allow access to the rotten transom core. The bad wood had the consistency of dried leaves. The majority was scooped out by hand and the rest cut out with a sharpened chisel and angle grinder. Note the mouse nest and beer bottle top found deep under the back deck.
Two pieces of 3/4" high-quality outdoor plywood were cut and given two coats of polyester resin. A layer of saturated mat was placed between the transom skin and the first board then clamped in place. After the first board was bonded, another layer of mat was applied and the second board bonded in place and clamped. After the clamps were removed, three layers of mat and roving were applied.
After fairing the glass, a coat of flat black paint was applied, an access hatch to the transom bolts and new bilge pump was cut and the top deck was laid back down - this time bonded with 5200 sealant as well as stainless screws on 4" centers. The sawsall cut in the deck was shaped to half-round and as many as six layers of glass were set to bond the edges. Polyester putty faired the juncture.
The deck was primed and sanded then coated with two layers of finish paint. The interior was refreshed, the engine repaired and repainted, then the boat was once again ready for the water. Before it left the shop, we were presented two unsolicited cash offers in the $4500 range. Not a bad boost in value for a boat that cost $700 just two months before - until you consider the Larson is ready for another 20 years of fun!
