In this episode of the Bayliner Bowrider 175 restoration, we are finally crossing the finish line on the structural phase. We’ve gone from a rotted-out “hoopie” to a rock-solid hull, and today we’re sealing the deal—literally.
Here is how we applied the final fiberglass layers and our unique solution for a durable, slip-resistant interior.
The Final Glass: Sealing the Plywood
The Problem: Even with marine-grade plywood, any exposed wood in a boat is a liability. If water finds a way into the wood fibers, it’s only a matter of time before rot returns.
The Solution: We encased the entire deck in fiberglass.
- Complete Encapsulation: We didn’t just tab the edges; we laid fiberglass cloth over the entire surface of the new floor. This creates a continuous, waterproof barrier that ties the floor into the hull as one single unit.
- The “Hot Coat”: After the structural glass was down, we applied a final “hot coat” of resin. This fills in any remaining texture in the fiberglass weave, ensuring the floor is completely airtight and ready for the final finish.
The Interior Finish: White Bed Liner
The Problem: Traditional boat carpet is a magnet for fish guts, sand, and moisture. It stays wet, gets heavy, and eventually smells. We wanted something that could handle the Florida sun and be hosed out in seconds.
The Solution: We went with a White Bed Liner (like the material used in truck beds).
- Why White? We love the durability of bed liner in our trucks, but black liner gets incredibly hot. In a boat, black floor liner would burn your feet in minutes. The white finish stays much cooler while giving us that same “indestructible” protection.
- Texture and Grip: The liner provides a built-in non-skid surface. This is a huge safety upgrade over the old, slippery fiberglass or soggy carpet, especially when the floor gets wet from swimmers or rain.
The Bilge: Final Cleanup
While we were at it, we finished up the bilge area. We used the same resin and dye mixture to coat the engine bay. This makes it easier to spot oil leaks in the future and prevents the raw fiberglass from soaking up grease and grime.
The Results: From “Hoopie” to “Big Dreams”
The boat is now structurally sounder than the day it left the factory. The floor doesn’t flex, the stringers are sealed, and the interior is ready for the new upholstery and that rebuilt long block. We are finally moving out of the “dirty” phase of the restoration and into the home stretch!
Watch the final glassing and floor finish here: Final Fiberglass and Floor Finish EP #17