Arthur Armstrong Broadbill project

[John Gaughan]

Hey guys I picked this up a few weeks ago and have hunted out of it as well. I’m told it’s a 1990 and the boat is in good condition. My plan is to remove the top cap and add some supports for the front deck as it has sagged over time. Has anyone removed their top cap on this style? It looks like it was glassed and riveted together some I’m hesitant to cut/pry them apart. Bottom and top cap

 

[MIKE-SID]

Nice boat. I've never worked on one, but as far as the rivets go, I'd drill them out.

 

[roy brewington]

Hey guys I picked this up a few weeks ago and have hunted out of it as well. I’m told it’s a 1990 and the boat is in good condition. My plan is to remove the top cap and add some supports for the front deck as it has sagged over time. Has anyone removed their top cap on this style? It looks like it was glassed and riveted together some I’m hesitant to cut/pry them apart. View attachment 72257View attachment 72260Bottom and top cap

On my Blackjack top cap was simply riveted on and gunnel molding supplied the water seal. Of course over time as rubber hardened and cracked seal became suspect and is why those hulls were prone to getting leakage in corner flotation bxs. That and loosening handles on stern. If you remove to work on front deck run a bead of sealant between 2 half's. when reassembling. I had to eventually drill holes in bottom of rear corner bxs and drain once I discovered water retention. Installed live well drain plugs in those holes.

 

[davidwalton]

Nice Broadbill John. I have what I believe is a copy of the Broadbill and my deck is saggy too. Mine needs a lot of work.

 

[John Gaughan]

Thanks All! Drilling the rivets wont be an issue. The top cap and the bottom look to be glassed together and are very thin so cutting it will be difficult. Looking to see if anyone else has done this with this style hull?

My idea is to add a wood “bridge” support that I may glass in. While I have to top off I may redo the foam in floor as well. Need some warmer weather to come before we get into the good stuff.