PROJECT BOAT - 1976 CARIBBEAN INVADER
Frankie Natoli had $30,000 to spend on a 5m boat, but couldn’t find anything new that caught his eye. Instead, he found a 1976 Caribbean hull in TrailerBoat magazine which perfectly suited his squid and snapper fishing in Port Phillip and Western Port, Victoria. This month, Frankie explains how he floated his perfect boat!
The true extent of the damage was revealed when the fibreglass came off. It was every boater’s worst nightmare — wood rot! Thankfully, none of the stringers were affected. Two weeks later the transom was fully replaced with the help of a fibreglasser. Note how the height of the enginewell was raised to fit a larger motor and protect the boat in a trailing sea. Modern LED lights also proved a reliable update for the trailer.
All timber was removed for a modern, maintenance-free finish. The back-to-back seats were replaced with Rae Line swivel seats. Carpet was replaced with washdown black rubber from Clark Rubber ($150). New instruments finished the new look, along with a handy glovebox from JV Marine ($45).
The ’70s model 115hp Mercury two-stroke outboard motor was traded in for a 115hp Yamaha four-stroke. The Yammie is quieter, more reliable, efficient, and powerful, although it’s heavier at 188kg. It cruises nicely at 24.2kts (45kmh), with a top speed of 34.5kts (64kmh).
Frankie used his cabinet making skills to build a removable stainless rodrack and baitboard, as well as his home-made trailer with Teflon skids and keel rollers to support the boat’s weight.
1976 Caribbean Invader specs
Length 5.1m
Motor 2006 115 Yamaha four-stroke
Owner Frankie Natoli
Occupation Cabinet maker
Favourite fishing spot Western Port Bay, Victoria
Target species Snapper and whiting
1976 Caribbean Invader project boat cost
Purchase price (pre-rebuild) $6700
New transom and anchorwell $2500
New motor and fuel tank $15,000
Paint $350
Stainless rodracks and bowrail $1000
Seats and trim $900
Home-made trailer $3000
Marine electronics $2500
Other $500
TOTAL $32,450
6 project boat restoration tips
From Frankie
1. Research what you want to do with your boat, be it bay fishing, offshore fishing, diving, and so on.
2. Test as many boats as you can and speak to some old timers about good hulls to start with.
3. Establish a budget — then add 10 per cent!
4. Think about what skills you can use — and those you will need help with. Don’t be afraid of painting, sanding or even fibreglassing. Practise on inconspicuous areas.
5. Be prepared for nasty surprises, but also remember that almost everything can be fixed with some elbow grease.
6. Ask the experts for their advice. The right attitude will get you all the help you’ll ever need – and maybe even a new fishing mate or three!
Originally published in TrailerBoat #267, February 2011. Why not subscribe today?