Uniflite 42 Double Cabin Refit

[sbman]

I had a Uniflie 42 aftcabin for 18 years. It was hull #7(1971). I kept it in excellent condition all those years. Many of the jobs you are doing I was able to avoid by staying ahead of the maintenance and by not having a blister vintage boat, none the less I can certainly relate to most of the jobs you have had to do. I never saw another Uniflite as nice as mine but I think sbman will have the only one nicer when he is done.

I always thought the Uni 42 was the perfect size. Some days it was to big and some days it was to small, which tells me it was truly the right size.

Looking forward to all new pictures and progress reports.

I appreciate the kind comments. There's still a lot to do and I've seen some really nice Uniflites around that look really nicely kept. I doubt mine will even be in the top 10. It will look OK and be in good serviceable condition though.

Most days right now, it's too big. Painting a coat of paint on the bottom or when sanding an area, I'd be happy if it was smaller. In the water, I'm sure it will be a great size.

 

[sbman]

I haven't posted an update for a while. I've been busy finalizing systems, testing them and bringing them online ready for launch. Cosmetics are coming to a close, just have the forward deck to paint now, and various bits of stainless to bolt on, along with clean up.

Starboard engine was test run yesterday and port should happen later this week. Steering system is online and leak free. Bilge pumps all replaced and/or serviced. Electrical system is cleaned up and good to go. Start batteries are installed. I've started removing tools I'm done with from the boat. Will be calling the surveyor in two or three weeks it looks like. It's getting exciting and I've been working extra long nights to push through to the end.

The sunset was behind her a few evenings back and I had to snap a picture.

 

[tiltrider1]

Looking good.

 

[Comodave]

As usual, excellent work.

 

[JLT]

Very nice! Just took ownership of a Uniflite 41 Yatchfisher, so I've been following your project with great interest!

 

[sbman]

Very nice! Just took ownership of a Uniflite 41 Yatchfisher, so I've been following your project with great interest!

I've learned a lot about Uniflites, if you have any questions about them, let me know, I might be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[Frosty]

The sunset was behind her a few evenings back and I had to snap a picture.

I can just hear the chorus of angels singing in the background as those sun rays frame your beautiful boat

It's been great watching your project (that you so nicely documented).

 

[sbman]

I can just hear the chorus of angels singing in the background as those sun rays frame your beautiful boat

It's been great watching your project (that you so nicely documented).

Thanks! There's been a lot going on behind the scenes that I just haven't taken the time to show. There is not a single system on the boat that I haven't had my hands on and rebuilt or reconditioned. That's not to say it's a new boat by any means, some of the house systems will need further work over time beyond normal maintenance but the all of the 'boat' systems are in good condition now.

 

[sbman]

On the home stretch now. With the hull fully painted, it's time to paint the decks.

The aft deck was up first along with the Starboard side deck. Here is a picture during the prep process including fills of long forgotten screw holes for various fittings that were on deck in times past.

After a lot more prep, some primer and topcoat, the transformation is amazing! It's not perfect and the repairs are not perfectly blended into the non skid texture in the gel coat, but it's a deck for goodness sake! It's clean and shiny and great for relaxing on in the shade after a hard day's work.

 

[sbman]

Been a while since I updated. Launch has occurred and aside from minor issues that I'm looking after it went well and the boat is very happy on the water.

 

[Comodave]

It looks great, nicely done. Are you going to put canvas on it? Bet you are glad to launch just as we were hauling…

 

[sbman]

It looks great, nicely done. Are you going to put canvas on it? Bet you are glad to launch just as we were hauling…

I have a whole variety of things yet to install, all had to be withheld for the truck trip 12 miles to the marina. We were 16'7" tall as it was.

Radar arch, bimini stainless steel and canvas, more antennas, etc... A hardtop for the aft deck is in the works as well, built to be similar to an OEM option that was available from the manufacturer. The deck mounted solar panels will be moved back to the hardtop once it's in place.

Trucking was stressful!

 

[rslifkin]

The deck mounted solar panels will be moved back to the hardtop once it's in place.

Why not keep them and then add more on the hardtop? I can't see that deck space being useful for much else, as putting a dinghy there or anything would block the lower windshields.

 

[sbman]

Why not keep them and then add more on the hardtop? I can't see that deck space being useful for much else, as putting a dinghy there or anything would block the lower windshields.

They get shaded by the cabin a lot of the time which negates their output severely. The hard top will be big enough for those and possible a couple more.

 

[sbman]

A recent evening on the mooring.

 

[Larry M]

Nice job. And good for you for sticking it out after almost 2 years!

 

[sbman]

I have been mainly working on interior refurbishment projects and small upgrades to lights and electronics. A recent afternoon was spent installing a vinyl floor (100% vinyl) in the aft head. The boat was originally 100% carpeted which is all removed so bare plywood floors at the moment.

Before

After

 

[boathealer]

A recent evening on the mooring.

Oh, man, that is GORGEOUS!! All that work has turned out AMAZING. Well done!

 

[Miz Trom]

Hi Scott:

Thank you so much for sharing your adventures in refitting your Uniflite. Simply amazing thread! I am in awe of anyone who has the patience and determination to sand, prep and paint such a large boat. Especially while working full-time, and dedicating your precious evenings and weekends to your boat.

Cheers,
Mrs. Trombley

P.S. The vinyl flooring in the head looks fabulous. Great choice of pattern.

 

[Comodave]

Bet you are glad to get the carpet out of the head. Don’t know what they were thinking when they put it in there.