Captain Joe has become a familiar face to boat restoration fans across the country. As the host of Fish Bump TV on YouTube, he's built a reputation for tackling ambitious marine projects while sharing his expertise with viewers who love life on the water. His latest undertaking showcases exactly why his audience keeps coming back for more—a complete restoration of his project boat that demonstrates both his technical skills and passion for bringing vessels back to life.

Captain Joe's willingness to document every step of the process offers viewers an inside look at the challenges and rewards of marine restoration work.

The Project Boat

When Captain Joe first found the current boat he is working on, it showed clear signs of age and neglect, but its solid foundation made it an ideal candidate for restoration. Like many boats that have spent years exposed to marine environments, this one needed significant structural work before it could safely return to the water.

Transom Replacement: Building a Strong Foundation

The transom serves as the backbone of any boat, supporting the engine and providing structural integrity to the entire vessel. Captain Joe's project required complete transom replacement—one of the most challenging aspects of marine restoration work.

This process involves carefully removing the old transom material while preserving the surrounding fiberglass structure. Captain Joe documented each step, showing viewers how to properly assess transom damage and determine when replacement becomes necessary rather than attempting repairs that won't hold up over time.

The new transom installation required precise measurements and careful attention to alignment. Captain Joe demonstrated proper techniques for ensuring the new transom integrates seamlessly with the existing hull structure.

Stringer Repair: Restoring Structural Integrity

Stringers provide essential support for the boat's hull and deck structure. Captain Joe's project required significant stringer work, offering an excellent opportunity to show viewers how these critical components function and how to properly repair them. Throughout the stringer work, he provided valuable insights

Gelcoat Repair: Restoring the Finish

The boat's gelcoat had accumulated numerous gouges and scratches, creating both cosmetic and functional concerns.

Gelcoat repair requires patience and attention to detail. Captain Joe demonstrated proper surface preparation techniques, showing how thorough cleaning and sanding create the foundation for lasting repairs. He explained the importance of matching gelcoat colors and how environmental factors can affect the repair process. He showed viewers techniques for blending colors and achieving consistent results across the entire surface.

Stay Tuned

Project Boat still has many episodes to go. Follow along as Captain Joe continues to bring this boat back to life and ready for the water!