As the title states, Boats !!!!!!.
I thought my Penn reel addiction tested my spare cash, But No, not even a close second to our beloved Boats.
3 years into a full rebuild on a 18ft trailer boat, Now with all the structural fibre Glass work done, floor, Stringers, transom, recently finished off the inside work, re Gelcoating the engine well, filled all the holes in the dash area and re Gelcoated, could of done it the easy way and 2 packed, but, oh no, not me, re Gelcoated for durability. Finished off with a speckle flow coat finish inside, no more itchy, no more respirators !!!!
Now, the fun part, re fitting out and re wiring, you think that would be lighter on the wallet....Nope.
Another few months it will be time for the re power ( more hurt) but looking forward to wetting all these Penn reels I've been tricking up during my down time. She's a 30 plus year old hull, which was a rock of a boat, whether it be local bay fishing or 60 km out wide on the big fellas, some were telling me you could by a new boat for what I was spending restoring this classic,,,,,,,,kinda explains me in a nut shell, what with vintage Penn gear as well......LOL
Just thought I'd share.....
Col
You got yourself a very nice looking boat!!
I've always resisted buying a boat for that reason. I used to do some boat maintenance for a friend and nothing that had to be replaced or repaired ever cost less than $200-00 nothing and it was an ongoing money pit!
Luckily the friend owner was not too concerned. :D
Hi Cor, I owned my first boat at 17, and it's been a journey ever since.
This was suppose to be my last boat, it took me near 5 years to find this hull, they are few and far between now,, and as usual, it checked out ok.
but issues arose after about 6 years, I was always going to swap out to a new 4 stroke, but, it kinda was worse than I thought.
We had just been at a comp, which we fished 30 odd km out, in some pretty nasty conditions, it was when the boat was back and parked up, I noticed the water still coming out of the bungs, the rest is history, but when I removed the floor, the stringers had actually parted ways with the floor !!!! so, structurally, I don't know how we never folded the boat in half while out wide, it was seriously scary...
So, I recon I've got another 15 odd years of physically being able to self launch etc, so with that in mind, she will still be stronger than when it was new by then. I down sized 10 year ago, as I fish a lot solo, it's the perfect allround size .
I cant really imagine being without a boat in all honesty, it's part of me now......
But taking first timers out, especially kids, makes it all worth it, seeing the smile on there faces catching there first fish,
Equally, taking someone out wide for there first experience on the big fell's is also pleasurable...
But, there still a money pit, Yes..........LOL
Col
Looks like a piece of art.
I've concluded that any hobby of sorts is expensive. I used to own and work on some old cars. Always needing some TLC. It never ends but was really enjoyable to me. Now my new hobby are my kids and that just broke the bank ;D
Nice work, you can do mine when you finish yours.... ;O)
Ted says the best boat is your buddies (I'm enjoying my best boat ever!!)
Looks to be quality work on your rebuild.
The Man
Really nice, Milne —
Have you figured out the electronics and NAV equipment you are going to run yet?
Your skills are impressive!
Best,
Fred
Looks like you'll have a great boat, Col ! And, yes, those projects will eat every dollar that you throw at them, but....... ::)Now, tell me about that truck I see in the background !! ;)
Come on Col, we wont to see fish photos, get yourself moving, cheers Don.
Beautiful job! Enjoy it!...no one gets out of here with money in their pocket, or alive.
On another note.
I got up at 4:00am, truck was already loaded with rods, crab pats and everything else.
Took me a while of finally being able to take a day off so I could get to the boat.
Brought my wife a cup of coffee in bed, as I've been doing for the past 34 years and hit the road.
After 1 hour of driving, the truck started smoking a little in the cabin, I checked my temperature gauge and it hit 260° .
I quickly got off the highway , pulled up at a firehouse waited a little for the temp to drop and filled a few juggles of water.
Little by little I was able to get back home safe.
Now if I run in the guy that told me to go fish, it would be good to release some stress from every day work, I'll use him to store my rods😁
I pay for summer and winter storage, I'm lucky if I'll use the boat a dozen times.
I'm not sure if I will finally get on there this year🙄.
Yes boats are money pit, but the little fun we get when everything works out makes it worth it.
Sal
I hope it's an easy fix on your truck, Sal !
I am approaching the 1 year mark on my dyer29 rebuild and not quiete 1/2 way home. Your timeline makes me feel a bit better about my project. I am sure you will be happy when everything is wrapped up.
John
Hi Guys, Yes, it's been a HUGE learning curve, let me tell you. I've attempted and done things I had no knowledge of before, but I think that is part of it as well, it's not really the job, it's the journey.
Sal, if it lightens the hurt, 2 days ago, smoke was coming out of the steering wheel covers in my vehicle, got it towed back to my factory and got an auto electrician in, who ordered the new ignition part, only to now find out, the cause was my injector pump, which is being worked on as we speak, $ 4100 bill coming my way at the end of the week, I didn't need that. I live only 10 minutes from the water, so I'm lucky that when I decide to go for a bay fish, I can be in the water fishing within the hour, so quite often after working a weekend, I'll hook the boat up and go out solo for some peace, spoilt really. The out wide stuff, I have to tow at least 4 odd hours, which I don't mind, I'll normally take a weekend or so to make it worth it.
Crow, good eye. Because my factory is quite small, I did the re Gelcoating and flowcoating at a mates factory, he had all the gear. The truck you see, I'm not sure what it is, but where he works, they build custom hot rods, he actually makes the fibre glass moulds. He gave me a hand when it was time to spray, but I have to admit, he spent a few hours showing me around, there were replica bodies, t buckets and a bloke actually building an aluminium bodied replica of a 1920's coupe, who was there at the time working, truly amazing and the skill these guys possess is astonishing.
Hi Fred, Hmm, electronic gear. I keep changing my mind Fred. I am going to run engine data and navagation through a 9 inch simrad evo 3, then run a 12 inch Evo 3 as my main fish finder sonar, you can link both together and run multiple transducers The types of transducers available now is incredible, however, Humbingbird have really upped the anty as well now too with there tecnology, so I'll make the decision once everything else is installed and wired up. Boy, you can sure throw some coin at that sort of gear, I started with an old paper print out depth finder,, now look at where we are.
John, You start these projects with a fairly clear intention, But it changes during the process, that's been my problem. what was going to be a simple repair job has turned into a major customisation job, that's why these things take so damn long. But, I figure, while your there, you may as well do it, well, that's my line of thinking. Don't worry about how long it takes John, as long as when your finished, you don't regret having not added something, that's the key..... Any photo's of your rebuild john.
Thanks guys ( Don, I'm hurrying ) since my work vehicles off the road till Friday, what better opportunity than that, to borrow her indoors car and head down to the marine supply shop and buy MORE STUFF !!!!!
Need the helm seat, swivel slider for it, new marine aerial's and fittings,,,,,,it doesn't end, but it does put a wee smile on my face as new things get fitted and I see the end goal getting closer.........
cheers Guys
Col
$4100 is a lot of money to dish out at once, you must own a Ford ;D ...just joking of course :).
Mine wasn't that bad, he replaced the water pump, thermostat and a couple of minor things.
It is up to $800, but he's a friend and usually gives me 50% discount , I do lots of repairs at his 5 bay shop and always give him a good deal.
My truck is 22 years old and he always tells me not to get rid of it yet, it is a Ram 2500 and this is the first time I replaced parts on the motor, usually oil change, breaks and tires.
My truck works hard, at times I carry 1 ton of concrete + 700 lbs for the bump itself that was added to the truck...can't really complain.
Sorry for pulling away from your amazing upgrades on your boat, you are very talented.
It isn't always about how much, but the satisfaction you get from it when done.
Sal
Hi Sal, No, your not pulling away from my thread at all. I'm glad your truck may end up not to bad then, Mine, well, injector pumps on diesels are the one thing you don't want to replace, as I've just found out. Mine is a 16 year old Nissan diesel, which I've clocked up near 220'000 km's, it carries a steel rack for carrying glass sheets and tools, so it's carrying around 650 kilo's all the time, I cant really complain, it's done me well, but given me an unexpected holiday till it's fixed on Friday they are telling me. I sit there, thinking about what I could have spent on the boat, or what reels I could have bought for that amount,,, But, these things happen I guess.
I'm managing to get some time in on the boat, because of my vehicle problem, so it at least there is a sort of a plus, so to speak.
I'm swapping over the old existing pedestal seats, for fibre glass seat boxes, I think the photo showed the passenger one already fixed in, they have storage in them, which is a big bonus, once you cut a hole and install a hatch. I also bought some of these new u-bute helm flip up seats, where you lift up part of the seat and it can be used as a leaning post while driving standing up. The fibreglass box has an interesting attaching method, which I am really pleased about, no one likes putting any holes anywhere when you have just replaced the floor, I'll post up a picture of the system after I fit it up tomorrow,it may give others an idea should they ever have to do a similar job.
Col
Yes Col keep posting pics of your progress, I would love to see them and I'm sure so would anyone else.
You're going to have one sweet ride when done.
Sal
Ok, Had a relatively productive day today, One more free day before reality kicks in, my work vehicle is finished and I have to work for a living, But it has been good having a few days to spend on the boat fit out.....
I wont bore all with to many, but this was day 1 of the rebuild, the itchy,scratchy days...
Anyway's,
Today was spent fitting the helm side Fibre Glass seat box and seat slider etc.
I used to have 2 pedestal seats, really uncomfortable, and as noticed when the floor came up, a place where water ingress will happen ! it's not a
matter of if, it's when. My original floor was built with 8mm masonite, that in it self was quite frightening to find, as masonite will swell and rot and will
suck any moisture. This was the done thing for floors in boats in Aussie, my boat is an 88 model, I believe they used masonite right up to the early 2000's. Most new boats seem to be made with composites now, no timber anywhere to be found. I replaced my floor with 15mm marine ply, but treated it properly and would expect it would see me out.
I wanted seat boxes for this rebuild, they offer dry storage, tackle storage etc. The ones I was finding out there, all had a flange on the bottom, that you screwed the seat box down through the floor, I just wasn't keen on the standard fitting ones, but tracked down a guy that offered an alternative fitting method. While you still are screwing into the floor, this system at least gives you the opportunity, to really seal the bejesus out of it and I believe should eliminate water ingress issues of the other type.
Sorry, I can never seem to put up a post and a narrative and then add another, anyway,,
The above photo, is a plate system, with timber slats fibreglassed around the edges. You drill thru the timber slats and drive 316 stainless screws through
the floor, I couldn't help myself, I Pre drilled larger holes, filled the holes with a fibre glass mix, once cured, drilled a pilot hole, then drove the stainless
screws in. This system then gives you the opportunity to apply urathane over the heads of the screws, also seal around the edges of the plate where it meets the floor, then the Fibre Glass seat box sits on over the top and screwed into the timber slats of the plate, around the base of the seat box.
I guess after all the work involved in stripping the boat out, you get to see just what sort of damage water ingress actually causes and it's silent, until it's to late and the damage is done.
I think this has changed my attitude towards putting a drill anywhere near a boat now, or more to the point, when drilling, do it properly, if your boat has timber construction. The new transom will be interesting when it comes time to fit up tranducers and the like, but I have found that there are now systems where you epoxy a special pad onto the transom and then ,screw fix your transducers etc to the pad, hence, not penetrating the transom skin at all.
Anyways, the seat box's and seat's all fitted off, another job ticked off.
Tomorrow, a nervous day ahead, cut outs for the electrical switch gear and radios etc in the new dash and bulk head area !!!!!.
Col
Wow, you really make use of your day, that is quite a bit of work.
The new seats and boxes look great, I don't think they're going anywhere.
I don't specialize on fiberglass or boat customizing at all, but have been a carpenter and mason for 44 years.
I like the idea of the plate, we use that system to attach custom free standing cabinets at times, using wood of course.
Did you feel the 15mm floor wasn't strong enough to support the new seats? I'm not sure why you felt you had to drill large holes and fill them with fiberglass.
Not questioning your work, I can tell you know what your doing, just want to learn on my part... never too old to learn. :)
Thanks for the pics and process on how its done.
I hear you on the masonite, here most use OSB underlayment in kitchens and bathrooms. No matter how well they try to justify the material to me, it is something it will never be used in my remodeling projects. :)
I had a piece in my truck bed once, it was 3/4" when started, it turned into 2" after a few months...no thanks.
Keep the pics coming...no rush, I understand you need to work, I do as well.
Best,
Sal
Hi Sal,
The 15 mm floor would support the seats weight wise, no problems at all.
Now I must say here, I have never done a complete boat restoration or worked with fibre Glass before I started this rebuild,
So everything I've put into practice,or methods I've used, I've had to research and ask questions, so it's been a HUGE learning curve for me.
2 years or so ago, I stood there looking at my boat, going "what the @@@@ am I going to do !!!!!. It actually went to a proffesional after i initially cut everything out, but he made such a mess, I took the boat back and basically started from scratch again myself.
So, the bigger hole method you asked about. What I found out, was that most boat owners when adding stuff, drill a hole and squirt some urathane in the hole and in goes the screw. What I found out from shipwrights and fibreglass shops, was that this is where most of the rot in boats using timber or ply, starts from. No matter how much glue you use, the water eventually seeps in and down the thread and into the timber, they also said that most don't even use glue suitable for marine enviroments. So, its the edge of the 15mm ply after a hole is drilled that will be most vunerable should water ever start seeping in, So, by over sizing the hole that you actually need, then filling it with epoxy, then when thats cured drill a pilot hole, then putting your screw in that's needed, should water ever get down there, there is no exposed timber for it to rot. The timber floor faces and edges have all been epoxy coated and protected, but drilling a hole, exposes the edge in the marine ply ( if you follow) and this was really drummed into me by the shipwright, if there is no untreated timber, you will prevent future rot. He attributed, 90 % of transom replacements due to rot, was down to screws put in to hold the transducer or bait pump etc on the back of boats.
So it took about 2 hours for the epoxy to go off, ready to re drill, so it didn't really add that much time to the job.
Again, I can't claim credit for this method, But like you Sal, I recon your never to old to learn something new,,, and I asked a whole lot of questions.......
Considering the boat's floor can sometimes be ankle deep in water at times, when we cop a big one over the bow, or the continual deck wash
hosing it out etc, I wanted it to be as close to 100% water tight as I could get..........
Col
Aahh...it now make a lot of sense to me. Always good to ask questions...thank you!
Looks like you're doing a great job !!
Quote from: milne on August 01, 2019, 07:38:50 AM
I Pre drilled larger holes, filled the holes with a fibre glass mix, once cured, drilled a pilot hole, then drove the stainless
Really nice work there Col.
It doesn't seem like moisture could possibly travel along the screw threads, but it sure does. So, you want the screw encased in resin.
There is a sheet product like plywood that is made entirely of resin and fiberglass reinforcement. Our son bought home some scraps of it from work. It might be called FiberPlate but I will have to ask him if it is that or another product. What he showed me is about 3/8 inch but it comes thicker and thinner in 4x4 or 4x8 sheets. It's really stiff, a bit heavy, very pricy, but rot-proof and practically indestructible.
-steve
Thanks Crow.
Hi Steve,
Yes, there using mainly composite materials in all the new boats now, not a single piece of wood anywhere to be found.
I looked hard into this before starting mine, but in all honesty, it was going to end up costing way to much. I figured that if I use ply right throughout
treat it properly and take real good care of any bolts or screw, it should last me out and when i'm finished someone else should get a good few years out of it. I'm enjoying the journey, but I sure do not want to do this again.
Col
Been tinkering a bit more the last few day's, work vehicle now back ( $5500) seems a little short in the ignition wire, burn't out the ignition wire, followed by the injector pump and module, followed by the ECU unit and continued to the starter motor........ Geez.....
So it is the depths of winter down under, so it is a tad slow and patchy with work, so managed to cut and drill some 'oles.
Anyone that's fitted up new switch panels and the like in a pristine dash and bulk head will understand my nervousness !!!!!.
Measure twice, cut once is the old saying, I tripled that, measured about 15 times more like.
Wouldn't you also know it, I needed a 75mm hole saw for fitting up the steering wheel hydraulic base, Yep, had every size bar that one and with not much of a tolerance for the bolts, another trip to the hard ware store for something I'll probably not use again in my lifetime....
So, only have a am/fm radio to find a space for and somewhere to mount some speakers, then all my holes will be done and on with the wiring.
For those that are interested.....
Col
With still a mid winter Lull on the work front and my last electrical items a few days away from delivery,
I find myself in the extremely foreign territory of "electrickery"
I'm currently doing as advised, drawing up an electrical diagram/plan, however, for someone like myself that has as much of an idea of wiring as I do of aeronautics, it's become challenging, to say the least.
I have a supplier of all my electrical needs, that has said he will peruse my diagram and check it over to make sure all is good !,
However, I'm well aware of the potential disasters that could occur if not done correctly and have questioned my abilities on this current rebuild task.
I guess I could have said this about any stage of my rebuild and felt that sometimes challenging oneself on something new or out of the box is the way we actual learn something. I had to do some on water repairs prior to the boat being pulled off the water for the rebuild and I must admit, I was very lucky in the choices I made on the water at the time, not understanding at all the electrical principals at all and with deteriorating "un-tinned"wire rapidly failing thru the boat. This was a task in the beginning that I specifically wanted to do, more so to be able to understand the wiring and to be able to problem solve on the water should the need arise. I have had 2 friends near loose there boats thru failing wiring or incorrect do it your self additions they did, most people don't realise how dangerous a 12 volt system can be, especially with 150 ltrs of fuel and in all honesty a fairly combustible material our boats are made from. So it will be an interesting exercise... And I must say, once mine is completed, I intend to get someone to completely check out my work prior to commissioning her....
Who else does there own wiring on there boats, be it a complete new wiring job or just adding extra bits here and there ?????
Col
Col, if it was an easy job it wouldn't be iteresting :)...Good idea to check everything out afterwards, just to make sure.
Sal
If you use the same care and attention to detail on the wiring, that you have on the rest of the job.......no worries !!
Quote from: Crow on August 12, 2019, 10:48:15 PM
If you use the same care and attention to detail on the wiring, that you have on the rest of the job.......no worries !!
That's great encouragement for sure, thank you.
I think Sal hit the nail on the head......
Quote from: Alto Mare on August 12, 2019, 09:47:38 PM
Col, if it was an easy job it wouldn't be interesting :)...Good idea to check everything out afterwards, just to make sure.
Sal
If it was an easy job it wouldn't be interesting !.
Sal, There in lies my big problem, and why I think I put myself thru all this drama ! ;D.
I continually do it, I win some times and come down in a screaming heap other times, but I guess I wouldn't have it any other way.
A bit like some of the work you do on your reel builds and those magnificent handles you produce, It's kinda like you've got to have that bit of an adventurous nature, or at least have a go at something personality.
I remember my Grandfather, shortly before moving from New-Zealand to Australia many years ago, said to me,,,,,
He said "Col, Do you know I've not ever made one mistake in my whole working career" !!!.
He said, " I've actually made 100's, and that's the only way to learn things, from the actual mistakes.
I agree with him, but in this instance, I don't want my mistake to happen 60km out to sea ;D
Definitely get it checked out once done for assurance, for sure...
Col
Most great "success stories", are built up on a foundation of "tried, and failed" stories.......your Gramps was a wise man.....you learn WAY more from the "tried, and failed", than you do from the 1st time successes !
I understand your need for concern about the wiring job......if it fails you, at sea, it's a long walk home !! If you have an eperienced guy check your schematic, take care to use good materials, and use your usual (from what I've seen of your other work) attention to details, it'll be fine ! Maybe, for a bit of "peace of mind", do a few "practice connections", and have your "guy" look them over, and give a few suggestions (if needed) ?!
Just make your connections "secure"....mechanically, as well as electrically . Secure the wire "runs" so they aren't able to "chafe" against anything (or, each other), and put your fuses , or circut breakers in an easy to get to, and ventilated area, and use components of the correct size / capacity for the job (and of the best "quality" you can get !).
Wish I was "close enough" to drop by, lend a hand....and go with you on the " first trip" !!
Hi Col, great job our doing there, make sure you place a fuse in the wiring to your bilge pump, a mate of ours, turnt his bilge pump on, then could smell smoke, a length of braid, had tangled in the pump, over loading it, then the wire over heated, then the plastic started to burn, right next to his fuel line, luckily he manage to put it out, who ever fitted the pump, never place a fuse in the wiring, so keep up the good work your doing, cheers Don.
Looking good there mate!
Hi Crow, All great suggestions, and I think I'm going to head along those lines. I just need to work out total loads on the main positive wire going forward
Then each individual wire from there, that's really my greatest concern. I actually re wired an old Triumph Bonneville a while back, it was a lot easier as the entire loom came Pre built, I just had to make some adjustments to the standard set up. So I'm comfortable giving soldering and doing good crimps etc,, it's really getting the schematics and the right weight wire for each task. I've been doing a lot of research, and things are a wee bit clearer, but It does make me nervous !!!. And if ever you are down this way sir, there is always room on the boat for a quick fish close by, no problems.
Hey Don, Coincedently, on bilge pump wiring, I got a complete wiring diagram with the rule Bilge pump, which came with everything needed, which I thought was brilliant and it clearly shows that fuse you talk of. I'm having an auto option, as I sleep out occasionally and sometimes when over in Portland chasing the Tuna, the new Marina there offer secure mooring over night, which really saves launching cues etc, So I have that option of manual switch or setting it to auto when moored.
And that near disaster you mentioned, is why I am treading carefully with my re wire, I too have heard of some very close shaves.
A friend of mine got a deck wash fitted by the local marine shop, then went out for a few hours on the snapper, when he came in and was driving to the boat wash place about 2-3 km from the ramp, everyone was tooting at him, he thought that was strange. He arrived at the boat wash, drove straight into the bay, only to hop out of the car and find that smoke was billowing out of his boat. Luckily for him he was at the boat wash, so on with the water and situation averted. They had wired his deck wash wrong !! had he have carried on home and not stopped, by then it would have been alight for sure.
Hey Darin, Hope all is well mate !
Have you given that hotted up Squidder a good work out yet ???.
Mine is still sitting there half done at the minute, along with a couple of other projects.
Col
Thought I'd add to this thread, update !!!.
My biggest dread, "electrickery".
I'm going, circuit by circuit, SLOWLY, Must admit, thus far, the hardest thing to do on my rebuild.
I think it's more the ramifications if I don't get it right, seen a few boats fry out wide due to bad or old wiring, not a place I want to be at.
Need to get the boat to couple of places in April, one place to measure up for under floor tank, the other just down the road from there to make up a new canopy, but it will be a custom type,,,, so under the pump to get her wired up and ready....
We seem to get outboard "specials" come winter time, all the marine outlets trying to boost sales in the slower period, So under a deadline at the minute, to have it ready by then.... But like most things that happen with rebuilding a boat, apart from the cost, something always rears it's ugly head and a curve ball appears..................
Col
Sorry, photo side ways,,,,, behind the bulk head, when I first started, a little bit more done since, starting to look like it should..
Looks good, so far....keep it neat, and keep it simple.....!
It's coming along great Col! 8)
That pic made me smile. The empty negative bus bars tell me you have a ways to go. I've been chasing my boat project for almost a year.
Mahogany console remake, endless coats of varnish, all new electrical, new instruments, remove and replace interior, fiberglass repairs, trailer repairs......engine cleanup? What did I expect with an antique Whaler.
I had to take a break. My project is stalled.
Keep going Col. You have to inspire me, lol.
Looks nice so far. I might recommend a couple more hangers on the top hot lead to keep it from resting on the "fusion" component (speaker?) Every wire in a boat vibrates and moves, and the way it is sitting now I can see it eventually wearing through the insulation. If that bulkhead is in front of the console, start thinking about NMEA 2000 routing now.
The Man
Yes the Man, Ron, good advice, ay Col thanks for keeping us posted, very interesting, dont forget to mount your epirb in a position were your can get it in a hurry, now that dont meen that I am questioning your wiring, cheers Mate. Don.
Hi Guys, Yes, a long way to go !.
The wires hanging by the top of the speaker, will be held with cable ties, to the screwed in plastic clips, every 100mm or so. They are from the electric anchor winch, which I have re positioned, so the feed wires have to be replaced as they are now to short, so just temporarily positioning it at the minute to get a proper length for the new one.. Where the wires/cables go down the side of the bulk head, I am re drilling and using a conduit so there will be no chance of anything rubbing at all. The whole bulk head is new, I changed it up in the rebuild both sides, so it sure gives me a lot more room behind there to fix things to and try and make a neat wiring job, previously, it was terrible. All power cables are going down that side, any NMEA cables will go down the other side, to keep them all separate.
I have made a bit more progress, but not much, work has really interfered with my progress, but slowly getting there. Learning how to solder properly has been a challenge, but I have a WILL SUCCEED attitude LOL.
I'm going through it, one circuit at a time, I drew up a reasonably detailed wiring diagram before starting, but as mentioned time is my enemy at the minute, which is frustrating.
I'll get some progress Pic's up when I get some more done, It truly is one of those jobs that I would prefer to be doing something else, but on the same token, to have a good handle on your boats wiring will be hugely beneficial, before it was nothing but a birds nest and a disaster waiting to happen...
Rancanfish, I'm hearing you on the motivation factor,,,, I have gone through stages on this rebuild like that. It's been a huge journey for me and I have had stages of just simply putting it on hold to take a break. I wouldn't like to add up the hours I'm into this boat for, it would be frightening, BUT, it's all about the end game, seeing the progress from photo's I take sometimes sparks up my enthusiasm, but I do hear you......
Col
Just for those with any interest,,,,,,,I did mention I hadn't progressed much of late, But was down at the factory so took a snap of where I am up too.
I have two more circuits I am working on, Bilge pump and a light bat on the rocket launches, which will rout in with the other run wires.
But this is how I'm setting things out. The marking on the top left bulk head area, is what I am about to route out, to make the main cables run truer to the cable holders under the gunnel, So I'm still basically still designing and modifying things as I go.
I guess being my first real complete wire job, the need to be able to understand and to be able to do any necessary repair while out on the water is my main aim. I had an experience a few years back of being first on the scene of a small trailer boat damn near burn't to the water line, was a huge shock and realisation of indeed just what 12 volt systems can do if not done properly. I remember the poor owner afterwards saying he just had a deck wash fitted, but it was by a marine shop, it was proved later that that was the cause, truly scary experience to see.
Anyways here's where I'm sort of up to, but I have pre soldered ready, my bilge and strip lighting for the rocket launcher, ready to feed in and connect.
Buz bar on the right is all my negative feeds, the bar on the left is my main Positive feed in and Pos, feeds out to the above switch panels and fuse box panel for un switched items........... It goes on..
Damn, photo still sideways LOL
Col
looking good mate!
big project and looks very clean. cant wait to see more.
Col, et.al., do you use any coating of some kind to protect wire connections when done?
I recommend Super Lube Silicone Dielectric Grease on all electrical connections.
I went thru my 2007 Lund this year and cleaned all my connections with a wire detailing brush, applied dielectric grease to both sides, and reassembled. That took case of excessive voltage drops on several of the circuits. If any of the slide terminals were loose I squeezed them a little until they fit snug.
Boats take a beating and need a little TLC (even when they are stored inside like mine is).
Quote from: Gfish on May 20, 2020, 05:04:25 PM
Col, et.al., do you use any coating of some kind to protect wire connections when done?
My Apologies Gfish, I missed your post,, Yes, as per WeyeFisherCO's post, yes definitely, I use a dielectric grease on all my connections.
Salt water is a killer of wiring in a boat, even tinned wire, it's a bit like the hull of a boat moored, it's not a case of if it gets barnicles stuck underneath, it's a case of when and how long.
My Boat project has sort of been on hold of late, I've managed to tinker a wee bit here and there, but haven't been able to allocate enough time to dedicate to it. It's kind of a job that you need at least 3-4 hours straight at any given time, or you loose track of where and what you were up too.
At the minute I've been mounting breather pipes and water filter/separator down back. I do need to pull finger though, as I'm hoping to get a new 4 stroke fitted when the sales come on in May-June. It will be nice to have the boat back on the water, let me tell you...
Col
Hey Col, get back to it brother! Here's my latest painted parts. Slow and sure, primer, 3 coats paint, 3 coats clear, wait a week and then buff.
Johnson VRO 70?
Yessir, runs good, came with my Whaler. I bought a second complete engine for the trim and tilt, then found this t&t in great shape for $50 on craigslist. The second outboard is supposedly rebuilt but the guy couldn't start it. I haven't had time to even play with that motor yet. $200 for that deal.
Quote from: Rancanfish on February 11, 2021, 05:49:56 PM
Hey Col, get back to it brother! Here's my latest painted parts. Slow and sure, primer, 3 coats paint, 3 coats clear, wait a week and then buff.
Wow, That is sure looking the goods there !! It will come up like a brand new motor !! Brilliant.
It's a slow process this boat re building Caper isn't it, But every time you get a wee bit done, its getting closer to the end target..
I've seriously learned some new skills along my journey, which I recon is part of what it's all about.
Great progress happening there Rancan !! Very nice work indeed...
Col
Can't believe the date of my last post on my thread here !!.
BUT, Along with a few other things that stalled my boat progress over the last 12 months, the good news is, that in 2 days, the old girl will be sea worthy again. It's amazing how projects get side tracked and completion dates keep rolling on, like life.
I'll get some photo's up over the next couple of days, before she get's dropped into the marine shop for the new 4 stroke to be fitted ;D.
Were my eyes to big for me belly ? would I take on another project like this again ? Hell no/yes !!. I take my hat off to those in the industry, it's easy to complain about what the cost of rebuilding a boat is, when you get on the phone and ring around, but in all honesty, it probably would have been way cheaper had I have out laid the coin and got a professional to do the job !! But even though it's taken near 4 years, and countless hours, the whole journey has been such a learning curve. I might of mentioned this before, but my wiring when I removed it, was completely coated with the green stuff we often see and clean off our reels !, some parts of the wiring, actually collapsed in my hands when removing it, Jeez, that's a fire just waiting to happen. beforehand, had I had an electrical issue while out on the water, I would have been stranded without a clue, like a stunned mullet !.
So putting myself through all this, has actually helped me understand a whole lot of stuff that I had absolutely no idea on. I'd never before had anything to do with fibre glassing, yet alone stripping the boat to the bare hull and removing the transom, the structural bum of the boat..
Anyways, a few wee jobs before taking it in Monday for a new u-bute Donk, so I'll take a couple of finished picks of the hull.
She's only a little 18 fter but like most things I own, I can't seem to sell or scrap anything, if it at all can be restored...
Col
Cool. Love to see some pictures. I've found at times, stretching-out a project gives me better perspective. Pushing to get a project done can result in shoddy, hurried work that doesn't last.
Even on my simplistic kayak wiring(motor and fish-finder systems) it's a constant upkeep deal. Easy access to terminals is a thing, but not always feasible.
Thankfully my long uncluttered living room can a temporary dry-dock!
Congratulations Col! I'm sure that you had at least a few moments when you were tempted to give up, and you had the fortitude to battle through them.
Now you have a boat that you can trust, and know every inch of, and can go to sea with the confidence that you can deal with any issue that might arise.
Here's to many years chasing the fish of your dreams!
Randy
Cant wait to see the latest pics. A long journey is coming to a close and a new one beginning.
there must be fishing pics to follow.
Should be good Col, you can go a long way with an 18 footer, in the right conditions, you should get many years of safe boating after all the work you have done there, and many good feeds of fish, cheers Don.
By the way Col how did the shifting go, cheers Don.
Hi Don, All I can say is, This will be my last move !!! ;D
Hope all is well over your side Don.
Col
So I pulled her out of it's sleeping place, ready for tomorrows drive to the marine shop for it's new Donk.
Still needs a sun protection canopy or what we call a bimini... And the gunwhale rubber, just plain run out of time to get that fitted on time.
Electronics still have to go in, still mulling over what brand and transducer options to use.
She's just a little "big boat", nothing as big and flash as you blokes have state side, but it's small enough to do the rivers and lakes, but she absolutely loves it out wide in the blue stuff. Because of it's small cuddy cabin up front, there's a heap of deck space room to fish from. I still pick my days of course, but she has accounted for some nice bill fish out wide over the years, they made these old dinosaur hulls thick and tough, Bit like me, with out the tough part ;D
Can never work out how to put a group of photo's in one post with narrative...
My computer skills havent quite got there yet ;D
So this was the inside during the big chop out, basically down to nothing..
To this ...
Re did the stringers and bulk heads under the floor, made the underfloor tank cavity larger to carry more fuel for those out wide trips.
Put bulk heads between the helm and the small cuddy cabin, which was open before, still to finish that area off, will be soley used for storage only, was always to small to sit in there or even have a kip on overnighters. Got rid of the original pedestal seating which was un functional and had some new seat boxes with storage made up and fitted some comfortable bolster seats which flip up so they can be used as a leaning/standing post when out in rougher stuff where sitting isn't comfortable. Finished everything off with a new speckle coat everywhere. I filled up all the old switch holes, plugged them up and re gelcoated, already for the new Suzuki gauges.
The transom got the u-but upgrade as well, raising it to take a 25'' motor leg,,, keeps the head out of the water a little bit further, especially out wide.
All re Gel Coated as well, a blank canvas for the marine mechanic to fit up the new engine.
It's going to be hard for me to drill any holes in the transom, for the likes of transducers and deck and live bait pumps, especially since that's where most of the transom damage comes from over time. I'm looking at those ready made blocks of special plastics that get fibre glassed on to the stern so as you can then screw into them rather than the transom, deck savers I think they call them.... anyway, that's on the list for when the boat returns...
Nothing special up front happened, just refitted the anchor winch and set up the " boat catch" again, these are two of my most important and best extra's on the boat. Not sure if you guys have these Boat catches over your way ?? maybe there made there, Dunno. Effectively they make solo fishing, Fun !!.
Just a simple cord pull when launching and the boat is released to drift back, then when back at the ramp, simply drive the boat on the trailer, boat catch locks in when fully on, and Bobs your Uncle !! No more winching the boat back on..
Apologise if this is boring people ;D
Down back inside is pretty straight forward, tried to make everything simple and functional, kind of a must in a small boat when your out wide.
Still have to set up a decent live bait tank up against the back, one of the many other jobs that boating seems to always have, your never actually completely finished setting up you boats, it changes consistently ;D.
Well that's it !!.
I've fully checked out all my new wiring, seems to be working well, the boat never melted down overnight ! touch wood... But I've given instruction to the marine mechanic to do the once over for me while fitting up the motor.
Won't get her back for near 2 weeks, the marine shop is down a man, but no issues from me there, plenty to do at our new place.
This has been, a pure labour of love,, you were right Randy, many many times I walked away from her, saying, enough is enough, especially trying to do what qualified blokes do for a living... But it's been worth it, well, now it is ;D, never realised how bigger job it really was, till I was knee deep..
Col
Great job, like a new boat only better. Thanks for the run down.
Really sweet Col. You should be proud. I'll definitely remember the trick about glassing blocks onto the transom.
Quote from: oc1 on February 20, 2022, 07:34:26 AM
Really sweet Col. You should be proud. I'll definitely remember the trick about glassing blocks onto the transom.
Hi oc1,
I think there called Stern savers, and I'm sure there a US product, they come pre made, different sizes, the plastic pad has holes in the back, it comes with a 2 part epoxy tube, so with a little sanding prep in the spot, it's pretty straight forward to glue on.
A lot of blokes here just use marine Sika, but I've heard of many instances where they have let go. You pay a bit more for the Ready to go kit of the stern saver, so if you can mix up some epoxy yourself and buy the proper plastic stuff, you would save a bit of coin, but the principle of it is brilliant.
I mean, I will have a transducer, at least one pick up for a bait pump and deck wash, so the holes mount up real quick. That's where most of the water ingress comes from and then it's only a matter of time. You can drill as many holes to re position what ever your fixing to the transom, so no disadvantages really.
Yes, it's come up good, thankyou. Once the motor is on and I have it back, fit out all the extra's, then finally I get out on the water, I'm sure I will have that "proud " feeling ;D
Cheers
Col
Hi Col, it looks great man, one thing I may draw your attention to is, if the drain pipes in the bait board are not large enough, then the liquid in the bait, will spill over into the back of the boat, I have a mate here, he has a seat across the back, and the liquid spills over onto the seat, as the drain hoses sometimes block up with small peices of bait, cheers Don.
Hi Don,
My " fish and chip vat" as my mates used to call it LOL, the bait board is a good one, had it made by a mate 8-9 years back, what I did was drain the underneath part, so I have removable bait boards slightly down from the top, with drain holes in each corner, under that is about a 3 inch depth to where the drain holes and piping come from. It did block up once that I can remember, but it's contained in the body of the whole thing, it can hold close to 10 plus litres so it would take a lot to spew over. But I here what you are saying.. I put mesh over the outlet holes so large pieces of bait couldn't find there way down the hose and block it. I'll take a photo of it when I get the boat back.
Can't remember what it cost me to get made, mate knocked it up for a cashy, but she is a solid lump of Stainless, has 4 different angled rod holders sunk into it, which get used all the time,,, I'd hate to think what it would cost to get made up now LOL.
Just got back from dropping the boat off, he was well and truly under the pump, a man down so I won't see it for 2 weeks, not an issue in all honesty, It's been 4-5 years since I started so a few more weeks won't matter. I was kinda chuffed after I went thru everything with the marine mechanic, organised where the gauge was going where the controls were going etc, after he went over everything he asked did you do all this, which I replied yes, he shook his head and told me I can have a job at his shop !! Tongue and cheek ofcourse, but kinda made me feel good about the end result I managed.
OK, my head swelled a bit... ;D
Back to reality, more gardens to clean up and weed !!!
Hope all is well over your side Don.
Col
A great project to be proud of, the boat looks perfect for the job.
Hope she will give you much pleasure on the water as well.
Thankyou Cor,
Hope all is well with you over your side of the world...
Col
Still a few wee clean up jobs to tinker with, but apart from sounder and canopy, Oh and the Gunwhale rubber, she's done..
My Little big boat !!!..
WE have been getting flooded out down under, all down the east coast, the weather is horrendous, so no time to spend doing those tinkering jobs, more concerned about stopping flood water......
But the new Donk is on and I might even go down the river to put a few hours on the engine when the weather improves, just to give me the final motivation to finish those pesky little jobs on her..
well, wouldn't you believe it, had the new 4 stroke and the boat in a ready state, for near 6 weeks and still haven't managed to put her in the water !!!!.
We've been experiencing un seasonal rain fall, causing major flooding and local boat ramps closed, with the odd day that has been good weather wise, the planets have not aligned.
So, I have about 2 1/2 weeks, before the mandatory 2 months Warrantee service, where I'm expected to have 20 hours on the motor 8) ....
So, she is getting dipped tomorrow morning, I've roped in one of the old blokes up the road, who has fished our large river nearby for bass, since Adam was a kid ;D ... Kind of happy with that, going into Virgin waterways has never been one of my favourite things, nothing better than having an experienced bloke sitting next to you, pointing out any issues along the way. They have only just re installed most of the marker bouys along the river, most were swept away during our storms over the last 2 months.
So we will be heading up stream, its about 10-15 kilometers up to the head water, then we have a tributary of our main river to explore as well, hopefully that should clock up 4-5 hours on the engine, as well as old mate pointing me out some hot bream locations along the way.
The weekend also brings an opportunity to head out of the river and go out wide, another neighbour regular on the game fishing scene has offered for me to follow him out, through the headland bar.. Again, I've crossed many a bar over my time, but never to proud to be shown through for the first time by an experienced local. From there it's only about 10 miles out to the shelf, which is the closest on Australia's whole east coast. At the minute the black Marlin are still hanging around due to out unusually warm waters and the tuna are starting to make an appearance, so hopefully I kill two birds with one stone over the next week or so.
will try and get some decent Pic's...
Col
Well, good luck with the fish...and great job on the boat!!
Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you getting all the little kinks out and working in some fishing time along with it. Good to have that local knowledge, have fun, be safe!
The boat and your great skills look really good, Col!
Best, Fred
Good Col, have a nice time, with your maiden voyage, one thing I find when placing the boat back onto the trailer, is to just have the back roller only just under the water, then as you pull the boat out of the water, the #### end will line up straight with the rollers, good luck cheers Don.
I put almost $18,000.00 into a 1976 Aquasport 17' center console.
Everything on it was brand new. Every nut bolt, screw, wire, and electronics, poly gas tank, we're new. The 90 horse Evinrude was rebuilt with a 3 year warranty.
It's top speed was 45mph. With its low deadrise Hull it would slide through the turns.
I did most of the work myself but the gel coat I farmed out.
My neighbor bought it for $8,000.00.
Keith
I'm hearing you Keith,
I think you never really get back what you put into these old fibre glass boats, unless you intend to get the full use out of them on the water..
Well, had the maiden voyage, the new engine went flawlessly, you would have needed a crow bar to pry the smile off my face Only one wee hiccup which I will have to look into, the hydraulic steering gave me some grief, so I'll have to have a wee tinker with that before the next trip..
Tried to upload a wee video of our run, but wouldn't down load. Took a couple of stills, not the best photo's but gives you an idea of the size of this river, some beautiful properties positioned right on the banks, some with there own small jetties, very nice indeed.
I'll take better perspective photo's next time out..
Col
Its 3 months later and I am sitting here wondering how the boat is working out and what you are fishing for?
Update when you can. :d
I hope this helps yall feel better. This one is still for sale.IMG_0481.jpg
Yep we need MO pix.
Excellent work my friend. I feel your pain monetarily as I restored a 1960 Chris Craft Super Sport with a V-8 283 Chevy engine.
Solid Mahogany top and Bottom .Bottom was true Ship Lap not plywood like the Runabouts.
I had a company re-caulk and tighten all the Brass Screws on the Bottom and I did everything else .
Maiden Voyage they had left a six foot plank loose and my Daughter said there was water seeping in ,which I said it's ok the Cotton Caulk is still swelling to seal off . Nope ,had a B-52 Fuel transfer Pump as a bilge shooting a 1 inch stream of lake water 20 foot in the air but just could not pump the Lake Dry enough to Keep the Stern a float and Blub ,Blub Blub .........
Bust Out Another Thousand
Quote from: David Hall on July 23, 2022, 03:01:32 PMIts 3 months later and I am sitting here wondering how the boat is working out and what you are fishing for?
Update when you can. :d
I missed this post, my apologies David.
Not a heck of a lot to report unfortunately.... Got 2 or 3 more runs up the river and one run thru the bar and out wide, no fishing, to get the required hours done for the mandatory 3 month service on the new engine,, THEN, the weather here has been atrocious for the last 2 1/2 months !! Out wide has been out of the question because of the storms we have been having, and with the water temperatures that remained unusually high throughout, prolonging the marlin season, we could all only watch. The winds quickly turned into heavy rain and we have been getting absolutely smashed with recurrent storms, we have had near 600mm of rain in the last 6 weeks alone. But, things are now on the turn and hopefully in the upcoming few weeks, we should be able to get out and hit our tuna season..The river is normally a good option when out wide is too rough, but the river has been a chocolate brown and full of logs from all the rain we have had... I only started the motor up yesterday to keep everything charged and just stood there shaking my head while it idled away :( ... Hope to be out and about over the next week or so and will definitely post up some photo's of what we manage to wind in...
Col
Wow those are storms that we never see here, we can't seem to get an inch in California. already into our fire season. I feel for you having to wait them all out.
can't wait to see some action pics hang in and soon enough the fishing grounds will open up for you.