Can't wait for this rain to stop so I can get back to work.

My sander called said it missed me!!

I'm not too far from laying the 1st coat of primer (hopefully)

Got around to spaying the 2nd coat of primer yesterday and a thought came up.

I'm at the point where I have the boat taken apart and I started thinking of a t top install in the future.

Now I know that they go screwed into the deck and some in the console.

As to the deck...would it be aggod idear or not to cut into the sides of the coffin where the gas tank goes and place some type of backing to the underside of the floor where the t top would go screwed into to? then reglass the area that was cut out
Has anyone tried this? is it a good/bad idea

This may help reinforce the area that holds down the top

the backing plates is a great idea - not sure what tank you have but mine has a compartment under the front of the console where my batteries are that would work I think - mine is 48 gal - that area may be taken up with the larger tank

I have the larger tank that takes up the whole coffin


Does anyone have some approximate measurements on where/how big to make the backing plates and where to place them

Plan would be at least 1/2 marine ply encapsulated with glass/mat prior to placement

Backing plates would be a great idea. I have to re do my t-top and CC bc nidaboard,which is hollow, was used and the screws backed out while running. I think that the measurements might vary depending on the t-top. I can measure if you let me know which ones you want.

Yes I think that it could change depending on the t top you install
I'm just going to go bigger and cover a larger area since I don;t know what top I will be installing or when. I guessing some where just outside the edge of the console and make the it 4-5 inches wide and maybe 12 inched long I thing that would cover most of the possible areas in questions.. From what I have seen most front legs go just about where the front of the console ends and the rears the same but towards the rear of the console. Either way I can have the manufacture make it close to those areas

i'm about ready to start putting the boat back together and I was wondering if someone close had any extra coal tar that was left over when they did their gas tank?

Finally got the floor done and ready for primer tommorrow

I don't really want to buy some and have 1/2 stored in the shed un used

I'm almost finished spraying the inside with the primer.
I still have to do the coffin and 4 spots that came up with pin holes and the bottom of the outside hull
I want to say not bad for a rookie with a small compressor doing it in the driveway

Jorge...glad to see some more pictures....looking good..I know how it is to do all in the driveway!
Keep the pics coming!

-Fred

Looking good Billy Ray!!!

Looks good. I have certainly enjoyed my 77' MA.
Just curious what are your plans for where the factory carpet was on the inside?

Still open but easiest would be some type of rug.

Any suggestion?

NO RUG just paint it... You put in so much time make it right might as well go all the way. Would love to pass by and check out your work Jorge

Jorge
How bout some type of marine grade heavy vinyl? like nautolex etc.... or even white vinyl flooring material with waterproof adhesive???
might be better for upkeep etc than rug/carpet?!
or go paint route

-Fred

never thought about the marine grade heavy vinylor white vinyl flooring material

But a short light grey/black rug may be what I do

When done with the boat it will have a full cover so up keep with either will be less but I need to put some thought into it

Give me a call and come by

Just wanted to warn you pictures lie

786-287-5370

jorge

Never thought about some vinyl, but seems like it may work. As far as carpet just seemed to be a pain to clean when it was on mine and would start to stink with guts, blood, etc all over it.
I ended up using a farrow system blaster to blast the inside walls when i blasted the bottom paint off. Worked good for getting in between all the woven roven to get a good bond with the fairing compound I used. I put about 300 hours on it since last April and the sides are holding up good. I was worried about it cracking but I have put it throught the ringer and if it was goin to crack I think It would of by now.
My other option was to lay some 1.5oz mat over it then fair it out.

Vinyl will mildew, especially if you keep a cover on the boat. I have quite a bit of problem with mildew on my vinyl coaming bolsters and I keep a bucket of damp-rid in the cabin with the front hatch cracked a couple inches.

I think Potter had it right - stick with indoor/outdoor carpet. The only complaint I have with it is the ugly yellow/orange color on mine. I might have to actually replace my 40 year old OEM carpet one of these days with something that looks better!

Forget painting it, by the time I get it smooth enough to paint the summer will be over

I think that thr rug option is the way to go.

Now another question

I plan to paint the sides tha same blue it had and the rest white

Which do i paint 1st? The sides or the rest?

Well the weather was not doing too well this weekend and the rain was off and on ay my house.

I did get out the ss rail and fittings, cleats and other fittings and polished them up in anticipation and mainly I was bored.

Hopefully the weather will be better this week end so I can get the paint done!!!

I borrowed a engine hoist and plan to attack the engine paint this week

Now is there a "better" way of doing the hull

Should I paint the sides (Blue) 1st and then the bottom and the intrerior (white)

Or go with the white and then the blue

Or does it matter?

Well I picked up the paint from one of my clients and WOW what a discount he gave me along with some tips.

I'm going with Dupont Marine Finishes.... Hull sides will be the same original blue and the rest will be mattahorn white.

I have the hull ready to go just need the weather to cooperate. Hopefully on Saturday I will start

I still need to pick up the non skid...any suggestions? And what type of rollers to buy?

Also in what order should I paint.. all the white then the blue or does it matter?

I also want to thank Evan (Blue197320 ) for getting me the binnacle

your welcome. hope you get some color on it this weekend!

Well I came home from work early and could not wait till tommorrow.

So I masked off the gunnel and sprayed on the 1st coat of the blue.

I think that for being a total rookie it can out better than I ever imagined

The water is getting closer!!!

I can't figure out how to attach photos

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...s/photo-13.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3.../rightside.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...s/sideview.jpg

Up early in the morning to get the bottom and inside done.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...ics/inside.jpg

She's lookin good, Jorge. You've gotta be happy with that.

BTW, about damn time you posted some pics.

Dave

Looking good :D



Attachment 1245

Ready for the inside and gunnels

Did the 1st coat not perfect but came out pretty good.

I'm going let it dry till the morning and then do the hatches and 2nd coat.

I may tackle the engine paint job some tomorrow if time permits

tuesday I plan on getting the non skid done

I need some help with the pattern of the non skid in the rear area of the gunnels.

I have on both sides hatches that cover the bait well and on the other a storage/bait storage.

I did not take detailed pics of that area and I don't remember how the non skid was applied in that area.

Can anyone please send me pics of those 2 areas?

I would appreciated it!!!!

Went and did the non skid came out pretty nice although the pics came out terrible

Next thing is to spary the console and 2 rear hatches and then the putting it all back together begins. The weather may turn to a fair chance of rain so will see how that goes.

Well I almost done with the paint, all that remains is the bottom and I'll get that tomorrow

Nice.

I'm honered by your comment

Rub Rail installed Gas tank along with all new hoses.
Man are stainless screws bolts and nuts expensive!!

Today the console and splash well go on

I still need to finish painting the bottom.... Monday or Tuesday

Waiting for rod holders to come in
And then more money for electronis, leaning post

Soon I'll be on the hunt for a aluminum trailer

Rub rail installed gas Tank with all new hoses installed
Today console and splashwell go in

Man are stainless nuts & bolts & screws expensive!!

Need to finish the bottom paint...Monday or Tuesday

Next comes more $$ for electronics, leaning post and Aluminum Trailer

Also paint and hang the engine and take it to mechanic for what ever it needs

There are so many small things left to do!!!!

I am giving me a splash date of June 1st which is when I head down to the keys

lookin good! youre makin some nice progress.

Made a little more progress and here are some night time picts

I need to think on how I will set up the console and also the trim and doors I love the look of teak but I know it a yearly project to get looking good again

Still lots to do as far a electrical, steering, fuel. paint the engine etc etc etc etc

better day time pics to follow

Man is the list getting longer!!!!!!!!

It's starting to look like a boat!!!

Installed the steering but need to finish it off tomorrow
Ran the engine harness also
Need to start thinking about the electrical
Batteries will go under console

lookin good

Jorge, that is coming together SWEET! Been following along being that I have a 79 MA. Spent the day yesterday cleaning mine after being stored outside for last six weeks for a fuel leak. Finally pumped out all fuel and put her back in the boathouse. When I get back from vacation I need to remove fuel tank and replace. Can you tell me if I need to remove console entirely, or can I unbolt it and lean it to starboard, as my brother did with his 18 last summer? I have the 68/72? gallon and plan to duplicate. Thanks. Michael.

Keep up the progress! I have a Boston Whaler 15 project I haven't touched in two years... Also, I have a 2 ton chain fall in another garage for swapping out csb 350 in a Jersey Skiff. I've heard these tanks can be tough to remove.

One more question. My floor hatches look identical to yours. The rear hatch is shot and will require recoring. My question, if tank is original, the small 6"X6" (hatch/inspection plate) has no core and is raised due to the fuel fill neck. Did you experience this problem? Wish I could figure out how to post pics!!! Part II.

Can you tell me if I need to remove console entirely, or can I unbolt it and lean it to starboard, as my brother did with his 18 last summer? I have the 68/72? gallon and plan to duplicate.

If its like mine it has 2 floor hatches 1 large and 1 small you may have to un bolt the console to get the smaller one up and out of the way. Try 1st to get it out just getting out the tank with taking out the larger of the 2 hatches. Some tanks come up easier than other ( mine was easy)

My floor hatches look identical to yours. The rear hatch is shot and will require recoring. My question, if tank is original, the small 6"X6" (hatch/inspection plate) has no core and is raised due to the fuel fill neck. Did you experience this problem?

My floor hatch was in excellent condition and I had to do nothing to it. I would try to duplicate it if possible if not enclose it and us a pir plate thats water proof. i don't think that doing a re core is that difficult

Good luck

Jorge