Thanks, Jim. Not sure yet when I'll get to the cabin door. Right now I'm only thinking about the stuff that has to happen before the launch; wiring, switches, control cable, running lights, registration numbers, etc.

Once I've run her, I'll sit down and make up a list of stuff that still needs to be done to complete the project. There will be other wood trim, and I need to find a local source of African Teak or another species that looks good along side it.

Dave

Not even on the radar yet. I see you're making some progress on yours.
Dave

HOLY SHEET ! I was searching for some info on basic mold-making and came to this thread. I had never read any of it before.

It took an hour or so, but I just went thru 30 or so pages of your project.

It's mind blowing !

All the thought and planning ! And then... the execution of it all !

Congratulations - you have truly built a masterpiece.

I hope you enjoy the hell out of her...

Yes. After a year and a half of this, I think my mind may be blown. :D

Thanks for the kind words. Gotta get her done and go fishin'.

Dave

Don't feel bad, I just crossed the 2 year mark!!! Thank god I am almost done.

Amen to that, Sean!

I'm still on track for an initial launch next Saturday. Got lots of little stuff done over the past two weeks:

* Fresh anodes installed on outdrive and trim cylinders.
* Outdrive installed, trim sender and trim limit switch adjusted.
* Outdrive filled with fresh gear lube.
* Installed rigging tubes under the starboard gunnel for control cables and misc. wiring.
* Remote control installed, cables connected and adjusted.
* power trim and " trailer up" switch wired and tested.
* Ignition switch installed and wired to neutral safety switch.
* All gauges, including vacuum and Flo Scan connected and working.
* Installed switch panels at the helm.
* About 80% done with installation and wiring for the trim tab pump and controls, including Bennett's AC3000 Auto tab controller.
*Installed prop and fired up the engine and put it in gear to make sure the prop turns in the right direction. (It does. :D)

The end is near.
Dave

When you get to 4 years let me know...I will tell you what it really feels like:p

Hahaha! I am shooting for April, so hopefully I never get there.

Splash
 

One year, seven months, and five days after starting work, she went back in the water yesterday. The launch was a success with only a couple bugs to work out. I was too preoccupied to take pics, but I had friends along who helped with documentation. We got lots of video, but it takes forever to upload. Stills are a lot quicker, so I'll post what I've got so far.

Final preparations at the house before departing.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0321.jpg

We launched at Fanning Springs on the Suwanee River, the closest ramp to home.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0323.jpg

The boat at the top of the right hand ramp in this video is my buddy Greg who came along to assist if we had any problems. He also served as camera boat while Erich shot some video.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...G_0326Ramp.jpg

Cruise is a comfortable 33 mph at about 3300 rpm.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...hortcruise.jpg

And when you give her a little more throttle, she'll get up and move.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...eafariJump.jpg

I'm very happy with performance so far. I've got to finish getting her rigged for fishing and take her out in the Gulf to see how she handles the chop.

The 350 Mag MPI seems to be just right on power. I was able to keep her on plane down to about 14 mph, and touched 43 mph without opening her all the way up. Won't know WOT speed until I get through the first 10 hours of the break in period.

I'm glad I raised the helm deck, at least so far. I'll have to see how comfortable it is when trolling or on the hook in bumpy water. But running in smooth water or just floating along enjoying the river it's at a good height.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_0341.jpg

I've stilll got a lot to do, but yesterday was a great day on the water and I'm glad the trial run went well.

Dave