I finished my 20 last summer and said never again. 3 months later I started looking for a project 23 Hull, and in March brought one home in far worse shape than the 20 was when I started on it. One thing I did learn and will stick to is boat building in south Florida is a winter time sport. 150 hours on the one I finished so far and loving it, in no hurry to get the 23 going. May skip it and go 25 now to skip a size

So what does your 23 look like? anyway you can send me some pictures?

With work the heat and the afternoon rains some progress happened. Sea Star steering is in and working. Started on installing the 5inch Bay Manufacturing extension. While I have the lower unit off I'm changing the water pump and oil seals. Having some issues getting the right seals and ebay would take till the end of the month. The actual installation is pretty straightforward....so far. Depending on the storm heading our way this weekend the boat is scheduled to get the non skid fixed on Monday. Then it need the key switch and trim to be wired. I plan on getting at least 1 bilge pump working for the hopefully splash for Labor day weekend.

Got a price on a new trailer. Dual axle, brakes, guides and front bunks and some other extras..$ 2400. 3 week wait from order date.

Going to install the 2 bilge pumps but not sure how thick the hull is but don’t want to screw it in that way. One guy told me to just use 5200 but don’t like that either.

What are some ideas???

On the progress . Non skid is done, 5 inch extension and new water pump and oil seals are done, gas tank fuel filter is done, batteries are almost done.

Engine control cables are up next. I want to get the engine started and see how it runs and then get the carbs rebuilt

I’m using a plastic cutting board. Starboard would work but very hard to get here. Local boat builder told me to:

Cut to fit between stringers. Screw Bilge and switch to cutting board. And gluing cutting board down using 4200 to hull.

Hope that helps.

I think that will work

Thanks

So in between work and the rain not much progress has happened. I did get some things ready to be installed when the afternoon rains let up. Bought some PVC board and mounted the 2 bilge pumps to it ready to be glued down in the bilge. Also have the Livewell pump and valve ready. I have been buying small things like new hinges and popup cleats, hoses, blueseas fuse box, bilge access hatch, and many other small things......boy do they add up.

Purchased a Icom VHS radio, Garmin 94sv, and fusion stereo and speakers and ordered a black panel for the console to install the
boca tech switches and electronics, so when the time comes it's ready.

The budget dictates that I use my existing leaning post so I had it powered coated white as the aluminum was in poor shape and I'm have made a new cushion. It's going to have to do for now.

With the rain today all I was able to get done was the bow light and pop up cleat

Picked this up today and it will be installed later ...its too hot right now

Also went trailer shopping today since my yard trailer is toast

Rocket trailer quoted my a aluminum dual axle 7000 lbs stainless steel...etc for $2450 and when I talk to the owner I may be able to knock some off that...he owes me a favor
Best I could do was $2875 somewhere else

Nice!

Got a little bit do e today but boy is it hot a d I can't move the boat under a tree because of a broken trailer. But I'm excited

Looking real good man. Remember the sooner you get this one done the sooner you start a 23.

[QUOTE=lelandtampa;269557]Looking real good man. Remember the sooner you get this one done the sooner you start a 23.[/QUOTE

And I thought you like me....lol

Thinking a lot on the 23 .....and now a real nice skimmer craft flat boat is pulling me hard.

Ordered some more goodies that should be in by Wednesday

So I looked around for a nice trailer and it's either junk or when nice was more money than new.
So today I finally ordered a brand new trailer from Rocket Trailers. Shopped other brands but liked them the best and since know the owner I got a great discount. Other brands were at least 500+ for a single axle 2, no brakes

Dual axle with brakes, all stainless steel, front bunks, guides, extra tire and base.
They are stacked up with orders but should be about 2 weeks.
Took picture of a 24ft trailer, but mine is 22ft..

Bought some other goodies today ....Fusion radio and speakers, Garmin 94sv .

Who knows maybe I'll finish soon

So what do you do when your son shows up with a very nice dual axle aluminum trailer he paid for?

It used but its nice.....AND FREE

You give him a great big hug and invite him to go fishing any time!

So I went and saw the trailer. Not bad for $500. Actually it's in pretty nice condition, needs a little cleanup but solid all around. Need to see if the brakes work but not bad at all

I'd take two at at price!

Heck yeah!

So I got the boat off the old trailer, got some blocks and wood and it came off easily.

Sold the old one for $175 in 2 hours after posting it on CL.

Today I got it on the new to me trailer. Went on a little sideways but once I get it on the water it will go on straight.

So after the 175 minus what I paid I'm into the new one for just over $300. Not bad

Was checking the lights on the trailer and spend a hour chasing the wiring. Brake and turn signal would work but no lights.

Instead of chasing a broken wire or lights, I just ripped it all out and replaced it all from the truck all the way back with new wiring and new LED lights . Found that the wiring was connected with a twist connector and the tape applied to “waterproof “ it. Replace all wiring and connectors are heat shrink.

Took less time and less aggravation

Got the t top on the boat today.... needs a little bit of adjustment by a fabricator, but overall it looks pretty good.

So the old engine if off the boat and in the shed.
Placing deposit on a 2021 Suzuki 200 on Monday, wait time is 2 months...yikes!!
Meanwhile there are lot of finishing touches to do.

So after waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting...did I say waiting for the new engine to appear I was given the number to a older gentleman that is selling his 2006 Yamaha HPDI that he has had since new. Went to see it and it's like brand new. Has 235 hrs comes with harness gauges that look brand new and oil tank and prop. When I say it looks brand new I mean brand new. Cut a deal with him for 4k and on Tuesday we go to do the transfer from his boat to mine. Looks like the summer is not lost!!!

Good to hear!

Good plan. New motors are hard to come by, especially for repowers. I have my fingers crossed my Merc ordered in April will show up this summer.

So Monday is the day I get the engine on the boat!!!

Still lots to do but it’s finally coming together.

Next big job is getting the whole boat re-wired.

My thought is to replace the gas tank and go from 70 gallons to 50, but it’s just a thought.

Congrats! sounds like a great motor at a good price. Especially in these times.

Less than 24 hours!!!

[QUOTE=jorgeinmiami;

My thought is to replace the gas tank and go from 70 gallons to 50, but it’s just a thought.[/QUOTE]

You could go to a smaller fuel tank and a freshwater wash down tank.

Here we go with another project.... 😆

And speaking of projects. A friend sent me info on a 23 Savage that's a project
Please shoot me!!!!

Went down to Key Largo and picked up the engine and some of the hardware need to get it running in. Need to set the height and start installing the harness...etc and order some parts. It looks great back there

Nice, clean motor!

I went with the 50 gallon tank and gained nearly 2 feet of space.

I'm just glad to see another center console. Mine is a 20, but still...

Made some progress yesterday as I hooked up the hydraulic steering.

Mainly waiting for parts to come in.

Ordered a new binnacle, key harness and found a "looks like new" fuel management gauge.

Need to order the prop from Propgods this week

Going out to get the rigging tube today. The engine came with the 2 shift cables and they seem like they me a bit long, but I'll see when I run it from the console back to the engine. Wonder how long is too long?

Had a couple of estimates on rigging just the engine and they wanted $1600....that's a big no on that and another guy wanted $6500 to wire the boat...yes that's another big no.

I'm going to do what I can and send it to my mechanic to finish it out.

Had a couple of estimates on rigging just the engine and they wanted $1600....that's a big no on that and another guy wanted $6500 to wire the boat...yes that's another big no.

Being the designated CSC "cheap bastard" that's actually a big "F'ing" NO!!! This is not rocket science, so if you can do it yourself you should!!! Besides it's easy to place blame if there is a problem!! :)