Thank you for the kind words.

"which hull was that originally a savage or sceptre?"

Its a 23' center console, original hull and cap. Rebuilt without the liner and raised stringers by 2"

running out of excuse to not buy motor....

rubrail is on. Its a light gray color and it matches the non skid even better than I had hoped.

http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_634.jpg
http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_635.jpg

backing plates for the thru hulls, small one is pick up large one is drain. The drain thru-hull is recessed/flush on the bottom. They are glassed to the hull and covered with a coat of gray pigmented epoxy - like the rest of the bilge. You can also see my bilge hatch is removable :), I have always hated not having everything within easy reach, wont be a problem on this one.

http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_626.jpg
http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_627.jpg
http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_630.jpg

mounting all the deck hardware...

http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_619.jpg
http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_620.jpg
http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_628.jpg

Sweet!!

Looking awesome!! Can't wait to see the decks with the Kiwi grip.

The level of craftsmanship in this rebuild is incredible. Its so pretty that I d be afraid to run it for fear of scratching it. Hope mine looks half as good when its done

nice of you to say, but I will treat it like the fishing boat it is :) I like to build things really nice, then use the heck out of them. This boat will get a wash down after each use, but not much more than that. It should be pretty low maintenance.

Mounted all the thru-hulls, Im shopping for a motor now !

good to hear. i always feel that if a boat is built well and treated decently it should withastand the abuse without too many problems. My Venture was over 15 years old and most people thought it was a 3 or 4 yr old boat and i didnt baby it in the least

thru hulls are in

http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_649.jpg
http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_650.jpg

grab rail installed, and gunnel trim put up. the trim doesn't match (its an off white), but I plan to cover it eventually with coaming pads all around. Front half of the boat is done :)

http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_648.jpg
http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_653.jpg
http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_654.jpg

trim tabs installed. Went with Lenco tabs with the low profile (edge) mount. Found a great deal on them online, I think it was $700 for the whole kit including the nicer rocker panel switch. It was less than our dealer price from our local distributor :!:

http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/us..._shine_656.jpg


Put a deposit on a used F225 yamaha 4 stroke. It an older motor (2004) but it has under 400 hours and Im buying from a dealer who will hang it and give short warranty. I wanted to go with a used OX66 to see if I liked the boat, but with the prospect of $5 gas this summer a four stroke start to pay for itself pretty quick. Judging by some reviews of similar size/weight boats, I think I can get around 3.5 to 4 mpg at 26 mph with this boat so long as I dont overload with people/gear. I would be very happy with 3.5. I have a friend who has same hull (newer/bigger version) and he gets 2.2 mpg with twin 150 2 strokes at 30mph

Now I really have to get things wrapped up. Still have to finish non-skid, install fuel filters, install hydraulic helm and lines. My plan is to get the motor rigged and running, then put up the t-top and finish rigging all the electrical systems after that.

Looking good shine.
Curious why you chose to install your tabs on center panels instead of outer? Bracket or scupper in the way of actuators or theoretical?
cheers, McGill

Was wondering about the same thing. My new boat has them installed on the inside as well and I'm planning on moving them to the outside. I don't see how you can get enough lateral trim with them inboard.