Well, I'll find out when I get offshore in the Gulf chop. If it comes apart and falls in the gulf, I'll have to try something else. :eek:

You have back up if needed :)

strick

Thanks, Chuck. I'll let you know how it performs. The frame is pretty stiff all by itself, so I'm optimistic it will do fine. It will probably take a beating better than I do.
Dave

Dave,
I think we're all eagerly waiting to see how she performs!
I watched the running shots many times ... what a beautiful boat!

Thanks, Carla. We're planning on a trip to Islamorada the week of June 11. If you'll be around, we'll plan to stop by and say hi on the way down. I'm looking forward to showing you and Skip the final product in person.
Dave

Looks wonderful!!

You are right to cut the windshield down a little. the boat will look even better than original and being able to run and look over the windshield is a huge advantage. Not being able to do that easily is one of the very few things I don't like about mine.

Connor

Not a ride ????!!!!!????!!!!!!
I'll look forward to seeing her on your way down! She's such a beauty and your posts are like a book of "how to's" and some great ideas ... can I add her to MSC Proud Owners?

Actually, I was checking google earth yesterday to see how far it is from your place to Breezy Palms in Islamorada where we're staying. Looks like about 14 miles. I was thinking I could drop the boat in the water somewhere close to you, take you guys for a ride, and then run down the outside to Breezy Palms. I just have to get the logistics of crew and truck figured out. If that doesn't work, we could come by after fishing one day.


Let me get the windshield and bimini on her and I'll post a pic on your site.

Dave

Dave ... We'll keep it simple and drive to where you are ... Then go for a ride in your awesome boat and buy you a drink. Can't wait til June!

Carla,
That makes a lot more sense. Especially the part about the drink. :D

Connor,
Thanks for the kind words. Your comments about the windshield are spot on. The windshield on my 20 sf was at exactly the wrong height until I cut it down, so I took particular interest in making sure this one works.

I've made more progress on the windshield frame. I got all the fastener holes filled with epoxy paste and then redrilled. I got my bimini top Friday, and I wanted to have the windshield frame in place when I located the bimini, so the frame went back on the boat today. I drilled my fastener holes so it will be ready to mount as soon as I get a few coats of varnish on it.

Here are a couple pics with my son Tyler demonstrating the view forward while sitting or standing.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4216.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4217.jpg

And here are a couple with the bimini installed. In the second one, you can see how the tops of the windshield frames are all in the same plane. I really like the look that gives it.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4220.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4221.jpg

It's starting to look more finished. Still a lot to do.
Dave

Hey Dave, that last side view pic is really sweet!! It's coming along REAL nice :)

Looks great Dave! That windshield fits in with the lines of the boat real nice! Bimini looks good too - nice and straight and just about centered over seats, so should provide lots of shade! Will it fold forward to lay on top of windshield for towing? If so, might need some tie-down straps for that. Will you be adding some sort of anchor light fixture to the top of the windshield?

I'm guessing it will rest against the rear supports and either be wrapped with the forward straps to keep it from flapping around or there will be a cover.

Thanks, Don.

Thanks, Denny. The bimini doesn't lay on top of the windshield. That would have put it too far back. If I lay it forward, it's going to hit right around the middle of the windshield. Scott's got it figured out. For trailering, I'll fold it back against the stanchions and put the boot on it thus:

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4224.jpg

For long distances, I might pull the pins on the stanchions and fold it all the way back. I'll play it by ear. I have a 3' tall all around light that mounts in the center of the transom. I'm going to wait and see if I need another on the windshield. My to-do list has gone from "things I need to do before first launch" to "things I need to do before the June fishing trip". The little enhancements will continue after the next milestone for months if not years, but right now I'm keeping my focus on short term goals.

Today I put another coat of epoxy on my windshield frame parts:

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4223.jpg

Next thing is to hit it with some steel wool and start laying on the varnish. I'm going to use Interlux Perfection Plus. It's a two part polyurethane, shiny stuff.

I had a dream last night that I went off on a fishing trip and when we got there I realized I'd forgotten to install the rod holders. I installed them today after I got done with the epoxy. One more thing checked off the list.

Dave

Dude you got the syndrome real bad :)

the frames are looking great!

strick

I know. I've put the glass in that windshield at least a dozen times in my head. I'm looking into counseling... :o

"I'm looking into counseling... "

Hummmm.....I'm thinking a nice bottle of Oban scotch or some Booker bourbon would be a nice place to start!! Then you will not really care to be counseled. :)

What are you going to do when you finish this boat masterpiece???? Start another?? "The fun is in the journey, not the destination"

As many have said, the lines are very pleasing.

How long do you think the Interlux would last in our sun uncovered?

Cheers,
Dweebs and a cat.

I think the dog is out joy riding in the truck.

I don't know, Don. I can't afford good booze. I spent all my money on the boat.;) Besides, licker makes me impulsive. I was enjoying a nice Manhattan when I found this thing on craigslist.


I'm goin' fishin'! I just hope I can remember how!

Thanks, Sandy. That is really the $64,000 question. And a full boat cover is on the list of things to buy. The combination of epoxy and Interlux perfection is an experiment to see how well the brightwork will hold up. It seems to be pretty standard on cedar strip kayaks, but those are probably stored indoors. I have some other projects in mind, and my approach will will depend on how well this works.

BTW, how did the dog get hold of the keys?

Dave

Dave,

I did not see any inside bracing on the windshield?

The frame is stiff enough to support itself without the added weight of the glass. There will be a center support, I just haven't made it yet.
Dave

I have a 1960's Skiff that was repainted by the previous owner last year and the Interlux is holding up great.

He`s been running around with an underpriviliged dog in the neighborhood.

I hope he isn`t texting while driving.

You may have to put him on restriction, Sandy.


Hey, it's a windshield! Still needs to be cleaned up, but it has glass in it and it's very solid.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4243.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4242.jpg



Here's the support Terry was asking about:



http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4241.jpg

The support is V shaped in cross section, so I can conceal a wire in it if I need to put a light on the windshield as Bushwacker suggested.

The list grows shorter.
Dave

Yours grows shorter and mine gets longer. The list that is.

Bushwacker has a great compasss.

Just picked up a new house wiring loom and switches for a club price.

Should I ground a Peke? Seems counter intuitive.... over and out.
Cheers,
Us

Nice Support. What type of wood?

I notice that you have a lot of glare from the dash...I had the same problem on my 30' Alura...my solution was to get some flat black vinyl from the sign shop and put it on the dash. It held up very well and knocked off the glare.

Attachment 1661

I just noticed that the Alura had the same type of windshield I am now making for the 21....subliminal thought process I guess :eek:



If the glare is from the angle of the picture disregard the message...

Beautiful work Dave, and nice match between the IP and windshield frame! Looks like you're about ready for some serious cruising! What is your IP made from and did you have it made up or make it yourself? Gauges look nice too - what stuff will you be monitoring? Denny

Dave,, looks awesome..
what type of dash material is that (teak, holly..?)
Thanks
-Fred

Captain Cryptic strikes again! :D
Sandy, except for the first paragraph, I have no F-ing idea what you're talking about. You've outdone yourself.

Thanks,Terry,
The wood is another example of Blue Heron Boat Works reinventing the wheel. In other words, it's an experiment. My thinking is this; traditional oily wood species like Teak and Mahogany hold up well in a marine environment, but finishes don't bond very well. So I've used a non-traditional species and applied what I hope are protective measures that will stay stuck.

The wood, for the windshield frame and the instrument panel, is local north Florida wild Cherry. We cut it and had it sawed into boards about 25 years ago, so it's well aged.

The IP has 3/4oz. glass cloth laminated with epoxy resin on the face and a layer of 1808 on the back to strengthen it so it won't split. The windshield frame was soaked with epoxy resin thinned with xylene (home made penetrating epoxy). Both were sprayed with Interlux Perfection Plus varnish. So the hope is that the epoxy protects the wood and the varnish protects the epoxy. Did I already say that? Sorry if I'm repeating myself.

I think the glare is just from the lighting when I took the picture. I haven't noticed an issue on the water. Time will tell.


Thanks, Denny,
The gauges are two fuel gauges, one FloScan, trim, voltage , tach, temp, oil pressure, vacuum, and hour meter

Thanks, Fred. I think I've got your question covered above.

Glen,
Thanks for the input. Was the Interlux paint or varnish?

Dave

Dave, no oil temp gauge. When you have had the engine at cruising rpm for an hour, take an infrared temp gun and shoot the oil pan. That gives a pretty good estimate of oil temp. Some of these 5.7 engines run real hot on oil and need a water cooled oil cooler. (cost me an engine, so check, even if you have such a cooler).

Connor

PS, she is gorgeous!

Thanks for the reminder, Connor. I've been meaning to pick up an infrared temp gun since you mentioned that before.
Dave

If we lived closer I'd let you borrow my Flir T360... a little over kill but it would work :)

Show off!!! :)

Go ahead and ship it to me, Chuck, and I'll send it back as soon as I'm done with it.:D

The starboard hoof on that horsey looks like it's a little inflamed. You picked the right line of work, man. The only people crazier than boat nuts are horse nuts.

I added a little boat jewelry. Thanks to Carla Moesly Fink for making these available to us Seacraft nuts.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4245.jpg

Dave

Dave, Dave....enough!!! Quit!! Just too many really sweet additions! Next thing ya know you'll be posting videos, even videos in the water.....stop!!! :)

Nice!
 

Great build thread and great work, thanks for the time you took to post all of this for us. That is an awesome boat you ended up with, enjoy! :D

Nice Bling!...for a very nice job and boat!

Dave, Your boat is first class all the way!
The windshield turned out beautiful, nice finish on the wood, nice paint job, nice molds for your pedastal seats ... just nice from top to bottom & inside to out.
Really, great job and thank you for sharing all your thoughts, processes and photos with us.
Time to sit back, relax, go fishing and enjoy her ride!

Thanks, y'all, for the kind words. Don, take a deep breath, man, I ain't done yet.
Dave