Still a work in progress but functional
 

An e-mail to Capt Chuck got me thinking that I should post some pics of my progress so far since I bought her in August last year. I have nowhere near the level of commitment and skill that many of you have but things are shaping up and I can finally use her.
I've had the hull and cap re-gelled, transom redone and the splashwell fixed by a local shop.
I've installed flush cleats and light, new gunwale rod holders, electronics, new wiring, under gunwale carpeting, red courtesy lighting, two bilge pumps, compass, a shoot through transducer and Troll n Tabs. I've fabricated new hatches and latches, and changed the layout of the console.
The outside is done and the inside is functional though not finished. Once I'm happy with the console layout I'll refinish that too.
Some pictures are below:
http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...%20gelcoat.JPG
Finished hull

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...ne%20snags.JPG
Original cleats and rough non skid paint

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...lush%20bow.JPG
Flush cleats and bow light, gelcoat non skid

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...ansom%20b4.JPG
Transom Before

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...om%20after.JPG
Transom after

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...ell%20mess.JPG
Splashwell mess

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...ll%20fixed.JPG
Splashwell after

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...Stern%20b4.JPG
Stern before

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...rn%20redux.JPG
Stern updated

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...t%20wiring.jpg
Rat's nest wiring

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...ed%20wires.JPG
Twice the wires, yet half the mess

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...e%20before.JPG
Console before - only 2 switches worked, the rest were not connected

http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...20Progress.JPG
Work in progress. In final version a Navman 3100 fuel gauge will go where the mike is now. Several gauges will be omitted and there may be more switches over the radio.

Finally -
http://members.cox.net/rhstg44/SeaCr...%20sticker.JPG
I have the required sticker.

What do you think?

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Roger,
Looks fantastic!! I say enjoy her for the short season we have, then worry about the other odds and ends over the winter. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

What did you use to hold the splashwell gate in place? I'm going to make a gate for my Seabird and I'm trying to figure out the best way to hold it in place. Your method seems pretty simple and functional.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Very nice.. I like your choice of color... How do those trolling motors on the lencos work for ya?

Strick

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

There were two stainless angles riveted in place already (looks like sheet stock bent). I just used a piece of seaboard (like starboard) to fit.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Thanks, the color is based on the original. The troll n tabs are pretty slick. I can fly fish alone from the bow and hold the boat in position easily. On low, they are very quiet. On high they are a little noisier, but then again they are 84# thrust each.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Very Nice! Is that the original finish on the hull? Do you still have the same seat? With or with out the tracks?

Thanks Fisher

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

The hull has been re-gelcoated to the original color (oyster white). The seat looks original. It is missing the swing back and is mounted onto two 2x4x?14 teak blocks on each side. I'd be interested in more info on this type of seat, including how the swing back is made.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

I sent you some picures of my seat with the backrest I added
Fisher

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

That is so nice.
I can not wait to get mine back and get to work on it.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Awesome looking ride!! Just one thing I have to ask. Your scuppers with the balls in them have to be under the waterline. Do they seal that well to where no water gets in?? I've never seen them that low before.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Thats where my scuppers are too. Maybe thats why is sank at the dock....doh

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

The outlet is below the water line, but the floor is normally above the water line a bit. The prior ball scuppers worked well, but these, with the removable housing have been a problem letting water in in sloshing conditions. It takes a second for the water pressure to make the ball seal, letting water in with each slosh. It's much better than no scuppers though. Every time I stopped water would come shooting in, looking like little fountains in the floor.
In calm conditions, with lots of weight in the stern, water will come in. I've noticed that if there is not enough pressure to hold the ball, the ball floats up off the seal, and requires a bit of extra flow pressure to reseal. I may have solved this by sticking a peice of weatherstripping in the housing to reduce the "head room" from 3/8 inch to 1/8 inch.
Seems to be a design error. The other non removable ball scuppers worked very well. Always dry.

I've also toyed with the idea of inserting a tee in one of the floor drain pipes and attaching a sealed bait pump to evacuate standing water.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Join the club, mine did too!

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Very nice boat!!! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]


Me three!!!!
I am changing mine when I rebuild the transom. I don't know what I will do but I don't want to sink again!!

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

I'm making a mental note: Don't keep boat in water overnight.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Roger,
The boat looks great.Just makes me think of so many things I still have to do!Thank you again for the stickers you can see them in my picture in the Mercury Verado post.Go enjoy that boat now you will have all winter to finish up.Oh,and one last thing could you tell this South Carolina boy what all the white stuff on the ground is?-looks like Cotton!
Donnie

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Hi Donnie,
Sweet ride you've got yourself. I'm actually done with anything major this year, and may skip a year before I do much else except little things. I missed some good fishing this year in May and June and don't want to run into the same thing next year. I'm a CPA, so things are really busy until the end of April most years.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

What model pop-up bow light is that? I see an off season project in my future.

Also, I see you eliminated the transom eyes, what if you need to tow somebody or something? I assume you use a strap that goes over the gunwales when trailering?

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

The lights and cleats are Accon.
When the transome was done I elected to leave the transom eyes off. On that model, the port eye protruded into the bait well and the trim tabs were in the way of using them for a tie downs anyway. And yes, I use a gunwale strap.

As far as towing goes, why whould I want or need to tow something? But if I really had to, I could make a bridle.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Roger, that boat looks AWESOME!!! Wow, and I thought mine was sharp! I notice you replaced the trim at the bottom of the gunnel (cap?). Looks really clean. A few years ago, I changed the steering wheel to center, and moved the throttle to the right, definately brought back some memories! Now I can see exactly what you were saying about the trim tabs w/thrusters-will have to get in touch w/you again. Recently lost my dad, and been a little whacked lately. Be in touch soon-still planning to hit the Cape around 9-11-04 and, unfortunately will not be stopping in Jersey for very long. Nice Job! Enjoy!

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Mike,
My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your dad.

I like the wheel on the side, but I want to do something with the throttle binnacle. It’s a right hand model mounted on the wrong side and it gets in the way of the glove box cover. I could get a left hand version, but lately I’ve been thinking that the Morse Control type would be neat. The problem is how to address the engine trim switch.
Anyone have any ideas?

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Roger thank you for the condolences. Don't have a solution for the TnT but I am a serious fan of the Morse system. Still can't get over the condition of your MA. Had I not removed the original bow rail already, I know what I'd be doing tomorrow! I like the way she looks just sitting on the trailer! Part II standing by.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Vezo - Sorry as well to hear about your father.

I was thinking about the Morse controls too. Right now I have the trim switch on the console. It is not very accesible, but that is houw it was when I bought it. Now that I have to redo all the elcetronics from the sinking, I am trying to think of a few ways to make it better.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Vezo - Sorry to hear about your dad...

Roger, my 23 has the Morse control and basically a seperat standalone waterproof switch drives the trim/tilt...

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Roger

The Boat really looks Saaweet!
Just a thought, but maybe you could move the trim tab switch down next to the key switch and just slide the shift mount over to the right just a hair so you could open and close the glove box without interferance http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smiley-013.gif

I know my console is larger but ScottM also questioned me about the left hand trim button but I have had it so long it's second nature now using my middle finger to control, it's really no big deal http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smiley-044.gif

http://www.theboatzone.com/albums/CSteele/res8250.jpg

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. The control issue is really more about esthetics, and you've given me some things to think about.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Chuck - which lexan panel moves or flips so you access your switches and which way does it flip?

schankz

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

John
All the lexan panels slide either left or right and by-pass each other. The switches are below the wheel. Confused yethttp://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smiley-002.gif

http://www.theboatzone.com/albums/CSteele/res8255.jpg

BTW I owe you this--->http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smiley-027.gif

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Actually, when I questioned the control placement, Chuck gave ME the middle finger!! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Vezo, sorry to hear about your dad. I'm sure he's upstairs running around in that sweet Jersey skiff. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

http://www.striped-bass.com/StriperT...w/wallbash.gif No jackbutt, http://www.striped-bass.com/StriperT...es/new/sod.gif the SWEETCHEZ, the Lexan on the Stinkin' SWEETCHEZ... I see the switches below the wheel and you have 2 lexan panels around them, so how do you get your chubby little fingers in there to adjust them??

http://www.striped-bass.com/StriperT...s/new/fart.gif I Fart in your general direction
http://www.striped-bass.com/StriperT.../troutslap.gif

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Thanks guys for the thoughts. Spent a lot of time on the site today researching a color sounder/finder. My chief would not be very impressed, but after a month off, this site sure makes it easier to slide back into a routine I really didn't think I was ready for. Thanks again, standing by, Vezo.

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Johnny Boy

Here's a picture of the switches from a side angle. As you can see both the "SWEETCHEZ PANEL" and the "SPLASH GUARD" are FIXED and according to my wife my Chubby Fingers do fine adjustments when necessary http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smiley-068.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...k/switches.jpg

Re: Still a work in progress but functional
 

Johnny Boy

Here's a picture of the switches from a side angle. As you can see both the "SWEETCHEZ PANEL" and the "SPLASH GUARD" are FIXED and according to my wife my Chubby Fingers do fine adjustments when necessary [image]http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/aktion/action-smiley-068.gif[/image]

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/shellback/switches.jpg[/image]

[/QUOTE] Ahah! LMAO - Optical illusion on the sweetches as I couldn't tell if the switches were behind the lower panel, but now that I've had a Bass beer, I can see clearly now [image]http://www.striped-bass.com/StriperTalk/images/smilies/budsbeer.gif[/image]

You've also given me inspiration with the switches - and not the chubby fingers - [image]http://www.striped-bass.com/StriperTalk/images/smilies/rotfl.gif[/image] [image]http://www.striped-bass.com/StriperTalk/images/smilies/toothless.gif[/image]