Topaz 24'

[mpwitte]

Scott,

I guess you could call them prototypes. They were finished and rigged to the same standards as any others I built. The first one (light green) was a little heavier than normal because the stringers were reworked from standard I/O layout, but thats why the larger motor.

You need to understand we were a tiny semi-custom opperation. I had a total of five guys building these boats start to finish. The boats were all built to order, either to a specific dealers specs or to customer wants/needs. We had two dealers interested in trying a jackshaft or inboard configuration. The re-engineering is nearly the same for both. I started with the idea of a jackshaft first. the problem was the shaft. I wanted to keep the motor under the console, not under the seat area. No one (merc, volvo, etc) could supply us with a long enough shaft so we would have had to have it custom built. We decided to do the inboard. I built an insert for the tunnel in the hull. It was almost two inches deeper than Seacraft I had for a guide and about 10 inches longer total. I moved the console on the Silverhawk back about 7" and reworked the console door and deck area. The motor sits 12"-16" further forward from the transom than in a Seacraft because I wanted a larger cockpit. The shaft angle was figured at 8* and actually worked out to around 7*-7.5*. The boats ran great. The Silverhawks were considerably heavier than the Seacraft but obviously a little longer too. The average deadrise at the stern is slightly less as a result of lengthening the hull and the Silverhawk has more flat at the outer chine. I never spent enough time on both boats on the same day to say if one was better/faster but if I had to guess I would imagine a Seacraft inboard with identical power to be slightly faster and the Silverhawk to ride slightly better. They had some tunnel rumble that could have beeen helped with a 4 blade prop instead of the three. If I had built more, I would have changed the tunnel shape slightly to improve water flow but nothing major. I understand the beef some people have with the motor box, but believe me, the gas I/O model was the best combo for all around speed, ride, handeling, and fuel economy. Yes, the outboarads are faster and the diesels got fantastic fuel economy but the gas I/O was a sweet running package. Thats why we built what ever someone asked for. (Did you ever see the pod drive?!)

You are right about it being a huge investment of time and effort for two boats. It was still easier than building an entire new deck and interior liner mold for the cuddy/express model of which I only ever built one. The problems revolved around being under funded and not having the resorces for proper advertising, boat shows, etc. The owners I worked for (and the dealers I worked with) were great people but in the end I guess they got an offer they couldn't refuse.

Mike.

[Scott]

Mike …Thank you for the great reply! … Those boat were, and I see no reason why they will not continue to be head turners …. Just a great looking boat (well I guess we are all somewhat biased here)

Are those boats (I/B) still in the area??

Its too bad they gave up the line …and I hope Topaz does them the justice they deserve …I feel that is the boat for someone looking for a “23 SeaCraft”. I would think that Topaz would rather go the direction of Jackshaft or I/B. I’m personally not a fan of the I/O as mentioned above with the motor box and stern drive (some bad memories of a 25 Bertram that my grandfather had, and sank at the dock ) BUT these newer composite drives with duo props and jackshafts, that fly on the water and give you maneuverability...That does sound good.. It would be neat to see what a boat would do with that configuration. I can only imagine that would be a kick a$$ boat with a single diesel ...that weight up forward and down low ... What a ride!! not to mention Classic looking Cant imagine what a Jackshafted Diesel would go for !!!! I’m sure that’s a big factor.

I’m sure all of us would enjoy pictures if you’ve got them …. Like Rich said above …LOL [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]


Rod ...Where do you find these sites ?? That picture looks like a Manasquan Inlet shot!!

[GetReel]

Scott: The Topaz rep was very vague about any IB set-up...and I think he just didn't want to say no to me as I disclosed my IB rig, but he did discuss the diesel set up, but just the IO package. He also mentioned a "new" 28/29 footer and that this project would be the focus and not the 24', which kinda makes you wonder why they bought it...It makes no sense to not bring the 24' to AC if you were at all serious, as they are just down the street. I'm not an IO fan, but I believe that from what I've heard, its the best handling/riding set up.

[Trayder]

The boat with the twin Merc. Racing motors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Shnikies......where is that boat now?

What about the molds for the engine pod, very nice.

[Scott]

Scott: The Topaz rep was very vague about any IB set-up...and I think he just didn't want to say no to me as I disclosed my IB rig..... He also mentioned a "new" 28/29 footer and that this project would be the focus and not the 24', which kinda makes you wonder why they bought it...It makes no sense to not bring the 24' to AC if you were at all serious

Jeff ... My friend seemed to get some vague comments from them at the show also ... I guess almost different from discussion he had had with them earlier ....28 CC with the SeaCraft shape would be sweet !!!

You heading to the AC show ??

Jigolo ... Capt Chuck did post them ..and That Birdsall post does look awesome !!! Great looking boat ..and welcome to CSC!!

Mike ...That pod boat I remember!!! Wasn't to sure what to make of it however !!! Thanks for the pictures ...
All those boats just look good!!

I like where you have the sending unit on the tank ... How was that working out ??

Finny ...the Vette needs a "POD" [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[ScottM]

Mike,
How many of the cuddy model did you make? Bill's Outboard here in Hingham MA still has a black one for sale. I believe they've had it since Sept '03 when it was unveiled at the Boston in-water boat show! [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

You're right, the gas I/O is a tough combo to beat, but that engine box sure is a hindrance. Obviously this isn't an issue with Silverhawks specifically, but all I/O boats in general. My buddy has a '97 with the 300hp MerCruiser Mag MPI and Bravo III drive. Boy is that a nice running boat. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[mpwitte]

Scott(s)

I only ever completed one cuddy model. There was a deck and set of small parts finished when I left last year. I never understood what the deal was with Bill's and that boat. It was one of the prettiest boats on the water if I do say so myself. Shifting some more weight forward could only help the ride. I had intended to develope optional interior modules for seating, livewells, etc., but never got the chance. What a shame. You can not imagine the amount of work that went into that one boat!

There are still a few pictures of the cuddy and inboard here: http://chaos.caile.org/~mwitte/

The site is a little slow/glitchy but I did just view it. I have lots of film pics around here somewhere but no scanner. I have some in electronic files but not sure how to post them.

Mike.

[Abe's Rocket]

that's some nice boat porn...

[gw204]

Mike,

Beautiful boats! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Send the pics to me and I'll post them for you.

gw204@hotmail.com

[gw204]

Some other pics from Mike