18 SF Minor Rennovation and misc. Improvements

[fdheld34]

Thanks guys for the comments and motivation..again just keeping it simple.
Today I was able to remove the t top and leaning post. I think I gave myself a hernia lifting top off of boat!!!!
I also just did easy things today..just cleaned up the stern eyes and installed the ball scuppers...
I got a 6 month old Lab yesterday so he and my son took up most of my time!!!!
Some pics..
-Fred

[fdheld34]

Well..I have not done much to hull. I did get a 1998 Merc 125 mounted on the back though with the help of Don Herman. Will start more work on hull next weekend..... time and interest permitting.
I also have a new to me trailer coming...my trailer has seen better days.
Figured after talking with other CSC members that this motor will be fine and it is under 350 lbs. I took a ride on my friend's 18' with a 150hp and it is just too much engine for me.
Here are some pics
-Fred

[fdheld34]

What do you guys think about console placement?

I plan to remove the console this weekend as well as the fuel tank and was wondering about console placement down the road.
I have read where on the 20's the console is moved back/forward 5 inches for a better ride?
I was thinking of doing this on my 18sf. I do not really have an issue with weight and I will have the room...what would be viable...leave as is or move console back...would it help in the ride on this particular size boat...any other pros or cons??
Also, I plan on redoing console to blank slate and revamping the whole layout for my instruments and will need input and pics of console layouts for this in future!!!!
Thanks all for the help
-Fred

[76Red18]

I moved mine forward 6". You will be happy with the way the 18 rides regardless of console placement +/- a few inches. The best improvment for the 18 is to leave it light in the stern. Trim tabs will help you control the heel from quartering wind and seas. Worth the money in my opinion.

[gw204]

Totally different animal, but I'm going to be moving the console in my Mako 17 forward about 8" for a number of reasons:

1. To help offset the weight of today's heavier engines (I haven't picked one yet).
2. Hopefully get it to self bail a little better.
3. Give me a little more room in the stern to move around.

[fdheld34]

Thanks for the input guys...glad I asked the question BEFORE I decided to move console back...so looks like I will go ahead and leave as is...and well enoguh alone..I could see how moving console forward could help regarding engine weight and self bailing etc.
Tabs are down the road as well!!
Thanks again!
-Fred
Also...since I am here... I attached a pic of tonight's sunset that I took while on my evening walk..I have to turn off the darned date stamp on my camera!!!

[T-MAN]

after 30 years of use it

was time for a refurb

[Beaver]

I just bought an 18 SC about two months ago so I have really been enjoying watching your progress. Its looking great! Glad you went with the off white.

[fdheld34]

T Man---nice!!!!----love your color choice..could you email me some more pics of your 18...especially hatches and console windshield and console setup pics..trying to get ideas!!!
Thanks Beaver--the off white was the easiest color I have worked with too...I roll and tip..I do not have proper equipment to spray finish coats so I have gotten used to rolling and tipping...I did not even have to tip the off white!! again I used Perfection..my second choice for ease of application...first choice I wanted to go with Signature
-Fred

[T-MAN]

Fred, the round hatches on the fill and sending portions of the tank cover are standad West Marines. The one in the transom is made by Jim Black & Assoc. which I got from Great Lake Skipper.com. The mfg# 581-714-05 and GLS#1013485. It's 7" X 14" and costs $60.00. It was the only one I could find to fit in the transom well. Seems well made. I have have other pics of the console wiring if you want. Thanks, T-Man