I brazed up the copper exhaust last summer and connected it with silicone couplers. All control cables are new and are smooth as butter. Rebel wiring built me a custom harness which I just started to install.
Moving right along with the harness. The back is done, as is the engine. I’m under the dash now and about half done. Things are progressing nicely. My daughter lettered my switch panel. My son hands me supplies. The hour meter is used and has 23 hours on it, everything else is new.
Nice progress . Very impressed on the cleanliness of your garage and the organized way you work . I noticed a 63 Biscaine .....I'm guessing there is a tow hitch on it for a cool nostalgic pull with the boat .
I’m not using the factory fiberglass rear bench seat. The ergonomics of it are horrible, even with cushions. I opted for these (cheap) folding low-backs. The front seats both fully rotate. The rear seats are all mounted to a 1/4” thick aluminum sheet, making them like a bench seat. The wiring is 99% done. The doghouse is mounted. Carpet is coming soon!
I run into a lot of vintage boats in my ramblings. Never brought one home. Always have my trusty battery op sawzall and remove the steering wheel assembly and gauges if they look cool. Yeah....I know I'll burn in Hell from the vintage boat crowd.
@partsdawg - Prior Lake looked like it was fun. I’m kinda confused about the law shutting it down, what a bunch of sissies. Either way, I finished the interior today and I bought a battery. Looking forward to warmer weather!
Nice work! Did you install a new floor too? I see the cored holes for expanding foam? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
The previous owner had a professional shop (ka-ching!) completely gut the floor and stringers. Structurally, it’s now a new boat. They also foam filled all the fillable cavities. Some other cool details...It has 2, 4” PVC passages to route things from the bow to the engine area. The ski pylon was structurally enhanced and attached to the stringers way better than it was stock. I added a tow hook to the transom and greatly reinforced the (non-stock) swim platform mounting brackets. I also installed the modern GFO packing material on the rudder and prop shaft seals.
I’m in the middle of a 16’ Lone Star restoration and it’s a pain in the arse because I just keep uncovering stuff that’s needs attention. One other question for you are about the side interior carpeted panels...did you fab those? And how are they attached? Thanks your boat is beautiful! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
About 15 years ago, I restored a 14' Alumacraft that my dad won in a "sales" contest in 1961. It's not an inboard V8 powered ski boat, but I spent hours skiing behind it as a kid, and more recently, pulled my boys and their friends on tubes... Your Correct Craft is gorgeous! I've always wanted one of those or a Master Craft.
@LBCD - I did fab the panels using regular plywood in the 11/32 thickness. I’m hoping that thickness will resist warping. It’s not like they get soaked, unless something goes really wrong. And, the carpet has a rubbery backing that provides some protection too. I learned the plywood grain matters when making a curved panel. It would also help to glue the carpet to the panel, if the panel is curved. I used an Arrow brand pneumatic stapler and a box of 1/4” staples from Home Depot (under $50 total). My boat had existing holes through the fiberglass lip that surrounds the majority of the interior. I used the rounded head, stainless steel screws along with the stamped, domed stainless washers to attach the panels. The panels are not attached at the bottom, however, because it’s carpet on carpet, they are quite secure. Keep in mind the panels get larger in all dimensions after attaching the carpet and that fact can affect hole alignment if you’ve pre-drilled.
I made some progress on the non-stock swim platform. New wheels and tires for the trailer showed up today...can you say “hit it!”
If you want, you could pressure wash that teak swim platform then let it dry and sand it. It will end up looking new. As a retired "yacht carpenter",I know what I am talking about...
My two brothers and I were all skiers, and grade c hillbillies. We skied at tournaments almost every weekend and went to ski down in Florida during the winters to keep in shape. We never said 'hit it'. Ya gotta yell: "LET IT HAPPEN CAP'N!", let the whole lake know you're an idiot, lol...
Agreed, you gotta sand those gray spots out of the wood, then drench it in oil. Never poly or paint... It also may behoove you to back it off the transom some, it looks like it is touching. I'd personally round those sharp corners while I was at it, but not totally needed.
I guess I’ve been too busy to update this thread. Well...The engine runs great, but the trans was stuck in reverse. Turns out, I had too many clutches in the reverse pack. I finally had time tonight to yank the trans and correct the problem. I’m hoping to re-install tomorrow night and get it on the water this coming weekend.
Here it is in my driveway. Like I said, it runs freekin’ awesome, it just had a little issue inside the trans / now corrected. New tires and wheels too!
I hauled it up north to our new lake place and pulled the kids on a tube. It runs great. Now I’m switching over to cabin building. Always looking for the next project…
The Jalopy Journal
