1976 tri-hull project

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

It's all about the prep work and you're doing a great job. I forget, is the rest of the boat already painted? What's the plan for that.

Everything but the sides are painted and there is still a little spot on the nose that needs to be repaired, that wont happen until we replace the cap, yeah man, that is the ticket getting it smoothe, because if not everything will show and youll be able to see it at the primer stage, my lil bro always says when you think you are done sanding w/ p-80, check it 3 more times lol.

Thanks man, we try to do a good job, Oh and not the entire bottom is painted yet, the sides are not prepped or anything yet, the entire bottom from transom to keel have been completed, all that is documented in stages in my photobucket. The plan is to paint the rest in fall when work slows, want to hear something crazy? I landed my little bro a position at the shop where my boat is, well when I said earlier the owner was "cool", well in the process Im certain I secured myself a postion here as-well if I decided I want to go that route, crazy huh? Good chance I may be working there, who knows.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Great progress as usual dude! Cool about your brother getting a job at the shop! Kinda like a live real time resume! Cap is looking awesome! What color are you going with?

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Great progress as usual dude! Cool about your brother getting a job at the shop! Kinda like a live real time resume! Cap is looking awesome! What color are you going with?

Thanks man, I have to say I did not see that one coming, as far as him getting a job and everything, im still in a little shock over that one.

Well the end product will be white, in-fact the entire boat will be white on white, but right now its is all about prep, prep,prep, so I have been up to my knees in primer, we sanded a lot of it today, but there is still quite a bit left, lol then once we have it mirror, guess what? lol primer again, then guess what? more, and more hand sanding, youll have to ignore my sarcasm, but it feels like the primer stage is never ending, the only thing keeping me going, is the knowledge that the end product will be beautiful.

here are a few new updated pics as well.

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

So today went something as follows: We finished sanding down stage 1 of primer, we wrapped the re-inforcements undeneath the open bow with glass and plenty of new resin, after that was done, and we fine tuned the primer 1 stage, we wet her down, and wiped her off, then let her dry ( 7 min in vegas heat ), after that we began to spray on primer stage 2.

I just know the more prep, the better she will look!

...and we are not going to use gelcoat either, instead we are using a duratek epoxy, that is white, however the prep work has to be prestine, as this stuff is a one shot deal, no color sanding, and no buffing, but it lasts a long time, and is very durable, plus it looks sharp!

Cant wait to see the outcome, Im sure it is going to be nice, but Im curious just the same.

As usual a few pics, as a tease, and more to view in my photobucket!

~~~ Hope you enjoy ~~~

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Fianlly the primer stage is complete, that almost seemed like it might never end. So we had a huge debate today on either gelcoat or duratek, after a while, we came to the conclusion that gelcoat will be the better route. So that will be sprayed either tonight or in the morning, so that is going to be cool. replaced autmotive starter that was on boat from when I purchased her, lol it was an autolite, new one arrived this morning, so one more thing down. And the list goes on....

here are a few pics of primer stage 2, like always more to see in my photobucket.

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

looking good there Meadfisher. when you painting ???? I got my second coat on today !!! John

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

looking good there Meadfisher. when you painting ???? I got my second coat on today !!! John

We shot the first coat lastnight, have not wiped down the PVA yet, so she still has green crap all over her, but it does look sharp, I imagine our second coat will go on tomorrow if the weather permits, no sooner than 2 hrs after it was shot the wind really picked up, they may have even moved it inside, because its pretty bad out there today.

Today, Im taking it easy, and my wife says she hasnt seen me in weeks, so before I end up like the rest of the bachelors at the shop I better tend to her...

But, Ill have some new updates and pictures for you guys tomorrow @ some point. Until then have a good 1.

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

So close, yet, so, so far away!

In the famous words of Jerry Garcia " One step done, and another begun "

Well I just keep on truckin'...

( If you know the words, feel free to join in anytime )


Ok the good stuff, Damn* gelcoat is finally complete, shot that sucker with three coats, Its not perfect, but deffinately looks a hundred and ten percent better than it was prior!

Stopped by the shop early this morning to see whats up, the top will be color sanded this weekend, but in the meanwhile aluminum has been cut for the guages and it has been sent to be powdercoated, and we should see it again monday, real excited to see all the new guages in place, that is going to look clean I think.

Really trying to have the cleanest tri-hull from the 1970's on all of Lake Mead, all BS aside I will just keep on going until I feel it has reached that point!, lol the easy part about that is, well its almost there!

Here's your tease pics, with plenty more to see, as always inside my photobucket.

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Had to go back and see, its getting too close, and I can feel it!

Needless to say I was not disappointed when doing so, got on top of the guages, I know a lot of you have been waiting to see what I was going to do whith that situation, so it goes as such.. I looked at powder coat white and I looked at polished, after another long debate, I decided to go with the polished as it will not fade, and is easy maintnenece along wiht looking clean.

After that had to pick new cleats to go on the newly gelcoated top, chose a nice low profile little bow light, and I went with flush mount pop up cleats, I do have to admit I did like the push button automatic type, but after some readig of reviews, I went with standard pop up, still look very nice in my opinion, than on to other things I grabbed a new stereo enclosyer from boaters world ( since they are closing here , it was cheap ).

Anyway to keep it brief, hell of a Friday, and quite a bit accomplished, lol tonight I rest pleased.

Here are few pics as normal, but to see it all you know where to go.

Let me know what you think?

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Wow dude,

Gel looks awesome! Diggin the instrument cluster also...

Looks like some serious audio going in there. What head unit is that?

I though about pop-up cleats, but decided to leave the 3 stock alone, and added 2 similar ones on the center of each exterior gunnel.

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Yeah I really liked the way the gel came out too*

The head unit is a pyle marine deck I bought last year, lol actually been wanting to upgrade that deck, but havent given myself a good enough reason yet, but this little deck matches well, has ipod hook up and controls, so all in all, even though it was an overtons package speacial,it has turned out to be one of the better hundred bucks spent thus far. Its enough audio for me, but again just another canvas that is open for future additions.

Dude, I saw those cleats and just had to have them, lol, lil bro couldnt talk me out of them, it was a toss up between these ones and the push button, but there are quite a few issues with the springs inside the push button ones, plus those were pretty expensive for cleats.

The other pictures of audio equipment are the newer stuff, this is the system I used last year, an upgrade was nessecary, well @ least I thought so anyhow lol.

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Yesterday, and most of lastnight, I just couldnt keep myself away from the shop, really glad I did go back, as usual I was not disappointed.

Yesterday we finished color sanding @ 1000, looks clean, smoothe and shiny, then we mounted the gas tank and installed the second battery as-well as the battery switch.

after that, we installed the top cap back into place ( lol not near as easy as Im making it sound ), then before I left, we installed the left speaker panel, and last but not least, we installed the rub rail or bumper rail whichever you prefer.

All in All, very productive day yesterday, and I rested pleased.

Few pics here to pass time, but if you want the whole enchilada go see my photobucket.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Wow!

That is flippin awesome dude!

I cant wait to see some high res shot after the hull is gel coated!

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

The only thing is, the sides have not been done yet, and even worse is I may have to wait until fall when the shop is not so busy to finish them.

So after some thinking, I am going to prep the sides, and go fishing for the summer, or at least a few weeks, and depending on time, and on how busy they are down there, try and slip her back in to finish up.

LOL he is getting jammed up with boats, and just cant strech enough time right now.

But durring this week, we'll finsh the wiring guages and electronics, re-assmble the metal on the top cap, install new steering wheel, and controls and wrap it up, as I cannot bare land any longer.

Thank you

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Not too much to report today guys. Installed the steering assembly and have begun to wire all the guages ( this takes a while ), all the rubber rail has been installed and begiing to get her all in order. Wont be long now!

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Today is dedicated to getting the guages installed!

Here are a few pictures of both sides of my battery compartemnt, I have been thinking I wanted custom panels to hide everything, and mount speakers in the middle of these panels.

Any and All suggestions are welcome! ( Bear hint* hint* )

Hopefully Thursday we can take a test run.

Still quite a list to complete though, all guage wiring, trolling motor, and fish finder, steering wheel, and install metal back on top cap, then last but not least stereo install.

Alot of these items will go fast though, like trolling motor, stereo, and steering wheel, lol Oh and the windshield needs to be put back on.

Here are a few pics of what has been done lately ( last 2 days ).

Also included are pics of the side compartments that I need to do something with.

Awwww~~ So close... ~~~

So guys let me know what you think?

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Hey Ryan,

If it were my boat, I would build a bench/sundeck style seat configuration, have the option to remove the sundeck cushion, leaving a fishing deck with pedestal seat. The you would give you crazy amounts of space for storage under the seats, and sundeck, also plenty of room to mount and hide gizmo's.... Don't mind me I just love your boat, I've had 2 beers, and I day dream crazy stuff...

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Hey Ryan,

If it were my boat, I would build a bench/sundeck style seat configuration, have the option to remove the sundeck cushion, leaving a fishing deck with pedestal seat. The you would give you crazy amounts of space for storage under the seats, and sundeck, also plenty of room to mount and hide gizmo's.... Don't mind me I just love your boat, I've had 2 beers, and I day dream crazy stuff...

LOL , Im a bit of a day dreamer too*

anyway you could show me a picture of what you are describing, it sounds great but I cannot visualize it.

Thanks for all your help man!

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

Alright, finally got all the guages installed, all lights wired and automatic bilge installed, got two of the metal air vents on the open bow installed, and we got the fish finder and the steering wheel installed. So all in all a productive day.

Finished up running the fuel and vent lines, got the fill cap in place.

Tomorrow is all about the stereo, and the trolling motor, yeah! On to the fun stuff!

Also gotta finish installing the raw water pump ( replaced seals and bearings and impellar ), all is left is bolting it in place and connecting the hose, so no biggie there.

Here are a few pics of what got finished, as always more to see in photobucket!

~ Enjoy Fellas ~

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1976 tri-hull project

The dash came out real nice.