"68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

[emoney]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

It might be taking longer than you wanted it to take, but it's coming along very nicely. And, when you're finished, I think you'll end up surprising yourself with a sweet boat that you'll have 100% confidence of and will enjoy for many years to come. Keep those updates comin'!!!

 

[Mark42]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

Wow, really looking nice. And good choice putting the tank up in the bow. You will appreciate that when the boat is loaded. And when the boat is empty, it will be much less likely to porpoise. I put the tank up in the bow in my MFG, it worked really well there.

Keep up the great work!

My tank install: http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,78,00.html

 

[wambs8]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

Hey Mark42, Your tank install is what inspired me to put a tank in the bow of my boat. That and the first year I had the boat I was hoisted over the side a filled 6 gallon steel tank and lost my grip on the tank. It landed about a inch away from my toe. I figured there must be a better way. I have a VRO on my outboard so I can use straight gas in the tank. I also plan on added the 3-way valve like you did. Thanks everyone for the kind words and encouragement, sometimes it seems like its taking forever. I am getting it in the water this year even if I have to throw in some of that fake grass stuff and 2 lounge chairs and go. I can add the rest later.

Dave

 

[wambs8]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

3/4 Inch plywood attached to existing support for additional strength

fuel tank support all tabbed into place in the front and I am working on fairing the sides of the boat.

40 year old rub rail with many dents. I would like to try and save this if possible. Any one have tips, tools and or techniques on the the best way to get these dents out without causing additional damage? Lots of rain here slowing down progress.

 

[wambs8]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

This is not a real good picture, but the inside of the boat is all faired and primed. Tomorrow I will put on the the first color coat. I bought my back to back seats, blue with a white stripe. I tried the roll and tipping method but it was an epic failure. Not sure what I did wrong. Temp and humidity was OK. Maybe I was trying to put on too thick of a coat or maybe I didn't thin enough. Anyway I bought a cheap hvlp at the home center and that worked good. Sorry about the giant photos I am have trouble resizing

This is something I didn't get a chance to do last year before the weather turned cold. Soaked the edge of the transom with Epoxy

When I took the cap of the boat off it was loose in the front. The screw holes elongated over the years. Previous owners put more screws in. My thinking was to provide some solid backing to screw into. I originally thought I would need a form to bend the wood around but the hull in this area was thick enough that I could steam bend a piece of wood around the top. I went to a store that specializes in hardwood and picked up the cheapest piece of white oak I could find, a PVC pipe, and converted a old propane tank to a steamer above a turkey fryer burner. Both sides get this wood screwed to the inside top of the hull.

 

[Seasonally.boating.jon]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

Just wanted to say that your work is well documented and very very professional. Your threads will help a whole lot of people and me aswell. Thank you for your post wambs8.

 

[wambs8]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

First coat of paint. I little orange peal.

My seats. Do you think I should tint the second coat a little darker. Or just go with what I have.

 

[wambs8]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

A sample of the vinyl I will be using for the floor. Dark blue from Nautolex. I still need to buy.

 

[SouthTexan]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

Very nice work! Darn all you folks with your super quality restorations! Really making me want to reach for the stars and go all out on my rebuild. Current plan is a functional and safe boat, without spending too much time and money on making the boat a showpiece. Threads like this one make me think, "Hmm, maybe I will add this, and that...."

Looks great!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

You really have done some great work. Beautiful. My first thought was your interior paint color (which I love) doesn't match the seats. However, then I saw the Nautolex pic and I'm thinking that will tie the two together just fine. So basically it's up to you whether to darken it or not. Again, very nice work.

 

[Mark42]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

A sample of the vinyl I will be using for the floor. Dark blue from Nautolex. I still need to buy.

There is also a nearly identical product made by MeriDeck (see Overtons.com). I compared the two product samples and specs a few years ago and found there was no appreciable difference that I could tell. The MeriDeck is priced less, but may have a color you like better.

Both vinyls have that "berber carpet" look and feel, and I was afraid all those nooks and cranies would hold dirt. Eventually went with the Nautolex Deco Dot vinyl flooring because samples looked easy to clean, and I liked the solid, even color. I am very happy with it. Even stains from battery acid faded after washing and two days in the sun, and no signs of deterioration. Nautolex does make a premium quality product.

This project is really coming along great. Aren't you going to be afraid to put it in the water with all the yahoos out there?

 

[wambs8]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

I forgot that I had samples of the marideck product. I think it will be too dark. I think you are right ezmobee the Nautolex vinyl will tie everything together. I would not wan't to go much darker on the paint anyway, it might act as a big heat sink.

 

[parrisw]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

Really nice work!

 

[wambs8]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

The cap was lowered,rub rail and insert installed. Steering wheel on,windshield and remote control. Electric reconnected, outboard installed,Thur-hull for bilge and transom eyes

 

[wambs8]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

The vinyl floor is in, ready for seats.

Seats installed. Cat ready to go for ride. Seats are too high. I think I will make some shorter bases out of plywood rapped with matching upholstery

Tah Dah. Put her in the water today. She ran great. Tach is working intermittent,again. Will have to look into that. Ran up and down river. Mp3 and speakers sound good. Still have to find a place to mount them. Didn't stray too far from ramp. Still have some things to do, but that stuff can be done during the weekdays.

 

[lakelover]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

It's looking great, congrats on getting it back in the water! I like to sit a little lower too, should be perfect when you get the new bases built. A really nice looking boat.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

Looks great! The vinyl matches the paint fantastically. My seats were a little high in my Jupiter but it wasn't a deal breaker.

 

[72twain16]

Re: "68" Mark Twain runabout 15 ft restoration with Pics

Beautiful restoration! Gotta love an old Twain!