First time..

[ggl]

I just registered and am making my first post. I have had a Duratech S-198RD for about a year now. I am about ready to restore it. I have a few questions.

1. Are they made out of aircraft aluminum? (Al-Clad)
2. Any suggestions on an engine for it? I believe it should have a "short-shaft". My boat looks like someone tried to set it up for a long shaft. Since I have to work on the transom, would it be "sac-religious" to install an in-board/out-board? I have one from a Bayliner that I could install or sell/trade for an appropriate engine. (I can do the work, I am an A&P.)
3. Where can I get replacement material for the textured blue covering on the top?

Thanks.
Glen Larson

 

[JoeMan]

Re: First time..

Hey Glen,

Joe here from the Duratech site. Still have the Army email address?

I'm not a native metal guy, but I can tell you that the engineer (Roy Moss) of these boats had been making aircraft parts prior to founding the company...thus the aircraft-like toughness in Duratechs.

Per the Duratech specs, she can take a 120 hp outboard. I would agree with you that the hideous wood add-on was someones way of putting their long shaft motor to use. If you remove that and the remaining original transom is solid, seal up the holes where you need to, and measure from top of transom to bottom of boat - if this is close to 15, short shaft is it.

I do not think it would be a terrible thing to put in an I/O...in fact, two of the models which followed yours were the 17 foot Orion and the 18 foot Galaxy, very similar hulls, and these were offered setup for OB or I/O.

The top material (Duradecking) is a sheet of baked on vinyl. I have heard of noone who has re-done the vinyl. Few (including me) have taken it off (I can tell you how), or you can try finding a supplier of textured paint which can be color matched. Call around to paint shops to see what's available. Getting the Duradecking off is a real job...hopefully you can fill in with something color matched. Let me know what you find.

JoeMan