Here we go - have at it.

[JasonJ]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

Barlow, my hope has been to come across a serously abused, unwanted aluminum hull in the 18-19 foot range, the worse off the better. Does not need to have a trailer, and engine or anything. It can have the floor rotted out, it can leak, I don't care. Cheap or free is the goal, and it is an attainable goal as a friend of mine got a Starcraft 19 footer for free with trailer and twin running 35s. New paint and interior later he has a smokin' boat. Me, I want to build one like I built the Skanky Beast, only aluminum and sealed wood, something that I can leave in the rain and not worry about like a 'glass boat. Something that will get better fuel economy for the same horsepower. None of this is an emergency, as I get a lot of solid use out of the Beast, and putting a cover on keeps it dry as a bone, even though it is in the water all season. Its just one of those things I am patiently waiting for....

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

Originally posted by Barlow:<br /> Ed - I better clarify that - the motor is @ 380lbs.

I figured that. I've got a '88 Merc. 150 2.4 that is basically the same. They call it at 398 pounds with its hyd. pump built into the clamp bracket.<br /><br />If I'm not mistaken, the 2.4s Merc. and Mariners both is what they get their 150, 175, 200s, and maybe the 225 from by changing around the carberation/injection, intake part of the crankcase, and the heads.<br /><br />Already being at 200, with changing to a set of thin racing type head gaskets, (and maybe new carb. jets) you might could bump that thing on up to 225 hp. The extra horsepower would let ya spin a inch or so more prop to pick up a few extra miles per hour pretty cheaply.

 

[Barlow]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

(Ed cont'd) - The story i got from the owner on the trailer was that he wanted a tandem for safety reasons (a blow-out) and the only one in stock at the dealership that was adequate size wise was this one so he took it.<br /> The trolling motor itself is two seasons old. I think I remember it being a 55lb thrust unit so yea, she'll be able to move the boat around like you stated. Another thing is that the mounting bracket and shaft lock are still good to go which is real cool. I've seen my share that age that have been busted up so chalk another point up for the Clydesdale.<br /> The implement battery suggestion was a good one and I'll try to remember it for the future but, I found a few units at such a price that I couldn't pass. (*note to self*, implement battery)<br /> Good job on the hydroplane, by the way. Looks awesome! and with that Black Max hangin on the back I bet she scoots. <br /> Quite the saga behind your Cherokee too!... three props to boot! Sounds as if you had a little prep time involved before getting her tuned and sea worthy. I bet every drop of blood was worth it tho! Do you have any photos? If so I'd enjoy seeing them 'cause sounds like a 'labor of love' come full circle.<br /> With the motor the way it sits I'm going to leave my paws off of it unless it fails due to the nature of the factoty service dept having done all the wrenching on it. But in the case of it failing (knock on teak) I'll look into tweaking performance when/if it happens (*note-to-self*, reeds and prop). My rule of thumb with motors has been - if it ain't broke don't fix it. Reliability and practicality are going to be my montra with this one. I got caught in a spider web of little troubles for one reason or another in the past from not keeping my hands off them. I/O's too. So it's been my experience with learning to 'keep it simple stupid!" and "Don't fix it if it ain't broke!".. or something like that..LOL. <br /><br /> Plans as of now are to gather supplies for the re-build, maybe a day or less looking for the leak and a temp fix, a good clean-up, and rig it for the water so I can get out, burn some gas up and enjoy a few barley sodas while bothering the fish. Going to have to rig the kicker too so I'm at beverage speed and the fish don't have to work so hard. <br /> <br />Thanx yet again Ed!

 

[Barlow]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

JasonJ - I'll keep my eye's peeled when i start going to grave yards to pick up odds and ends. Mean while good luck on the quest! a bit of advise ... if you see a Clydesdale don't be afraid to get too close those shoes they wear are golden!

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

Its cool you live in Wisconsin, I lived in Madison as a child in the late 70s. I remember the acorns, the fireflies, the brutal icestorms and massive snow accumulations (school bus always ran-I swear it had a plow blade on it), huge thunderstorms, our neighborhood flooding, the tornado watches/warnings with us cowaring in the basement. I loved that place. Too bad we moved back to California in 1980, it was the worst mistake we ever made. We settled in Spokane, Washington and the rest is history....

 

[DJ]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

The STEAL of the year goes to Barlow.<br /><br />Don't you feel ashamed Barlow.

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

Mr. Barlowe, Congradulations on the new toy!<br />I was reading about a water soluable, enviromently compatable, paint remover, I think it was on this topic, only a week or two ago. the user had GREAT things to say about it. Also, I painted an aluminum boat. the metal will oxidize, if it's not protected, and even then. My father in law is a chemist who workrd for Deft. He brought me some zinc cromate for the primer its chartruse in color, it's for aluminum. ...food for thought, havefun....sl

 

[Barlow]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

JasonJ - one thing to add to your list tho... the Harrier-jet strain of Misquitos this state lays claim too. Just went through my first earth-quake a month or so ago too ... thought the dog was dreaming and shaking the bed @ 1am. but, couldn't figure out why the change on my dresser and pictures on the wall were rattling... that was nuts! At least you don't have to worry about Illinois jumping ship into your state every weekend! And having a state legislature that thinks we should flip the bill for new stadiums for our pro sports teams .<br /> You live in beautiful country as well and If I read things right, on water too. Before I moved back to the Madison area I had a place on a 250acre lake up in the 'Kettles' 20min. SE of Lake Winnebago and boy do I miss waking up to the water! <br /><br /> Thnx DJ - I've felt a bit uneasy at times but, I needed this to brighten spirits... I've got pictures of catches and my past boats in my office here and they remind me of very good times but, in the here and now of those moments were no future pictures and memories being made. <br /> So, here's to tomarrow and leaving ashamed in the dust!

 

[Barlow]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

steve n carol (guessing steve)- Thank you very much! Both the suggestions you made are being chewed on right now. I'm real interested in both, especially the zinc chromate primer addative. I'll search the catacombs here and see if I find anything but am interested in hearing more if you would. Thnx again!

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

you may find that this boat has zinc chromate under the color! look at a scratch of contact the manufacturer...sl <br />PS where did you go thriugh your first earthquake? we get to where we look forward to em here. kinda fun...but you gotta be prepared!

 

[Barlow]

Re: Here we go - have at it.

thanx Steve, I don't know what I'd be looking for in the scratches to identify the zinc chromate. Am I looking for a chartruse layer or does it dry clear or a different color? I was planning on taking it down to 'bare-knuckles' and starting with clean aluminum (when that time comes)....??<br /><br />I went through my first earthquake here in Wisconsin believe it or not. I can't recall where it was actually pin-pointed at but it was felt here for sure! Truely odd! I wasn't too sure what actually happened and was obviously baffled none-the-less ... sorta like having a tornado do a 'fly-by' w/o the roaring winds and junk flyin all around.