Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

[JGREGORY]

Well Here she is. It's a 1975 Wellcraft 16.5 Airslot, with a 1975 650 Thunderbolt Mercury with only 73 original hours on the engine.<br /><br />

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<br /><br />Here are the interior views, I have already ripped out the floor, as I cannot separate the deck from the hull I need to engineer something for the bow, Probably will fill with structural foam after shoring up and glassing in reinforcements.<br /><br />

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[crab bait]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

gotta luv those mid-70's boats.. <br /><br />they sure don't make 'em like that anymore .. ( PTL )...<br /><br />lookin' good ,LG..an one day it'll be ready to sell it,, i mean ,use it.. ..<br /><br />just get it done..!!

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

Wow. Do those low hours reflect the entire boat? If so the ownwer must have let it sit wet for the floor to rot. The stringers look ok from your pics.

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

Quantum, That is exactly what happened, Left outside over the winters not covered. <br /><br />The Motor however was keep at a marina in storage.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

Thats an interesting hull design. I know an old fella who has a larger version of that hull, same manufacturer, and he says it handles the rough very well. It'll be pretty cool when completed.

 

[mike1234tampa]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

I have many of those old wellcrafts out there, built very well, I belive the large one were called thundbirds, not sure though, still see some of those, mostly I/O's, them pics bring back memories when I draged my old Chrysler hull home last year, I see them pics and see a clean canvas to work with, makes me want to drag another one home, wife would shoot me if I did. Have fun

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

Jason, this is more like a modified V,the pontoons are only in the water at idle or slow speeds and totally lift clear at WOT. They also come pretty staight down in the center of the hull I think they where designed for stability and to keep you dryer by channeling the water under the hull. Will post another pic so you can see what I mean.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

Thanx, I am aware of the hull design, which is why I mentioned how interesting it was. I am sure it works pretty good. Git 'er done and run'er, post lots 'o pics...

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

Finally managed to get some time to work on the boat. Glued stringer in place and attached frames. Ran out of time to Glass it in. <br /><br />There's always next weekend, pics to follow shortly.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

That is one great, solid boat, and a heck of a project. Its envious how much you have to start with and what you'll have when its done.<br /><br />I'm sure that engine is fine, but if you can scrounge up a 2.4 Litre V-6 Merc.* in the 150-200 hp range, that old lady will really sing to ya.<br /><br /><br />80's era Merc/Johnson V-6s with all the running gear can be had down here-- boat & all for $2-3000. <br /><br /><br />Ed.

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

Winger, the boat was free. <br /><br />So far I have about $1,300 wrapped up into it.<br /><br />$900 for 2003 trailer<br />$400 in chemicals and other supplies.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

I have the exact same boat. 1975 Airslot except mine has a 1983 Johnny 90. The hull is rated to 125hp so Winger Ed's suggestion about a 150 to 200 is a little too much. They are heavy boats and with the 90 I can get about 32-36 mph on a pitot style speedo.<br />The boat DOES handle rough water great, and with those sponsons on the sides, it makes for a very dry ride. Its cool to see someone with the same boat as me for a change. I was beginning to feel like I was the only one here who still owned one of these.<br />I also replaced the floor in mine, piece'o'cake.<br />Have fun...Good Luck, and keep us posted.<br />BTW my boat was free as well. Turn key, ready to go. I put more $$$ into the dang trailer than the boat. (who knew owning a boat trailer could be so expensive??)<br /><br />Dave

 

[self taut]

Re: Pics of my project, Finally figured out digital camera.

man nice lookin boat as it sits.love those lines.cant wait to see a finished project.