Starting a new project: My First Boat!

[jonesg]

Re: Starting a new project: My First Boat!

Classic looks there,

Mark give solid advise on sourcing supplies, no need to go fancy at the local marine shop.

Personally, I'd try the chrysler first, they are good engines, no longer supported but parts can always be had, still a few out there running strong.
I'm sure you know the ignition can be checked without rebuilding the cylinders first.

But read up, theres a whole chrysler section to read and use.
http://forums.iboats.com/Chrysler-Outboards/

and the chrysler owners resource group is a good source.
http://www.geocities.com/thechryslercrew/

I'm puzzled by those who come into this section (restoration) and try to warn us away from restoring boats.
duh! its restoration and we uhh... like it, cos we're nuts.

 

[colobiker]

Re: Starting a new project: My First Boat!

I love the looks of this boat.
it will be a real beauty when finished.

good luck.. I know I feel my ears turning a little green.

have fun!!

 

[leatherhatman]

Re: Starting a new project: My First Boat!

Well Hello, from Idaho -oliviermv
I was beginning to wonder if anyone else ever bought used equipment. Nice boat, reminds me of my first, l6' tri hull; My current project is a '77-25' Bayliner Saratoga, unfortunely she hasn't a leg to stand on right now. I thought I'd be getting away with a quick and minor fix. Turns out complete tearout & electric rewire, but she's coming along nicely. I believe I'm going to let her in to take a swim this spring. Providing I don't join the "plug club".
I'll post photo's shortly- I have skills perhaps some may be interested in, could
prove to make some things a little easier. Look forward to meeting many new
friends of like - leatherhatman

 

[Mark42]

Re: Starting a new project: My First Boat!

......
As far as radios and electronics, what kind of gear do you guys and/or gals recommend. In addition to lighting, I assume I'll need a radio and possibly a hand held GPS.

Any suggestions/additions?

A good VHF radio is important, especially if you want to do the cruising you mentioned. Like everything else, there is a full range of prices and features with VHF radios. From basic dash top mounted unit at $90 for radio and $30 for antenna, up to $1300 for the radio. Look at the radios in the $150 price range with 8ft antenna. You can get a nice setup for under $200 that could just save your life.

Another nice addition is a hand held rechargeable spot light. Comes in handy at night to find bouys and channel markers. Add a cigarette lighter or two to the dash to charge these portable devices. The marine grade are stainless steel and worth the extra cost.

A simple tool that I use a lot is an extendable boat hook. Just a 6ft aluminum tube with a hook on the end that extends to about 11 ft. Great for grabbing the dock on windy days, pushing other boats away that are drifting into you, etc. Get one that FLOATS for when you drop it in the water.

A loud horn is a must.

A 750 gph or larger bilge pump. Automatic if you can afford it. Otherwise you need to be there to turn it on manually. Automatic adds about $30 to the price of the pumps. What you want if you are going to anchor overnight.

Interior lighting, one or two lights in the cuddy, one or two to light up the deck at night. Keep below eye level.

A compass. And NOT the one at Walmart that sticks on the dash of your car. Good ones are expensive, about $60 and up.

Keep at it!

 

[nwdavis81]

Re: Starting a new project: My First Boat!

Hello,

I too bought a Vintage Bell Boy. Just bought it a week ago, it is a 1960 Bell Boy that looks alot like yours but has some differences I can see from the pictures. Mine does not have that shield but should and the model I have has a access door the flips up inbetween the two front windows for access to the front of the boat or fresh air into the cabin area.

I beleive the rear area of my boat was gutted at one point and fastened with different parts. My flooring and paneling is thin plywood that is very weathered and barely painted. It also has an inboard/outboard Volvo Penta motor system.

I am actually wondering on two things. One are you still involved with this project or are you thinking of being done, if so I would be very interested in that windshield if its compatable with my model. Also it looks liek yours has some original paneling if compatable...would be interested. Two if you have came across some great online resources for these Bell Boys, for information such as parts, manuals, dimension layouts...etc.

I appericate your posting I could benefit from your experiance, thanks!

NW Davis