1968 Aquasport Flatback Diver - Shipoke Rebuild for Hefner

[ashley]

I am, Eugene has had some great ideas on updating the mechanism to operate it.

[seabob4]

Ashley, I betcha that hauler got some funny looks going down the road.  We here in FL are so used to seeing brand new boats all shrink wrapped on the highways, but to see that old AS?  That for certain would've turned my head!

Excellent choice on hiring Eugene, you won't be disappointed.  Something I might suggest on the dive door, haven't really seen this on the models I've seen posted here...a telescoping dive ladder with the gudgeons mounted on the top inside of the door...http://www.iboats.com/Telescoping-Stain ... g-_-NA&kw={keyword}&gclid=CKrr3MeT1LMCFQHonAodg3cA4w

[ashley]

Thanks seabob4,  the door mounts flush into the recess but i guess the recess could be adjusted. Good idea, I'll keep it in mind.

[ashley]

Mount gudgeon flush in door. I'm with you.

[fitz73222]

Does your diver door still have the original copper, brass whatever it was link arms that connect it? I always thought about some kind of hidden sash weight, spring return system that could eliminate the clunkly link arms and still remain period with the times. I now know I have way to much time on my hands if I'm trying to redesign the original concept. But since I'm off until after Thanksgiving, I can potificate till the Armadillo comes home.

[seabob4]

Thanks seabob4,  the door mounts flush into the recess but i guess the recess could be adjusted. Good idea, I'll keep it in mind.

The reason I suggested this is that the diver models I've seen, the diver himself has to hoist his butt up onto the door, not an easy task even given buoyancy.  With stand-offs for the ladder mounts it could be done...

[ashley]

The door does have it original brass hardware. What we have discussed is looking into a sailboat block system like Harken. The goal for this and the rest of the boat is no rattle and easy maintainance. Eugene had this block idea before we got started so I'm sure well spend some time on that detail in the near future to finalize his thoughts.

[gran398]

Does your diver door still have the original copper, brass whatever it was link arms that connect it? I always thought about some kind of hidden sash weight, spring return system that could eliminate the clunkly link arms and still remain period with the times. I now know I have way to much time on my hands if I'm trying to redesign the original concept. But since I'm off until after Thanksgiving, I can potificate till the Armadillo comes home.

How about a remotely operated electro-mechanical servo-hydraulic, recessed and hidden. It opens, softly illuminated with romantic lighting, and Barry White coos in the background

[seabob4]

Mount gudgeon flush in door. I'm with you.

Quick quiz, all.  What are the gudgeons?  I never knew this until a few years ago...

[fitz73222]

Mount gudgeon flush in door. I'm with you.

Quick quiz, all.  What are the gudgeons?  I never knew this until a few years ago...

Why it's a socket for a rudder pintle.... So what the hell is that?

[seabob4]

Mount gudgeon flush in door. I'm with you.

Quick quiz, all.  What are the gudgeons?  I never knew this until a few years ago...

Why it's a socket for a rudder pintle.... So what the hell is that?

Ah yes, the rudder pintle...blowboaters, you know...

The guys at Windline and Garelick call them that...the "feet" that mount to the deck on a swing down swim ladder.  Think that term sort of got bastardized in this application.  BUT IT STUCK!

[Aswaff400]

im guessing she's gonna get a closed transom?

[Group W Bench]

So I'm getting in another post or two before leaving the good old US of A and being incommunicado. Rick, I don't have any problem in injecting a little banter and levity in to the thread. I don't really see that as derailing, but rather good clean fun. It's not like Ashley and I will stop posting update photos and tips simply b/c there is some fun discourse going on. I started the thread w/ Ashley's approval, and we say let 'er eat boys. Tatties and beer (and other David Allen Coe songs for that matter) seem wholly appropriate tangential discussions to me. We'll keep posting rebuild photos and descriptions amidst the friendly chatter.

Incidentally, I tend to have minor chest pains for the first 2 days w/out internet and cell phone access. After the second night, I really don't miss it.

[Necessary Evil]

Great boat, great builder, and great thread!

Have you ever added a diver type platform to a hull that was not originally a "Diver"?

Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing!

Charlie

[Group W Bench]

Charlie,

It is easy to place a dive door detent in a hull mold w/ a receiver placed in the actual mold w/ clean clay radiuses. It is exponentially harder and more time consuming (costly) to do on a rebuild. It can be done, just not quickly or cheaply.

Roll Tide my arse. The mighty Commodores were your homecoming game 2 of the 4 years while I was at Vandy. I do pull for the Tide when they are playing the Gators (who also seem to schedule the whipping post of the SEC as their homecoming game w/ some degree of frequency). Go Dores. See, it's friendly banter, not a derail.