69 flatback rebuild

[Capt Matt]

Just a few pictures of the slow progress before paint
Capt Matt

Gunnel panels all fitted

forward bulkhead panel  fitted

final fairing of my hatches and drain channels

[RickK]

Looks good - those are some deep drain channels - are they going to drain somewhere?

[gran398]

There is light at the end of the tunnel. You are now at the finish stage. Look to the other great recent completions here for inspiration

Like the short casting deck, with flush-deck storage behind.

Good work.

[dirtwheelsfl]

you just lay up some smooth panels to set in the gunnels?

[Capt Matt]

Thanks for the pep talk, I need it. Days of work without seeing anything, then in less than a hour she will be in primer.
I've been using cheap can's of spray on primer just to find the holes to fill, fare etc. Seems to help.

Drain channels drain right out of the boat, the front two are connected and will go out the starboard side by the original drain and the back two hatches will drain straight out the transom. Hoping for a very dry bilge.
Fiberglass 4X8 panels where made on a smooth surface with spray on pam then cut to fit the spaces between gussets then used thin cabasol to stick them. Looking for that smooth factory looking finish. I just could not seem to get it that flat by skimming and sanding. Seemed like a faster way to go too.
Capt Matt

[gran398]

Pep talks are great. Support is better 8)

Re the glass inserts. Great this topic has been brought up. We were struggling up here as to how to best finish the interior.

You're right. Spend an inordinate amount of time sanding, fairing, sanding, fairing....and then when you finally spray...well, guess it looks okay. Translation: nobody's happy...a weak point.

Your idea is exactly what we're going with. Thin glass panels to mimic the former "liner". If you could call it that. Basically was two thin glass panels from the casting deck aft. Not tied/adhered at all to the outer hull; floating from the floor to the gunnel screws. Just the way the builders did it then.

We figured the new panels would serve three purposes. First, a great looking finish, back to original appearance or better. Second, sound-deadening when running. Third, additional stiffening, especially given the non-factory adherence.

Good work.

[Capt Matt]

A few last pictures before final paint. Rain stopped us from spraying today. What do you think of my Pine Island paint both lol
Did get it sprayed in primer weds then the final sanding, spot putty, more sanding the last 2 days
With my extra time today I glassed pads of coosa in cabinet to hold water separator, hydro pump for power pole and porta lift.  Should be able to roll deck with Kiwi grip by Sunday. Any one have any tips on application of Kiwi grip, I have 2 gallons of grey but was hoping to have enough to paint inside console and cabinet.
Capt Matt

Masked out and ready to go

Mounts for cooler tie downs (105qt Yeti)

Gunnel panels faired in and glazing putty sanded

Deck hatches and cabinet ready for paint

[RickK]

lookin' good Matt  

[LilRichard]

Gonna be a great boat!  This is the fun part...

[Capt Matt]

Paint is done, Kiwi gripped the deck/ top of cap and put the rub rail on yesturday. Today I started putting in rod holders, pop up cleats etc. The end is near now, should be dropping her off to be wired by the end of the week. Tower went in for powder coating this morning and I should have it back by Friday.
Anyone else think she looks like a FWC boat all grey like she is? just needs a black stripe and people will get out of the way.
Capt Matt

[RickK]

She does  
Looking good Matt.  Lots of holes there - what's going in the console?

[Blue Agave]

Looks Great!

The FWC look will cetainly keep boats away.

[slvrlng]

Man, I love that transom cap curve. I disagree with the FWC remark, that boat is way too sweet looking to be mistaken for a government ride!

Well...... maybe from a distance!

I wonder if there is some kind of a removable black stripe? You could really mess with people especially if you're in a tournament and come flying up on a spot somebody's already on. Hell, they'd all freak and haul butt outta there.      

If you had the stripe I wonder if you could get away with running the no wake zones like they do.
I guess it would work once , I don't know about the second time though!!    

[seabob4]

She does  
Looking good Matt.  Lots of holes there - what's going in the console?

Electronics and access hatch.  Looks awesome!  The ribs in the inwales...she's going to be stout.  

Wished you'd have contacted me on the wiring/rigging...

[seabob4]

Man, I love that transom cap curve. I disagree with the FWC remark, that boat is way too sweet looking to be mistaken for a government ride!

Well...... maybe from a distance!

I wonder if there is some kind of a removable black stripe? You could really mess with people especially if you're in a tournament and come flying up on a spot somebody's already on. Hell, they'd all freak and haul butt outta there.      

If you had the stripe I wonder if you could get away with running the no wake zones like they do.
I guess it would work once , I don't know about the second time though!!    

Lewis, ever hear of impersonating a LEO?