1971 Flatback

[LilRichard]

So as you might guess from my post in the classifieds, I picked up a motor from my rig... 150 Suzuki 4stroke... it is identical to the motor on James' boat in the gallery.  Luckily it cost a lot less though!   8)

I spent part of the day welding up a motor stand because the darned thing takes up too much space lying down.  I'll post up picks of the stand as it comes together.

[JimCt]

One more thing of the list!  Nice feeling having the powerplant in hand.  Congratulations!

[Shine]

So as you might guess from my post in the classifieds, I picked up a motor from my rig... 150 Suzuki 4stroke... it is identical to the motor on James' boat in the gallery.  Luckily it cost a lot less though!   8)

I spent part of the day welding up a motor stand because the darned thing takes up too much space lying down.  I'll post up picks of the stand as it comes together.

great motor from all I hear.  Having a motor waiting will probably speed up your work  :)

[LilRichard]

Hey- what are you trying to say?   :)  

I think it will be a good thing in that regard.  Everytime I walk into my garage and see that beautiful motor sitting there, I just want to put it on the back of my partially complete hull and go for a ride.

[Shine]

 The motivation to get her done so you can use that new motor is good

or

 8) The temptation to cut corners so you can get on the water is bad


I know both

[LilRichard]

I have felt both too... but everytime I feel the "cut the corners" feeling, I just remember how much #$%@#$G work I have into this thing, and how much I would hate to have something hanging over my head in two years I wish I had taken the time to do.

Great example: the three extra layers of glass in the hull.  Or the reinforced chines.  Or the extra work building generous filets on all joints.  Any of those could have easily gone undone and the boat would have been "fine".  But down the road when you see stress cracks, or just have that "uncertain" feeling when you're a few miles from shore and you're wondering about how strong that bond REALLY is... it's just not worth it.

[JimCt]

Agreed.  A cut corner will nag every time you think of the boat.  I try to do at least a good workman-like job in order to sleep better.

[LilRichard]

So not much headway with all this heat, but thought I would at least post something.  I worked on fitting the tower supports this weekend... I am hoping to get all rigging related work done in the next month or two in order to be ready to slap a floor in it as soon as it cools.  Anyway, got out the chop saw and grinder for some aluminum work...

Here's the "finished" product:







Also hit the tank with the DA to prep, then coated the tank in coal tar.  Here is the work in progress:



I'll post one of the finished tank as soon as I take it!

[JimCt]

When I cleaned up the tank for the 22-2 I was too chicken to use the power sander on it.  Although all the gas was out of the tank I still worried about some stray fumes getting to the sander brushes.

Work looks 1st class!

[LilRichard]

Thanks Jim.  

That's why you need to buy an AIR sander though!

[John Jones]

Looks good Rich.  I like air tools also but they require a large compressor.  They will kill a little shop compressor in short time and I hate having to wait on the compressor to catch up.

[RickK]

Nice Lookin', Rich!!  Are you going to notch the stringers to lower the aluminum so it's flush?

[LilRichard]

Rick- Nope, do not want to notch the stringers. I will most likely route the bottom of the floor where those plates will sit so that they are actually slightly recessed into the bottom of the floor.

[billh1963]

With t-top mounting bases like that you will be able to pick the boat up with the t-top!  

[warthog5]

The main thing the T-top will not be just mounted by putting screws into the deck and then working loose and pulling out in a year or two.

Rich and I discussed this a bunch. :)