1971 Flatback

[RickK]

You've had her floatable for a while now, any updates?

[LilRichard]

Nothing you guys don't already know, but a few thoughts:

1) When it gets sloppy, bury the tabs and she'll plow through pretty snotty stuff.  I have been in real 2-3' heavy chop and it does not pound if you keep the bow down and ease back on the throttle.

2) She runs SKINNY.  When running around St Pete / Clwtr, you could almost ignore the channel markers (except being careful for the sea grass, of course).

3) When tabs are down, she bow steers heavily.  Not the worst thing, but takes constant input at the helm to keep her in line

4) She's fun in a tight turn.  Back end will definitely let go if you don't take it easy.  I have had inboard ski boats (flat back, tend to slide) so I am used to it...

5) I overbuilt the boat.  The two layers of glass I added to the hull put my mind at ease, but she is definitely a little heavy.  Even with all the weight moved forward, she still sits rear-end heavy.

Luckily I have not run into any "ah ha" moments yet - where I realize I should have done something different.  Very pleased with the hull, motor and porta bracket.

Still need to do some finishing work - I put the hatches in without a top coat so I could get a few months of summer in, those will be done this fall.  Still need to do my LED courtesy lights, and need to install my raw-water washdown.

It's all good.  Now when is the next raft-up so I can bring my boat?

 

[RickK]

Now when is the next raft-up so I can bring my boat?

I posted a poll for the next get-together in the Chum forum.  Pick your date.

[compcrasher86]

not to threadhijack but legos make great courtesy lights, check my tutorial on the resources page  

[MJB]

LilRichard,

I can't tell from the pics, when you secured your console to the deck/sole what did you use to anchor it in place??  I'm assuming you screwed it down in place and probably used 5200 -- did you place anything inbetween the console and deck/sole??  Starboard or something??

Did you predrill enlarged holes, fill with epoxy, then redrill??

Reason I ask, my 170 used to have 3/4" teak that was held in place with screws through the deck into the stringers and then the console was screwed in place into the the teak.  My console is low, I'm thinking that I may want that 3/4 of an inch, but have yet to decide on something to use or just forget the idea and bolt it down.  Starboard would be good since it will not deteriorate, but nothing adheres very well to it, even 5200, so I'm worried about water making its way into the deck/sole via the screw holes.

[LilRichard]

LilRichard,

I can't tell from the pics, when you secured your console to the deck/sole what did you use to anchor it in place??  I'm assuming you screwed it down in place and probably used 5200 -- did you place anything inbetween the console and deck/sole??  Starboard or something??

Did you predrill enlarged holes, fill with epoxy, then redrill??

Reason I ask, my 170 used to have 3/4" teak that was held in place with screws through the deck into the stringers and then the console was screwed in place into the the teak.  My console is low, I'm thinking that I may want that 3/4 of an inch, but have yet to decide on something to use or just forget the idea and bolt it down.  Starboard would be good since it will not deteriorate, but nothing adheres very well to it, even 5200, so I'm worried about water making its way into the deck/sole via the screw holes.

I drilled, filled, then redrilled, yes.  It is just the console on top of the floor with 4200 and SS screws.  There was a slight overlap of the plates in my floor for the tower - so those overlapping areas got 1/4x20 bolts into the aluminum plates.  It is very secure.

[MJB]

Thanks for the info, I figured that's probably what you did.  4200 good choice.  I'll probably skip the 3/4" spacer inbetween.

[RickK]

On the flip side..... (and not to steal the thread), my 170  console was/is  the ONLY place to hang on and having people on board in other than smooth conditions, we ended up ripping the glue & screws that held the console down, right out of the sole     The whole console leaned forward at 25+ mph when we hit a wave     After that I tried to prolong the inevitable (sp?) to no success - the sole had to come out.
Anyway, my answer to this was to glue/screw/glass a 5/8" peice of resin coated plywood, that matched just the bottom edge (inside and out) of the console - bevelled out at 45 degrees, to the sole, gelcoating it while I did the sole and now I have double thickness of sole to screw into.  The bevel up to the top of the wood keeps any water out of the screwholes which I siliconed as I put the screws in anyway.
Super secure to this day and I did that 15 years ago.

[MJB]

Rick,

See my thoughts/question on my 170 thread........


http://www.classicaquasport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2579&start=60

LilRichard,

I don't want to take away from your thread with other questions about my 170.  By the way I saw your skinny water picture, hope you didn't scratch the bottom!!  She's a pretty boat!

[LilRichard]

Rick,

See my thoughts/question on my 170 thread........


http://www.classicaquasport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2579&start=60

LilRichard,

I don't want to take away from your thread with other questions about my 170.  By the way I saw your skinny water picture, hope you didn't scratch the bottom!!  She's a pretty boat!

Hey man, no worries - this thread is not just about my boat, it's about helping others see and learn... same thing I did from reading / questioning other folks' threads.

[wiler55]

who did your cover for your boat and If you dont mind me asking about how much did it cost for the top and the bottom?

[LilRichard]

It came from Shumake's Custom Boat Tops in Tampa.  He did a lot of other upholstery for me, can't remember the price for just the top.  I was told he is the best in town, his work certainly is impressive.

[71flatback]

First of all, your boat turned out awesome.  I was wondering how the kiwi grip on the floor if holding up. Is it easy to clean? I was thinking of using it in mine.

[LilRichard]

First of all, your boat turned out awesome.  I was wondering how the kiwi grip on the floor if holding up. Is it easy to clean? I was thinking of using it in mine.

Thanks!

The kiwi grip has held up very well, and I think it was an easy process.  I would definitely recommend it.  If you're ever in the Tpa area, I would be happy to show you the results.

[REELCLIMAX]

Lil Richard, Did you roll on the Kiwi Grip? Also did you have to order it or did you buy it locally. Looks Awesome.   thanks, RC