Boat in the Water!

The boat has been launched! It looks fabulous on the water and we are having fun with it.

 

Trailering and Motor Install

Getting the just-about-finished boat out of the garage and onto the trailer was a feat of ingenuity. First, Chris got the trailer all ready to go.

Then he jacked up the bow to get the rollers underneath.

Heavy duty PVC pipes worked as rollers to roll the boat forward. I got to help push. 

Then, Chris elevated the front end of the trailer. This lowered the back end of the trailer so we could get the boat onto it more easily. 

Then, Chris hooked the strap to the trailer loop on the front of the boat and cranked it up. 

Used an engine hoist to lift the motor on. Chris hooked up the electrical components, steering harness, and gauges.

 

  

It started right up!

Added some vinyl boat numbers so we're legal and a red pinstripe for some flash. Ready to launch! 

Hardware and Electrical

Chris has been ordering things he will need for the boat as he goes, and the accessories have been stacking up. Fuel tank, seats, electrical components and wires, all kinds of things. Now he can finally start installing it all.

Just about ready to get the boat in the water!

Primer and Paint

The boat is all smooth and fair and ready for primer. Chris taped off the bottom paint he put on when it was still upside down.

Sprayed all over inside and out with a really tough marine primer.

 Taped off the inside to spray the hull with finish paint.

Taped off the hull to spray the inside with a tinted truck bed liner.

Finished off the paint and it looks very nice. 

Portholes

Chris cut out the holes where he wants the portholes and vents and added a wooden ring around them for more strength.

Inside the cuddy cabin:

Here you can also see the box for the steering controls from inside the cabin:

Chris ordered portholes. Can't install until after paint but they look nice.

Chris also cut holes for vents in the floor of the boat to help dry out the space between the deck and the hull in case of moisture. Here is a covered one in the bottom of one of the storage spaces:

 Here is a vent hole in the deck by the bilge. Don't mind the balloon.