Never build a boat, story of the Ho-Hum

[Cthippo]

Ah, the joys of rebuilding boats. I am close to done with a 16 footer (need to run the engines for the first time this year tomorrow) and i find myself missing the days of coming to bed with aluminum shavings in my hair and everywhere else. Over in the Boat Design forums they talk about how most people want to use boats and would be better off buying, but some of us love working on boats and can truly enjoy the journey as much or more than they destination.

 

[Pressurehead]

Ah, the joys of rebuilding boats. I am close to done with a 16 footer

Any photos?
Please.

 

[Cthippo]

Any photos?
Please.

 

[Pressurehead]

Is that freshwater you 'dunked' that trailer into, with waterproof lights [sealed wheel bearings]?
Just asking.

 

[Cthippo]

Is that freshwater you 'dunked' that trailer into, with waterproof lights [sealed wheel bearings]?
Just asking.

Yes, Big Lake is the nearest lake I can run a 2-stroke motor in, and at that point I was still having engine problems, due to a broken, but not separated sparkplug wire. Since then, I have fixed the steering, replaced the plug wires and made progress on the other systems, and should try to get her in the water within the next couple of weeks.

 

[Gone for diving]

Is that freshwater you 'dunked' that trailer into, with waterproof lights [sealed wheel bearings]?
Just asking.

How else? You do it differently in salt?
Just asking I am use to fresh water...

 

[Pressurehead]

Try not to get your trailer axle into the water in an effort to preserve bearings.
Is one of many things to think about with saltwater.

 

[Cthippo]

Only way one could manage that would be with a travelift, and those are not exactly common at public boat launches.

 

[Pressurehead]

You must have very shallow boat ramps, no lift needed here and the hubs just above the salt water.
As little of the trailer in the water as possible .
If you drive your boat onto the trailer, that is another story, which may be illegal at some locations here.
Wharever works [or wharever rocks your boat, we say here].
The boat I have now is only 4.5M , last one was over 6M [the dive charter was a 10.5m cat and not on a trailer].

 

[Cthippo]

You must have very shallow boat ramps, no lift needed here and the hubs just above the salt water.
As little of the trailer in the water as possible .
If you drive your boat onto the trailer, that is another story, which may be illegal at some locations here.
Wharever works [or wharever rocks your boat, we say here].
The boat I have now is only 4.5M , last one was over 6M [the dive charter was a 10.5m cat and not on a trailer].

Yeah, most places around here you damn near need to drive the tow vehicle in before you can float the boat.