The Epiphany

[johnndeanna]

Bob,

I just realized that you are right down the road from me (I am in Fort Mill). Looks like you are making some progress. I'd be interested to see the boat as you move along. Might spur me to get started on something finally.

Jeff,

That Dart restoration/rebuild looks really nice. I guess I need to get out to more boat shows. Keowee is only about 2.5 hours for me. I never see this stuff in person so it is hard to imagine the work involved.

John

[BayouBengal]

I must say, "THIS IS SERIOUSLY EXCITING"

Looking forward to following the progress.

[bob smith]

Two 8+ hour days in this heat, whew, time for some refreshment.
Making progress on cleaning up the hull in preparation for setting in the new chines. They will be the most important as they join the (old) fiberglass hull to the rest of the (new) mahogany boat.
I'll post more pics when it gets more presentable. Century built this with about 1 1/2 inches of foam encapsulated in FG. after 37 years it is like new below the surface!!!
Stay Cool
Bob Smith

Jeff,
Come on down anytime, my cell is 803-209-0547

[bob smith]

I decided to replace the old stringers and floor....what a job!
The new chines are in, different in that they are installed in the old hull from the inside-out.
I will be mocking up the frames in plywood to fine tune form and fit.
Bob Smith

[jprice]

Very cool stuff!
For the record, I still think you're a little nuts!
But probably not much worse than the rest of us boat nuts around here.

[bob smith]

You're kinder than most!
Bob

[vettepilot]

where most built it upside down it must make it interesting to do this right side up?

[mk e]

I love it! Keep the photos coming!

[bob smith]

Engine is done! 468ci, Aluminum heads. intake exhausts water pump took almost 250 lbs of the beast. Started it today and rocked the neighborhood. Installed the business end of the Uflex steering set-up along with mounting the bilge pump and float switch (easy now with great access). Also installed two pvc pipe chases, one for the steering/throttle/gearshift cables and one for electrical. I'm salvaging the Century composite cable and connectors (sure makes the wiring easier). Next is the mock-up and a slight detour for the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show and Boat Building Challenge next month http://woodenboatshow.com/.
Wish I could have made G-6. G-7 for sure!
Bob

[DaveLott]

I am going to watch this closely

[mk e]

Very pretty engine and I'm certain you'll be loving the weight reduction when the boat hits the water!

[bob smith]

It has been a long time since the last update but much progress has been made!
The framing is done and fairing/shaping for the plywood layer is the next task. (I hate sanding too). I have the following tools for the job: a power planer, disc sander, belt sander, pneu. long board sander, ROS and a vocabulary suited to the task.
I'll be picking up the okume tomorrow from The Hardwood Store in Gibsonville, NC. Nice folks.
http://hardwoodstore.com/hardwood-plywood
I also pulled the trigger on the African Mahogany planks. (450 lin.ft. 1/4" x 6 1/4"). They'll be ready the end of next week.
Akerson Stevens in Ware Shoals, SC. http://www.asihardwood.com/
I visited their operation and was impressed with them. They have a king's ransom worth of beautiful wood at their facility and gave me a good deal on resawing/planing.
The major purchases remaining are the gauge set, upholstery and a trip to HyGloss Paint and Body here in Chester for the top coat(s).
I'll post some pix this week-end.
Bob Smith
Chester, SC

[kens]

What a cool project.
Where is Chester, SC?
I often go from Savannah, Ga to Greensbore NC. I must go by there on the way?

[bob smith]

I-77 exit 65 about 10 miles west. You're welcome anytime.
Bob Smith
Chester, SC

[bob smith]

Progress has been made, but a long way to go to G7.
My wife isn't happy about her beach chair getting sawdust all over it.
Bob Smith
Chester, SC