Monaco Restart

[Milhouse]

Looks really great! I dig the book matched planking.

[Richie M]

What a good looking deck, great choice of wood, clearly put together really well and the finish looks top class, well done.

[BayouBengal]

Fantastic Work, Chris! You'll be on the water soon!

[Milhouse]

What Method did you use to clamp the planking down while gluing? I am wondering if the bricks that are the floor are what you used to set on top of the planks; perhaps they have now been re-purposed as stepstools


Did you use Epoxy or another adhesive?

[speedracer]

Thanks to everyone for your kind words. I’ll try to respond to all questions.

Except for the dark pieces, all of the wood have just clear coats – no stain. On the dark pieces I used some Dark Walnut stain I had around the shop. I wanted them almost black. I picked out the coaming pieces special because I wanted them as light as possible. I also went with the wood coamings so I wouldn’t have to leave the boat with an upholster. I didn’t like them at first but have grown to really like the look.

All wood is Mahogany except for the white strips which is Maple. The Mahogany around here can vary quite a bit especially if purchased over a long period of time as I did. If I ever build another one, I would know how much I need in total and purchase it all at once. I used epoxy for all.

The top planking was attached using different methods depending on the location. I either blocked it against the ceiling with wedges or used heavy weights. I used the blocks and bricks at first but found them to be too rough and dirty. Chunks of steel worked best. Dense and clean. I wish I had attached the side planking differently. I used staples through rope. I never could get the staple holes to close and gave up. Upon close inspection you can see the holes. Live and learn, I guess. BayouBengal attached his side planking using an ingenious method which I would try on the next one.

[speedracer]

A few progress photos. Not sure why the first two look dark. The third is more like it.

Engine hatch on along with most of the deck hardware. Sending the seats out for upholstering soon. I have to get serious looking for the windshield parts and prop.

[sscobra]

Looking really nice, Chris! Great work.

[hoodman]

Another work of art and passion!

[NAMEngJS]

Looks amazing!

[BayouBengal]

Absolutely stunning!!!

Can't wait to see you on the Tchefuncte.

[Milhouse]

Beautiful!

[speedracer]

Thanks to everyone for your kind comments. Shouldn't be long now. Working on the lifting plan to get it on the trailer.

[speedracer]

I must get serious and purchase my prop. I had just about decided to get the same prop that Skip and Dave Lott used – OJ428 [13x15.5] but I think I heard someplace that the prop tip should not be closer than 2” to the hull. I’m not sure if that’s correct or not. Regardless, attached is a photo of the distance from center line of the shaft to the hull on my Monaco – 7” near the strut and 8 ¼” at the shaft end. If the 2” clearance is correct, I am certainly depressed that the 13” wouldn’t be suggested. My shaft is 1- 1/8” diameter.

Does anyone experienced with this subject have any suggestions on what I should get? At $500 per prop, I really need to get the right one the first time. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[BayouBengal]

Chris, give this guy a call - http://www.bospropeller.com/. Not positive that he can give you the same deal as he did me because your prop is more specialized than the standard outdrive prop like mine, but I'm pretty sure he can because he did have a few used large brass props in his shop.

The deal he made with me was that he'd take a look at my boat, recommend a prop size, and sell me a used one. Then give me full credit on swapping out to other used props he had at his shop until I found the size I liked.

Almost a year later I speed tested the boat at the Gathering with VuPilot and Hercdrvr; they both suggested I decrease the pitch because I wasn't running at full rated engine RPM at the top end. I wasn't sure that Bo would change it out being that so much time had elapsed, but sure enough he did for full credit just like he stated he would.

[Bill Edmundson]

Chris

Your prop should be about 1" back from the strut. My clearance on the Tahoe is 1 1/2" with a 13" prop.

Bill