WOT-sup
01-20-2002, 10:56 PM
FINALLY, it’s Donzi-time. 1972 18’ Classic 2+3 project is underway. Bought the boat nearly a year ago knowing that it was going to be perhaps even a couple of years before I could get started on it. After concerns about a light lay up schedule and whether this boat was the real article, the consensus is that it appears to be. This boat was a resto project started by a previous owner. Seems like they started near the end of the do-list and worked backwards. It’s got new upholstery, has mostly been repainted, has had some of the structural work done (new glass behind dash, engine hatch, and transom area) and has only a few pieces of hardware.
Fortunately, I have some good hands-on expertise available to help me with the more ‘challenging’ aspects of the project. Also, what a deal to find the tremendous knowledge base that the people on this site represent, it’s amazing. Looking forward to any inputs that I get from this group and thanks in advance. This is my first new post since last October and I see that there are a few people that I still need to respond from back then.
Actually got to make a brief stop at the Palatka rally…what a great group of fun people! (Hey guys! gals! dogs! It was great meeting you all. What’s Happening?? I AM familiar with the password –D.A.- and want to become a SEADOG. Given the ‘mission statement’, this is an organization to belong to!
Here’s what’s in store that I know about so far:
· Replace large area of floor (cockpit sole)
· Acquire and install new gas tank
· Convert from Volvo to Merc (move helm to starboard, fill in transom IH cutout, engine mounts, etc)
· Miscellaneous glass work
· Gel coat or repaint engine compartment
· Acquire and install hull, deck and interior hardware/fittings/accessories
· Get the paint job finished up (interior and a portion of deck)
· Install Mercruiser package
· Rig it all up
Structurally the boat appears good so far. The stringers look/sound fine. Not planning to do a de-mate at this point. Deck appears sound and has been bonded with ‘5200- looking’ compound. Still poking around though.
Initial power will be a 230HP 5.0 with an Alpha that is sitting in the garage. This came out of an insurance salvaged boat that took a tree while on its trailer. Very similar story to Gene Drago’s in the Technical section. The Merc looks good, appears to have been maintained, sounds good, low hours, mostly fresh water use: we’ll see how it does. Figure this is a good starting place to get my ‘feet wet’. Good chance there will be ‘bigger, better, more faster’ power down the road.
Day One saw the sole cut open to remove rotten plywood coring. Old gas tank and its associated rear bulkhead removed also. The ski locker (?) was removed as part of gas tank extraction. It was surprisingly ‘dry’; there was not a lot of resin impregnating the roving on the underside of this section. Is this unusual??
Will attempt to get a few pics included with this…much to learn about digital photography and uploading. Feedback appreciated if successful (used a 440x294 medium quality setting).
When launched it won’t be the fastest, pretties, or most original 18, but I do plan to have a solid example of one of the premier sport boats of all time. Splash date is summer…. maybe the beginning, maybe the end, maybe 2003. Stay tuned! (Schedule-hell frequently exists).
Here we go!
Brad Whitmore
http://www.donzi.net/photos/bwhitmore001.jpghttp://www.donzi.net/photos/bwhitmore002.jpg
Fortunately, I have some good hands-on expertise available to help me with the more ‘challenging’ aspects of the project. Also, what a deal to find the tremendous knowledge base that the people on this site represent, it’s amazing. Looking forward to any inputs that I get from this group and thanks in advance. This is my first new post since last October and I see that there are a few people that I still need to respond from back then.
Actually got to make a brief stop at the Palatka rally…what a great group of fun people! (Hey guys! gals! dogs! It was great meeting you all. What’s Happening?? I AM familiar with the password –D.A.- and want to become a SEADOG. Given the ‘mission statement’, this is an organization to belong to!
Here’s what’s in store that I know about so far:
· Replace large area of floor (cockpit sole)
· Acquire and install new gas tank
· Convert from Volvo to Merc (move helm to starboard, fill in transom IH cutout, engine mounts, etc)
· Miscellaneous glass work
· Gel coat or repaint engine compartment
· Acquire and install hull, deck and interior hardware/fittings/accessories
· Get the paint job finished up (interior and a portion of deck)
· Install Mercruiser package
· Rig it all up
Structurally the boat appears good so far. The stringers look/sound fine. Not planning to do a de-mate at this point. Deck appears sound and has been bonded with ‘5200- looking’ compound. Still poking around though.
Initial power will be a 230HP 5.0 with an Alpha that is sitting in the garage. This came out of an insurance salvaged boat that took a tree while on its trailer. Very similar story to Gene Drago’s in the Technical section. The Merc looks good, appears to have been maintained, sounds good, low hours, mostly fresh water use: we’ll see how it does. Figure this is a good starting place to get my ‘feet wet’. Good chance there will be ‘bigger, better, more faster’ power down the road.
Day One saw the sole cut open to remove rotten plywood coring. Old gas tank and its associated rear bulkhead removed also. The ski locker (?) was removed as part of gas tank extraction. It was surprisingly ‘dry’; there was not a lot of resin impregnating the roving on the underside of this section. Is this unusual??
Will attempt to get a few pics included with this…much to learn about digital photography and uploading. Feedback appreciated if successful (used a 440x294 medium quality setting).
When launched it won’t be the fastest, pretties, or most original 18, but I do plan to have a solid example of one of the premier sport boats of all time. Splash date is summer…. maybe the beginning, maybe the end, maybe 2003. Stay tuned! (Schedule-hell frequently exists).
Here we go!
Brad Whitmore
http://www.donzi.net/photos/bwhitmore001.jpghttp://www.donzi.net/photos/bwhitmore002.jpg