Started this in December and just finished the last crumbs. Boat is a 1977 and has a 1973 and a 1976 Merc 150 HP straight 6 engines, hydraulic steering, urethane foam stringers and floor, new transom, acrylic urethane paint, and custom upholstery. Trailer and pylon are both powder coated. Total cost was just over 9K, plus countless hours. Makes a nice mate to my 200 hp single. Mike
It is good to see another 18 brought back to life. It takes dedication. The boat is beautiful. I am curious to know how you fastened the seats down to the urethane floor? jim
I glassed in a piece of 3/4" plywood with blind nuts on the bottom. Driver seat bolts down to these. Passenger seat is one piece and is mounted to the deck with a piano hinge and a gas strut.
I have sources in Central Wisconsin on the "Hydrodyne" embroidery and decals if anyone is interested. Send me a PM and I'll forward email addresses. They can make the lettering any size and color. Mike
Beautiful!! I love the whole boat, but am intrigued by the observer seat. Did you design and build it? Do you have a drawing or a plan? Thanks, Scott
I made cardboard templates and then cut the framework out of 1/2" untreated plywood. The curved piece is cut thru all but the back ply, soaked in water, then bolted in place. Once dry, the front is fiberglassed to hold the shape. I fiberglassed the seat top side and coated the bottom with resin. I used blind nuts to hold the piano hinge to the seat and the curved side piece to the deck. The upholstery crease in the curved side really shouldn't be there. My guy was concerned with the fabric not holding shape. I made one 20 years ago without the crease and it turned out fine.
That is an ideal observers seat. It is light and keeps the weight well forward minimizing the ballast. It is also beautiful. Great job!! jim
