Restoration progress (with pics)

[TitanTn]

Another progress report. I've spent more time than I anticipated finishing a lot of small projects. I adjusted the removable floor sections, cleaned several rats nests of wires around the engine, installed the bilge pump and float switch, installed a new thermostat, temp sending unit, new water separating filter, new hoses and clamps, painted rear vents, buffed interior gel coat and patched holes from old bimini hardware. I've got to sand the gelcoat patches and do a little more buffing and I think I'll be ready to install carpet. I'm hoping to have some time over the holiday break to hit it hard. We'll see what takes precedence, my boat project or the wife's to-do list.

[jet]

Nice job man..I am right behind you on this one.

[TitanTn]

Carpet is mostly in. Still wrapping it around corners and such. Installed my new radio. You'll see the wired "commander" in the picture. This will be mounted in the rear of the boat so I can control the radio without having to get out of the water.

I've been slowed down over the holidays as I've taken on a new project shown in the last pic. Hopefully it'll be completed soon and it'll be full-time boat again.

[TitanTn]

I've got a question. Have any of you dealt with fuel expansion or slosh coming out of your vent line? I've been looking at how to deal with it and have found a new style of fuel fill that is vented and supposedly deals with this issue.

http://www.iboats.com/Perko-Fill-And...view_id.259667

One thing I'm contemplating is that (call me silly) I really like the older style of fuel fill. I mean, this isn't a new boat and I'm proud of that. Any thoughts? The existing fuel fill is like this one:

http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SSDF-66127

[stinky_1]

I had a time that I filled the boat up to the top with gas. Then drove 3 hours in the hot sun and parked it for a couple days. One of those days the fuel expanded and leaked out the vent, ran down the side of the hull and has permanently stained the driveway where it spilled out onto.

It just wiped off the side of the hull though

[oldman]

I've got a question. Have any of you dealt with fuel expansion or slosh coming out of your vent line?

http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SSDF-66127

My Malibu Skier did that. I secured the 5/8 vent line in a way to take out any dips or level spots and pitched it as sharp upwards from the top of tank to the vent. I think it works better when your tank vent fitting and hull fitting are on the same side, then you can vent rapidly upwards with no sags.

[TitanTn]

Some of you may remember that a couple of months ago I found out that my transom has built in threads for the top swim platform bolts. Kinda cool, except that the strength is just in the area where the threads are. I wanted to make it stronger while I have access. So I've installed some stainless plates and run a bolt back OUT through the transom. I'll put a nut on the outside when I install the platform. All of the pressure is pulling from the top as the bottom lag bolts just hold the bottom of the bracket still. I'm thinking this will be a huge improvement.

The other photo is a shot of the rear gunwale (buffed and polished), newly painted rear vents, and my newly redone teak rail.

[jet]

Thats a pretty color boat?? You have a better picture?? Shes looking good!! Jet

[sybrmike]

Nice upgrade on the bracket mounts. Lookin' good.

What did you use to paint the vents? I'm gonna try a good cleaning and saturating in 303 first, but if that doesn't bring em back to my satisfaction...

[jet]

Yeah the vents look great! Does anybody have a upgrade replacement idea on these. I would like something ressed or a updated look. People always sit on them and brake them, so I am replacing them constantly. Any ideas??