My ArenaCraft

Denning · #26 August 5th, 2008, 10:40 PM

I built a freestanding (or sitting) stereo box with AM/FM/CD Player and covered it with the same carpet that we put in the boat last year. I have two speakers under the front seats and two in the back. I mounted a rubber antenna to the back of the box, so I didn't have to compromise the deck of the boat anymore than I already had with the horns.

The box also has an iPod adapter on the side and beer holders on each side. It matches the floor of the boat, but I can remove it if need be.

If you're interested, I'll take a better picture of it (after it gets home from the shop) in the event you want to duplicate it...

Zetman · #27 August 6th, 2008, 03:37 AM

Your going to laugh..my dad had an AM radio from a 60's Buick or something mounted under the front seat. For years and I mean several years thats all we had in the boat. We listen mostly to ball games football/baseball when on the water. I took that out, it only weight about 20#'s. We just listen to Ipods now on external speakers. I noticed the door to your bow is still on. I took mine off to get better access to stuff. Pretty much extra life jackets or float stuff. I carry an extra 2 gallons of gas in there too. and yes I would like extra pictures of you radio box

Denning · #28 August 6th, 2008, 10:37 AM

You know, that sounds like a great idea to take that stupid door off. I keep stuff (life jackets, etc.) in there, but it's a pain in the butt lifting that thing to get in there.

I'm going over to the shop to check on the boat today. I'll take my camera.

Denning · #29 August 6th, 2008, 03:18 PM

Zet,

Here's a very rough drawing of my entertainment center. It's made of 1/4" Ply and is freestanding so it can be unplugged and removed.

It's been raining here most of the morning, so I'll get over to the shop and get some pictures this afternoon...

Den

Denning · #30 August 6th, 2008, 03:20 PM

How many posts do I have to make to get upgraded from Cadet status?

Denning · #31 August 6th, 2008, 08:42 PM

Zet,

I'm sorry I don't have exact measurements. I had some scrap 1/4" plywood when I made the box and I was just kind of winging it, but you can get the general idea.

I basically bought an inexpensive (but not to cheap) car stereo at Walmart and built around it. The important thing is to have the Radio dials high enough to clear the seats, without getting in the way. As I remember, it was about 11" or 12" vertically to the bottom of the radio panel...

I have one of those radios that you can remove the front panel, so forgive the bareness...

Den

Denning · #32 August 6th, 2008, 11:50 PM

Zet,

I haven't looked that closely, but how hard is it to remove the door to the bow?

Den

Williamlouder · #33 August 7th, 2008, 02:17 AM

Here are a couple of photos. This happens to be the day I toasted the engine.

Denning · #34 August 7th, 2008, 02:58 AM

Wow Bill...

What a great boat! What is the length?... Get the engine back in order and get a teak deck for the back of it and you're in business... Any stereo questions, refer to my conversations with Zet...

Den

Williamlouder · #35 August 7th, 2008, 01:09 PM

Thanks
No stereo yet. I like what you did with yours, thats slick.
I found a swim step the other day and just missed it. It was a little long and I would need to modify it to fit anyhow.
I cant wait to get it back on the water. I really cant decide on which engine though. Rebuild the 289? Go 302? Or i'm really leaning toward a 351. You guys got input?? I want it to be faster than most people think. A sleeper.
It's 18'. I went out and measured last night. I guess that confirms it's a bonito right?

Denning · #36 August 7th, 2008, 01:48 PM

Bill,

I think I'd go with the 302 if I were you. If you up grade too much, you could end up having to change out the whole transmission to prop (as I understand it). On the other hand, if you can get a 351 in there with out having to change out the prop, it could work. Just keep in mind that a bigger engine doesn't neccessarily mean much more speed, just more rpms and posible cavitation...

Or spend the money and upgrade to the larger prop. That's what I'm thinking about doing at a later date.

Den

Williamlouder · #37 August 7th, 2008, 01:58 PM

What size prop are you looking for? I have a friend that owns a boat yard and he has two full walls of props. I can see if he has it.

Denning · #38 August 7th, 2008, 02:03 PM

Also, keep in mind that, if you go with a larger engine & prop on an 18' boat with the driver's seat on the left side (as with an ArenaCraft) the torque will push your boat to a constant leftward tilt... Unless you have a counter-balance (like a heavier passenger) in the passenger seat...

Denning · #39 August 7th, 2008, 02:04 PM

I'm not sure what size prop you would need, but if you call a Nautique Dealer, I would bet that they have some kind of conversion chart...

Denning · #40 August 7th, 2008, 02:07 PM

As far as me upgrading the propdrive on my boat, when that time comes, I'll just let the guy who's been working on it for me make that call... But he said I'll have to change out my transmission when I do...

Zetman · #41 August 8th, 2008, 12:49 PM

Thanks for the pictures keep'em coming. as for the hatch I think it just wood screws on hinges to remove very simple. Zet

Denning · #42 August 19th, 2008, 02:35 AM

Bad news... Lifters are collapsed and the bearings are spun... $$$$$ : (

Denning · #43 August 19th, 2008, 02:37 AM

If I get away from this under $3k, I'll be very lucky... Like I have $3k to toss around...

Denning · #44 August 20th, 2008, 11:54 PM

Zet,

I bought a couple of Kawasaki Windshield Vents. Since the ArenaCraft Windshield is plexiglass, I'm going to have them mounted low on each side to try to add a little more wind behind the windshield... I figured, to heck with the integrity of the original windshield... It'll look ok and I'll be cooler...

What do you think?

Den

Zetman · #45 August 21st, 2008, 12:03 PM

That will work, look good too, take you time doing it though...did'nt know the windshield was plexi, mine is glass..

Denning · #46 August 21st, 2008, 11:47 PM

Well, I knocked on it a while and it didn't sound or feel like real glass... The guy at the shop said he thought it was plexi too... I hope so... Otherwise, I just bought $100 worth of motorcycle windshield vents through eBay, and I have no motorcycle...

Williamlouder · #47 August 25th, 2008, 02:25 AM

Oh no Denning sorry to hear about your engine!

I look forward to seeing those vents installed though.

I'm getting ready to start the resto job on mine. I just finished one of my other boats and I think i have it sold. I cant wait. I'll start a new thread when its time.

Denning · #48 August 25th, 2008, 04:09 PM

I just got the Vents in today. They look like they may angle a little more than I'd like, but all in all, I think they're going to work ok... I'm gonna see how they are going to fit tomorrow.

I'll get pictures once I'm done... Could be something you might want to try...

Denning · #49 August 26th, 2008, 11:43 PM

Well... Not sure how I'm going to do this...

Unless I can someone who can cut out the template with a hot-knife, I may be afraid to try cutting the windshield. Let's face it, it's 40 years old and the plexiglas could shatter under the vibration of a skill saw.

If anyone has any idea's, let me know...

Williamlouder · #50 August 28th, 2008, 08:06 PM

They make whats called a hotwire for cutting through plexi. Check out Tap Plastics. Not sure to what thickness its good for but worth a shot.