18' Thompson Calae transom, stringers and deck

[F14CRAZY]

Real radio antenna actually works instead of the port bow rail...

Side panels back in

Bucket seats in

Mocking up the stern area

I was pretty proud of that cut

 

[F14CRAZY]

Trimmed to clear the engine

I used some leftover 3/8'' to help build a sound barrier

Hinged so it folds up like so

Engine cover needs a strap to keep it from opening too far and hitting the bucket seats. Base has rubber feet and doesn't really move but I'm going to add an L bracket just to keep it from moving forward. Easy to pull off for engine access that way.

Rather than having a pro cover the rear in vinyl my FIL wants it non skid like the deck. I'll have to order a little more resin and gelcoat.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Till then...I wanted to go for a sea trial so we went to the Grand River about half a mile away

I took the helm first but here's a rather happy father in law

Aside from me taking the time to set the idle and timing at the dock everything went great! He says it planes a lot quicker even with 3 adults and a kid in the bow. GPS says its breaking 40 mph with 5 adults and a child, and 35 gallons of gas. Handles great and everything works. I have a few tiny odds and ends to take care off but otherwise this project is complete and a success. Thanks for all the tips and encouragement. It won't be the last glass boat I do...

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Congratulations!! Great work.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Looks fantastic! Good job!

 

[Slager]

Looks great, congratulations on the splash. I really like that section of river. Nice ramp, and not crowded like the lake can get.

 

[ezmobee]

Wow really nice SOLID work. Congrats on the splash.

 

[hvymtl939]

Amazing work!!!!!

 

[F14CRAZY]

Final stuff:

Father in law and I mounted the $56 Bimini top. Tag says it was made in 2001...box had some where but all the parts were there and it was otherwise new. The extra few inches of width that it had weren't a problem since we mounted it to the outside of the hull rather than on top of the gunwhales.

I glassed the rear cover (don't know what else to call it). One layer of CSM inside, two outside with gelcoat and nonskid on the outside. I cut the seat backs from the rest of the jumpseats and screwed them to the cover. Cut holes for the speakers in the seat bases. Added that L bracket with a scrap of carpet in between to keep the engine cover base from sliding forward.

Ready to launch for regular service this morning...will take some more pix. I'll also be on my 650SX

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Really looking sharp.

 

[F14CRAZY]

I suppose boats are never done but this finally done for a while at least. Thank you for all the tips, comments and encouragement