When I started this project, I knew that I wanted to stay as close to the original boat as possible, but certain limits had to be set given the age and degradation of components. I ended up with a very classy resto-mod that is much more usable than the original. I did try to save the original metalflake gelcoat but unfortunately it was too far gone to bring back.
I salvaged what original parts and pieces I was able to and re-purposed them as I could. Some rot in the STBD aft deck and an oddly small portion of the transom was all I could find that needed repair.
The entire original interior was beaten and faded by the sun and I had no choice but to replace it all. I re-designed the interior as a culmination of how she originally was and some new ways they layout seats today. It was not simple but the results were worth it. I made the rear seat ‘firewall’ easily removable to do maintenance on the engine-I’ve worked on too many boats to know how valuable good access is.
I was able to keep the original gauges after I found the correct voltmeter to replace the ammeter but unfortunately I might need to replace them all if I cannot find a properly functioning tachometer.
I have a few small tasks yet to complete on her but she is 95% complete and that is a beautiful thing.
Electrical:
Full LED lighting throughout
Blue underwater LED’s at the stern
4-speaker, single subwoofer, amplified Rockford Fosgate sound system
Faria Depth sounder with water/air temp and in-hull transducer
Power distribution from breaker panel and bus bars under dash
New Carling switches and panel
Horn relocated to drop-in at bow
New bilge pump w/ integrated float switch
Engine/Mechanical:
Corsa Captains Call exhaust w/ updated exhaust manifolds
Upgraded to Thunderbolt IV from points
Low-flow trim pump kit from Mercury
New Edelbrock marine carburetor
Harness changed to remove ammeter and change accessory power supply directly to battery switch
Dual batteries with switch and breakers
New BlackMax prop
New bellows and trim senders
Comfort/Convenience:
USB & 12v outlets in glove box and at cooler
Blue illuminated cup holders
Blue courtesy lamps
Automatically illuminated cooler & glove box
Adjustable 3-position seat backrest for port passenger
3-Step swim ladder installed on STBD platform
Corinthian marine carpet
Aqua marine decking to replace original teak
High-quality marine foam & vinyl upholstery
Bottle opener in a convenient location
Re-purposed original teak to accent and cover seams
Miscellaneous:
Fuel tank access optimized
Sun lounge braced properly in center and lids have proper latches
Helm seat from a mid-2000’s Chaparral with 3-way adjustable pedestal
Ski locker lid modified to be hinged and made from King Starboard
Cooler top and lid made from King Starboard
Bilge & ski locker painted with proper white bilge paint
New 3-D “HAMMOND” name lettering
Glove box lid of King Starboard
Re-sealed windshield glass
All seat frames coated with Behr deck stain/sealant
Stainless hull fittings
Stainless flag jack
Trailer re-wired with full LED lighting
nice job on the clean up. Did you do any core samples? How was the floor, stringers, transom?
