Recent content by IslandExplorer

  1. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

  2. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks guys! The real wood just seemed right for this boat. Goes with the 70s vibe.🪵 Previous owner had the thing planked nearly everywhere, guessing he was a carpenter. The helm is finally powering up the blowers and nav lights now. Going for pumps and maybe engine control wiring tomorrow...
  3. IslandExplorer

    1978 Islander 22 I/O

    Well, it sure isn't looking like your first try at it, coming out great! That little area is a real focal point when you first enter the cabin so that's going to make it look really clean and like factory new. Cant wait to see the end result with the cabin. 🍿
  4. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Upper helm console constructed. Top piece I randomly found adrift in Narragansett Bay years ago. When drilled it is unusually red and, oddly, smells just like plasteline. I gave it new purpose in life. Windlass is fully wired, fused, relayed, and complete. Can drop ol Bruce right off at the pool...
  5. IslandExplorer

    Stainless Steel Rowboat

    You won't be able to scratch stainless steel with a pocket knife very easily. Try in some obscure spot. Aluminum and magnesium (like on a transfer case) scratch easily with a knife or screwdriver. Crude easy pocket method to tell if it is SS or not.
  6. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Refinishing floors all week has been seriously wearing and slowing me down- but still made a little progress at least! More thru bolts for helm, started chart plotter and main switch panel mount. Think I'm going to put a small visor over it to shadow the electronics slightly. It'll get a vinyl...
  7. IslandExplorer

    Tiny boat performance help

    The no drill feature is really nice and prob rare for those. The one I have requires 4 holes through cavitation plate. Theyre typically made where one size kinda-fits most, and a lot not well. Personally I hardly hesitate to drill holes in everything I own 😅 but most def prefer not to. = Might...
  8. IslandExplorer

    How do I Remove Very stuck on Exhaust Manifold Gaskets?

    Wow, that looks like that was tough. Crazy how resilient old baked on gaskets can be. Good job not giving up. And I'd definitely suspect that there could be asbestos fiber in it. The old stock gaskets, brake pads, etc were all tougher bc of it. When in doubt def wear a dust mask if you can...
  9. IslandExplorer

    Tiny boat performance help

    Nice homemade hydrofoil! I bet if you trim it down a little in front as previously discussed you will gain that extra speed from a little less drag and it'll be perfect. Just needs cool paint job now. 😎 Those things have an added benefit of protecting the spinning prop from bumping into dock...
  10. IslandExplorer

    How do I Remove Very stuck on Exhaust Manifold Gaskets?

  11. IslandExplorer

    How do I Remove Very stuck on Exhaust Manifold Gaskets?

    Oscillating multi-tool with nice sharp straight flat scraper blade for the win. Usually that gets right under it and will do a good clean job, and it's easy on your hands. Can ping it with light ball peen hammer taps directly on it to get cooperative fractures started if extra resilient gasket...
  12. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Been real, real hot this summer. Had to throw an AC in temporarily to keep the productivity up. Time to make electricity do some work around here again. Late night pizza party with the Admiralty. Cabin ceiling float-sulation. 3 layers thick. The old cedar ceiling planks, trimmed shorter and...
  13. IslandExplorer

    non alcoholic beer

    The need for safety beers for complex tasks is obvious. I've fixed a lot of junk, I know. But how without the buzz? Clausthaler. Best NA I've had. Used to happily drink em with my buddy working on cars in his sweat shop. To me, the aftertaste is really important that it's right/like beer...
  14. IslandExplorer

    Scissors-like abnormal noise from 5.7

    Looks like you're on top of it. Definitely consider removing biltemas finest and sealing up wire after testing though! 😅 Also, keep in mind- it will probably pull/prime through a small external tank without an anti siphon a fair bit easier than it will from your internal tank with spring...
  15. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thank you, I was very happy to repurpose that old abandoned supply crate and put it to good use. The '74 brochure is a great addition to the build thread! The photos, diagrams, and overall character of the sales pitch were still really great in that era, glad you held onto it! I actually have...
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