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  1. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

  2. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    The chief was sweet, I loved my 18. If you ever got another one though, I'd say to consider the 22 for more comfortable camping and stuff like that. I think they're the most common size these days too but not sure..
  3. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    I wish I knew, I am tentatively copying roughly where the old one was mounted but open to adjusting a little if need be. I don't know where the new waterline will be considering her added weight of railings and accessories, I should probably get a waterline measurements from another 25 for a...
  4. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Preliminary layout. Approx size 81"W tapering to about 74"W aft, 30.5" long.
  5. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    XL swim platform production
  6. IslandExplorer

    Decisions

    Swim platforms really sell themselves don't they? I've put loads of thought into them and decided bigger is definitely better! I have never done this but I bet landing a decent size fish from there would be epic. Hoping to have mine at least 3 feet long/deep with steps and kicker motor mount...
  7. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks for the great feedback guys! I'm thinking it will definitely look better shorter too. And yes, it is a full 3 feet of railing as it stands uncut, plus about 4" (bc cockpit is lower than mounting surface) so it is about 40" from inside. The chair is for mock up/scale but I've always liked...
  8. IslandExplorer

    Decisions

    I don't know from experience but I've read that the GM 5.0 is great for a blend of power and economy. Hoping for similar results with the Ford 5.0.
  9. IslandExplorer

    Decisions

    Oh man, you have a nice throaty V8 sterndrive needing a good home?!? A 5.0 Chieftain or Islander would sound awesome and really cruise 😎 I was looking for a Chieftain 25 primarily, assumed I'd almost surely end up with the venerable Merc 165, but when I found her and saw the sweet old 5.0 Ford...
  10. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    What do you guys think of this railing height? The outside deck edge is about 4" higher than the cockpit deck. Thinking of dropping the railing a couple inches to match the cabin height and typical chair height bc it seems a bit tall. The footings fit perfect and will be riveted to the deck and...
  11. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

  12. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

  13. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Bell housing and shift cable are in, bellows attached at both ends. Man those bellows really are a bear to deal with, but that tool definitely makes a huge difference. Seems it would be nearly impossible without it for the exhaust. I didn't go with an exhaust tube so it had to be hose clamped at...
  14. IslandExplorer

    Decisions

    I signed up pretty easily for an actually free Imgur account without too much effort and have been posting them that way. I just paste the imgur links into these text boxes and they work, so far.. It's a pain but an ok work around. That's an option for ya.
  15. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks, she's getting there, slowly but surely. All these damn O rings and seals have been slowing me down a bit but I've also been working on gathering up critical items like railings, controls, and the swim platform components. Really looking forward to working on the swim deck. Then she'll...
  16. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Got the inner transom plate tightened down pretty good after putting the new pork gasket on the outside, sealing the outdrive to transom. Marine loctite to seal the wood in the holes and a few imperfections.
  17. IslandExplorer

    Decisions

    That's a good point, don't need to have a nearly 100% redundant setup. The other thing is taking on more than you have time, energy, space for can easily prevent the main project from really flourishing like it should. Although, having both models would look really cool sitting side by side in...
  18. IslandExplorer

    Decisions

    Save the old girl and have two competing for your attention! lol You might end up liking them both the same, or maybe one will prove the other is definitely what you want/happy with. 22 Chieftain has a nice cabin.
  19. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    My girl surprised me by secretly ordering the bellows install tool to make my job easier. Knew she was a keeper.. lol
  20. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    After seeing a few elusive snapshots of a similar, somewhat less raised deck build on a 25 like mine (the "Salty Dawg"I think it was called) I really loved the flat/flush deck setup. I think it will be great, esp once the railings are on. I do plan on adding some storage under there, but later...
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