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  1. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks, been scraping together every little bit trying to get nuts and bolts and gaskets for the past year but this thing is finally getting close! I might not have any money for gas to go anywhere after all this lol but I'll be happy just getting her in the water finally.
  2. IslandExplorer

    1978 Islander 22 I/O

    Wow, that's not that much more really, like just having an extra passenger in the back. The battery relocation should make a huge difference. These boats have so little weight up front so adding the batteries up there seems to have a more dramatic effect than average. I did that with the 2 house...
  3. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Still needs support struts attached but was nice to see it up there for a test fit.
  4. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Drilled transom holes and added aluminum angle ledge for swim platform while dodging rain.
  5. IslandExplorer

    1978 Islander 22 I/O

    I hear ya, more accts is another headache to deal with. 180 HP will be a great upgrade, that engine will just be purring along without strain! I wonder what the weight difference is from the 4cyl to V6. I'd guess that 4.3 is really light for what it is putting out. Engine block I'd think would...
  6. IslandExplorer

    1978 Islander 22 I/O

    What a cool project, love those Islanders! And man I wish I could see what you're working with. You need to grab yourself an image hosting app or something if you can stand it so we can see this project unfold! I'm using free imgur currently, it's a pain but it works for now.. That engine swap...
  7. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Got the swim platform put together finally, it was a pain but I'm thinking it'll really be worth it. Kicker motor is just propped up for planning so far.
  8. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

  9. 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..
  10. 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...
  11. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

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

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    XL swim platform production
  13. 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...
  14. 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...
  15. 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.
  16. 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...
  17. 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...
  18. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

  19. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

  20. 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...
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