1988 Glastron GX 199 Restoration

[Willyclay]

I forgot how cramped it is to work with the engine there; even with the back seat & sundeck missing. If the engine was not in the way, it would be a lot easier to hook stuff up to it. Cheers, Chris

Wow, that statement really caused me a flashback to our son's Ebbtide 192SE with 4.3LX. I stored and maintained it for him for five years while his triplets learned how to swim. Another reason why I prefer outboards! Which prompts my question for you: What size OB is on your Glen L Tunnel Mite? Good luck, Bill

 

[chconger]

The Tunnel Mite has a 25 HP 2 stroke on her. I built it about 4 years ago. It says 20HP on the side as the guy I purchased it from had restrictions in Algonquin Park, so he put some stickers on it.


Here is a video from back then. Some Glastron in it too!

 

[jigngrub]

Good work on your boat and it's starting to look sexy again!

How many gallons of epoxy have you used so far? How much cloth?

 

[Willyclay]

Thanks for the video. Love the Indian decal on the Tunnel Mite. I have a 1985 Johnson 25 that needs some love. If I get it running, the grandkids might enjoy a Tunnel Mite. Good luck!

 

[chconger]

Good work on your boat and it's starting to look sexy again!

How many gallons of epoxy have you used so far? How much cloth?

Thanks!



About 10 gallons of epoxy so far.

Cloth; Unknown -- I bought from 3 different sources and neglected to keep records. Pretty much everything is sheathed in glass, including both sides of the deck panels...so a lot.

Went through 400 latex gloves (4 boxes).

.... and 10Kg of wheat flour



And hours? I think I could have worked at McDonald's for the same hours and bought a new boat with the proceeds. But of course its more fun to build boats.

Cheers
Chris

 

[chconger]

Thanks for the video. Love the Indian decal on the Tunnel Mite. I have a 1985 Johnson 25 that needs some love. If I get it running, the grandkids might enjoy a Tunnel Mite. Good luck!

Thanks. Tunnel mite is a fun boat indeed. You can literally go flat out, pull the steering over as hard as you want, and she will turn flat like its on rails. No cavitation.

Smooth & dry in a chop too.

Cheers
Chris

 

[Willyclay]

Tunnel mite is a fun boat indeed. You can literally go flat out, pull the steering over as hard as you want, and she will turn flat like its on rails. No cavitation. Smooth & dry in a chop too. Cheers Chris

Very helpful info. Don't want to hijack your thread so will PM any future Q's. Thanks, Bill

 

[chconger]

Well I have not given up. All the mechanical stuff went back together OK, I found some matching carpet & glued that in. Last week we splashed it:

My wife made this short video of that event pasted below here.

Was hard to start because the fuel pump was not priming, but we go it.

Next up is more upholstery work along the sides.

Cheers
Chris

 

[Willyclay]

Attaboy!

 

[chconger]

Thanks!

So initial observations:

RPM gained. She used to top out around 4200, now I see the 4700 range. This, I expect, is because an exhaust flapper valve had dislodged and was stuck down in a passage way partially obstructing the flow from one side of the motor. Never would have found that if I was not doing this job.

She now sits about 2" above the old water line. So all that water in the foam weighed considerably more than all the gallons of epoxy I put in. Nice!

All in all its entirely improved performance. Had my wife and son in the bow for a quick spurt at top speed; She said her eyelids were peeling back. That's all a man can ask for in a boat.


Its a huge job to do, I have a lot more on then list (refinish the hull and more upholstery)... But for now its time to pause and enjoy a safe and fast boat

Thanks for all the help along the path guys! Could never have done this without this forum and the excellent support and advise found here. Anything is possible!!


Cheers
Chris

 

[Corjen1]

Awesome!! Congrats!!

 

[BevoHoward]

Beautifull Boat !! Very nice job! Give yourself a well deserved pat on the back. Yet another thread I will be referring to over and over.

When I watched your video, I found myself saying, Come On ole girl Fire. Even though I knew it was going to run. HA!

 

[chconger]

Thanks Again Guys.

I cant say she compares to Corjen1's GT160 finish (Awesome!!!) But she will do for now. I need to get back to building my house for a while.

Cheers
Chris