Building a '93 Caravelle 1750 Classic Bowrider

[Reserector_]

More progress on the enclosure. Still making decisions as I go.
I spent a good bit of time taking each joint back apart, adding adhesive, and screwing it all back together. This will be the shape I am going with.
I still have trimming and shaping to do, by I ran out of light. I need to order some cup holder inserts, too.
The seat in the photo will be attached as a separate back and bottom. I will delete the hinges, corner protectors and strap.

 

[chevymaher]

I would make the opening lid like a hood. Man I use mine. Open it at the dock. No gas smell is it leaking. All good start it. Get home I pop it open wipe it all out. Check for leaks and oil level.

 

[Reserector_]

I would make the opening lid like a hood. Man I use mine. Open it at the dock. No gas smell is it leaking. All good start it. Get home I pop it open wipe it all out. Check for leaks and oil level.

Pics of yours?

 

[JASinIL2006]

You are making great progress!

 

[chevymaher]

If you decide to do something similar. I got no issue taking a bajillion more pics.

 

[Reserector_]

When I hinge this puppy up, it'll be like there is no enclosure at all. Seat and steps will raise with it. It's really light, yet strong due to the facets. The hinge bears much of the weight, so a gas strut or two will make it almost effortess.
Still not sure how I want to finish it. Carpet, upholstery or a combination of the two.
Right now, the primer is drying. It's a nice day. I think I'll go watch it. 65° today.

 

[Reserector_]

A couple of pictures of it in the boat.

 

[Reserector_]

Made some progress on the engine enclosure. Still need to insulate the inside, add a limiting strap, a prop of some sort, bulkheads on the sides for it to mate up to, and so on.
For now, it is covered and installed.
It lifts and hinges nicely. When the enclosure is up, i will have clear access to all of the mechanicals.
The stainless cup holders drain into the bilge.
I ordered some white vinyl hydem gimp to trim the seams where the red and blue meet. I don't like those two colors touching.

 

[mickyryan]

When ya splashin?

 

[Reserector_]

March/April

 

[Reserector_]

Here are a few pictures of it that I took today. I temporarily used the strap to hold it openTo show how much access it gives me.

 

[Reserector_]

Any tips on curving plywood for seat backs in the bow?

 

[chevymaher]

Keep the wood wet and stack weight on it. Takes a few days to a week. Everyday add a little more. It will get crackly sounding when it it time to back off.

 

[Reserector_]

Is it wise to overbend a little, or just get it close?

 

[Scott Danforth]

or use a sheet of PVC board from lowes for about $75

 

[chevymaher]

No mine wasnt over bent. The last little bit was when I put it in. Take the wood without the upholstry. and push it in by hand you can tell when it is ready.

 

[Reserector_]

I would love to use PVC sheet, but the closest retail store I can find it at is two hours away and two hours back. It's up to $79 now.
I tried some online sellers, but the shipping puts them at double that amount. One of the few down sides to living in the middle of nowhere.

I think I will adjust my approach to curving the plywood, though. Flipping it over will put the outer curve toward the rain. Support the middle and weight the ends. Worth a try.

 

[kcassells]

I would love to use PVC sheet, but the closest retail store I can find it at is two hours away and two hours back. It's up to $79 now.
I tried some online sellers, but the shipping puts them at double that amount. One of the few down sides to living in the middle of nowhere.

I think I will adjust my approach to curving the plywood, though. Flipping it over will put the outer curve toward the rain. Support the middle and weight the ends. Worth a try.

I've seen guys here make their own steam bends.

 

[todhunter]

What about laminating two thinner (1/4"?) pieces together, bent and clamped in place with resin and CSM between them? They may still spring back some...just throwing out ideas.

 

[skuhleman]

Any tips on curving plywood for seat backs in the bow?

I think I used 3/8 plywood on mine. I didn't prebend at all and didn't have any problems with it.