Im starting a thread here and I will update as the progress continues. I have it posted on SB too. I should start with the build out within a week or so. The teardown has been rough, but Im only one person so I do the best I can. The specs of the boat are as follows: 25ft long, 10 ft beam, 1968 Mako, twin straight inboards with Borg Warner velvet drive transmissions. estimated weight when done under 5k, estimated costs involved..... not sure, but hopefully under 10k.

more pics. I plan on rebuilding the trannys and using a foam cored fiberglass stringer system. the starboard gunwale will have a livewell and saltwater washdown. the port gunwale will be a fishbox with overboard drain. the engine box will be 3 pieces, the front and rear will fold open while the center one will be bolted. the center section will have a rack that will hold 3 tanks ready to go w/bcd's. the rear section will have padded seating. the front section will have the same only it will have storage under the padded area much like a leaning post. hmmmm..... now to design a custom speargun rack....

Dude, I would love to tackle a project like that. I've never done anything on that scale, but it would be damn fun to try. The good thing is, when you get done its exactly the way you wanted it. Good luck.:beer:

Wow, big project. I did not realize Mako built that big a boat in '68, which I believe was their first year in business. Go to www.classicmako.com for some excellent coaching.

Very cool.. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread to see how it progresses. It's nice to see someone tackling a project like that!

estimated costs involved..... not sure, but hopefully under 10k.

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

I saw this boat about a month ago before he gutted the hull. He has made a lot of progress!

Steelmeal, you got some "before" pics?

First thing I would do would be to junk out those old drive trains, and convert the hull to a single screw diesel. But thats going to be a tad bit more than 10K. If you stay with gas twin engines, I would buy an entirely new drivetrain. I would not screw around with 39 year old Velvet Drive trannies. Parts availability on them is probably a bitch.

Very cool! Looking forward to watching the progress!

I'm impressed. I would do such a good job thoroughly f*cking that project up. :D

here are a few pics of what I started with about one and a half months ago. This will give some idea how far the boat has come since the beginning. All of this work has been done when Im not working my actual job.

The main reason I want to leave the boat as a twin screw design is because there were only 5 of these boats built, and after much searching it appears this may be the only one left. So naturally I want to keep this aspect of the boat original. I will be doing alot of custom building though to make it as functional and modern as possible.

you have to admire anyone who is willing to take on a project like this. But one thing that you have to make sure of before you start is that you are doing this because you love it period.

Think about realistically how much time you are going to spend and then double it, and consider what that time is worth to you, and then weigh if it is worth it to you. Do you love the build or the time on the water? Good luck!!

A pair of small diesels would be the way to go with your project. If you look hard you might find a good deal on a pair of 210 hp 6BT cummins that need rebuilding. Look in Boats and Harbors newspaper.
If you are going to do a big project, you will soon regret not going the distance and putting diesels in that boat. Gas inboards suck canal water.:whistle:

Two words....Itch,Itch!!! I hate doing fiberglass work!!! Good luck and keep us posted with pics!!!:smthumbup:

steelmeal, are you going to be using davinacell(sp?) for the stringers? if so where did you get it because im going to be need a small piece and cant find anywhere that sells its. thanks, also the boat is coming along, cant wait to see what the end project looks like
Randy

Its official, I have begun the rebuild. I have 2 of the bulkheads cut and will be doing more all day tomorrow. I will try to post updated pics soon. This day has been a long time coming!!!!

Good luck.

Scratch the itch
Scratch the itch
Don't you know
'glass is a bitch!

Krokus - Eat the Rich (redub)

Goodluck!

$10,000 will be slightly more than 25% when she goes on the water though. I would definatley go with the advise of guys suggesting newer diesel power you would be way ahead when actually using the boat. Good luck I'd like to see the finished project.

I would definatley go with the advise of guys suggesting newer diesel power you would be way ahead when actually using the boat.

I agree 100%. The diesels will bring a lot more value to the boat. Are your thoughts similar to restoring a '67 GTO to original specs for a reason?? Unless you are planning on entering it into some boat show competition or selling it to a collector where originality is a criteria, what will having the original motors do for your boat as far as performance and value? Diesels will take the cake on both.

Good luck, I'm sure she'll be beautiful whatever your powering choice is.:beer:

I agree. Bear in mind, even on sites like Classicmako.com, they give little to no value in "all original" boats. Boats are not like cars, with restored boats, people want updated technology.

It is going to be really, really tough to get that boat up and running for 10K.

What ever you think it is going to cost double it. If it still seems worthy and you can afford it then go for it. Do not forget what your time is worth!

Do not forget what your time is worth!

Actually, you need to ignore what your time is worth. If you try to factor your time in, it will always end up being much much cheaper to buy a new boat. Thats a fact, coming from a guy who has spent hundreds of hours curled up inside a center console heat shrinking crap.

Wow!
Thats one big undertaking there. I heard Makos are rough as a Biatch. Good luck,...make it like you want it!

Twin outboards on a braket only way to go IMO;)

Actually, you need to ignore what your time is worth. If you try to factor your time in, it will always end up being much much cheaper to buy a new boat. Thats a fact, coming from a guy who has spent hundreds of hours curled up inside a center console heat shrinking crap.

I agree, come on in and buy a new boat. :whistle:

Twin outboards on a bracket? :scratchhead:I guess you've never run twin diesels.:smthumbup:

Yea stick with some deisels. Def the way to go IMHO.

Yeah, diesels are probablly the better choice ,I hate getting to my spots so fast.:awink:

Are you done yet?:D

I think I save the time I lost on the way out at the fuel dock when I get back. We went out last weekend over 200 miles total trip and fuel burn...91 gals. 500h.p. combined diesels 5 men, 20 bottles of gas. Cruised at 22.

Are you done yet?:D

I wish i were done! this tropical storm hanging off the coast.... plus working..... has slowed me a lil bit.... should be back at it on friday though

Hey Steelmeal
I just noticed you are in Central Florida. There is a guy in Merritt Island that operates a boat supply business out of his home. He is a pack rat of sorts but has every thing you will need to build your boat. Most of what he has is second hand but in very good condition. He sells everything dirt cheap. Now here is the catch. He is a real stickler when it comes to ordering from him. You must have a list of items you wish to have and place your order a day or two in advance of picking it up. He will put the order together and also offer you options on various items you might need. When you pick your order up there will be no window shopping but usually after getting to know him he will work to help you along with your project. I highly recomend you look into making contact with this company it will save you a ton of money. You can PM me if you are interesed and I will give you the contact information. The offer applies to all members of the board but I hesitate to put his information in a public forum basically because I do not want to screw up my relationship with this individual. BTW this is a completely legitimate business the gentleman and his wife are retired and already have a solid base and don't like advertising to keep things simple. Good luck with your project.

That guy sounds like the soup nazi...no soup for you!

update?

im now about 90 percent finished with the stringer system. i picked up a brand new 112 gallon polyethylene tank for 250 bucks, which i think was a good price. ill be working on the boat tomorrow ans saturday. ill try to get some pics posted in the next few days. sorry its been so long. work is getting in the way of the important stuff...... spearfishing and boat building. lol

update?

here are a few pics of the boat rebuild. should be ready for the water by Neveruary 32nd...... lol

looking good, keep the update pics coming,, did you get your tank from the dealer down on 27 south of lake wales?

looks good, and strong!

Hey Steelmeal,
That is an awsome project you are taking on. I understand what all the other guys are saying about diesel power. A set of twin yanmars would be awsome in that boat. If you don't have 50k-60k to drop on diesel power then gas burning 350gm's with borg warner trannys would be my next choice. They are easy to work on and parts are cheap. I have a straight inboard boat with a single gas burner and it is very fuel efficient running at 15 to 20 knots. Make sure everything is vented well and if you are running at idle speed turn on your blowers just to make sure no fumes are settling. I also open up the engine box on mine when I first start her up. Best of luck and look forward to more updates

First thing I would do would be to junk out those old drive trains, and convert the hull to a single screw diesel. But thats going to be a tad bit more than 10K. If you stay with gas twin engines, I would buy an entirely new drivetrain. I would not screw around with 39 year old Velvet Drive trannies. Parts availability on them is probably a bitch.

The parts and service for Velvet Drives are cheap and readly available. I just rebuilt a 30 year old one. It is still in production basicly as it was from the beginning.

I just finished a similar job on a single inboard 22 footer a couple of years ago. Inboards handle the seas much better because of a lower and centrally located center of gravity than outboards on a the transom. I did pretty much what you are doing. I rebuilt the engine and transmission, all new wiring, instruments, gas tank, paint, replaced the deck, etc. I spent about $8,000 not counting my labor.

tiger, that thing is a beauty!!!

WOW GUYS the amount of time love and blood that goes it to these rebuilds.
:smnotworthy::smnotworthy::smnotworthy:

Steelmeal, where are you located in Central Florida? I go to school in Orlando and if you need someone to help with easy stuff I wouldn't mind helping out.

Any progress on the boat lately? How about some Pics.

how she going?

how she going?

For sale. Based on the thread below, looks like he'll let it go for maybe $500 or its going to the junk yard.

http://classicmako.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23627

wow i sure wish I had the time for that project.
I have done complete rebuilds on 2 ski nautiques and 1 fish nautique for myself.
Alot of fun. I actually have a place I can use to do that boat inside
but I just dont have the time.....


Dago.

Someone should just take it and keep it till they can work on it. It would be a shame to junk it.

If I didnt have the Bert I'd jump on it! GREAT HULL 25' boat 10' beam DAMN!

Steelman, P.M. me. I have a buddy with a 315 Yanmar, stripped down (all parts present) and ready to be put back toghether. He wants, " I think" $1,500 for the motor. He also has a Yanmar 250 complete, that went under water for less than a minute, boat was re-floated right away. The engine was flushed right away with fresh water, than pickeled by filling up everything in oil. Will need to be gone through 100% but the motor has less than a 1.000 hours on it. He wants about the same for that engine too.

Well, forget that last post. I guess that project came to a screeching halt.