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Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2016 10:37 pm
by cvincent
Hello Guys,

I have been clearing an area in my garage and gearing up to start building my PH18. I splurged and purchased the CNC kit for this build. The transom on this hull will composite (Aquaplas). I managed to put together the strongback this week. I plan to post pictures of my build as it progresses. I would appreciate any advice offered along the way. Thanks

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 12:28 am
by glossieblack
Congratulations on starting your build. Enjoy! :D

To ensure everything stays square and true when the going gets hectic, you may wish to consider introducing some bracing diagonals in the horizontal plane of the strong back.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 6:59 pm
by cvincent
Thanks Glossieblack, I will add diagonal bracing.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 12:07 am
by MrPaul
I won't be able to give much advice because I'm a rookie but please post lots of pics. I love to watch the PH's come together!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 3:04 am
by Fuzz
Looks like you might have already put casters under your cradle. One thing I might add is you can almost never have too big of casters. It will surprise you how many times you need to move it around and oversize wheels and capacity will make life easier.
Like the others have said post lots of pictures, we all love boat porn :D

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2016 5:33 pm
by cvincent
I spent several hours this morning I installing the frames on my jig and placing the stringers into the frame notches. Everything looks good at this point. Next, I plan to epoxy glue the stringer butt blocks and secure everything together with temporary drywall screws.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2016 6:28 pm
by Jeff
Cvincent, excellent start. Please keep the thread and photos coming!! We have several PH18's being built now!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 9:22 pm
by cvincent
This afternoon I used the transom cut out from the CNC kit to trace onto the transom foam. I clamped 4 layers of foam together and cut all pieces at the same time with a skill saw. I plan to make the transom 2" thick. I am still deciding on whether or not to cut the motor well because I will have a jackplate.

I hate to admit this but my wife took one look at the frames on the strong back this afternoon and said something is not right. She said I have never seen this boat before, but something is not correct. I told her I think everything is correct. She said whatever it is your boat and walked away. Dang, she is an engineer, so I had to double check everything. Well, she was right, I had station C and E in the wrong place. Talk about saved my behind. I told her feel free to walk back here and give constructive criticism anytime.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2016 8:12 am
by topwater
Yea some times a fresh set of eyes makes all the difference, especially if she is an engineer :!:

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2016 8:38 am
by poleposition
What name-brand product are you using for your foam transom? Thanks in advance...

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2016 1:40 pm
by cvincent
I am using aquaplas III sold on this site. Thanks

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2016 4:09 pm
by MarkOrge
Good luck on your PH18, you will love it as I do mine !

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2016 9:13 pm
by cvincent
I have not made much progress. With the transom lamination, I decided to glue one layer at a time. I am currently on the third layer using gelmatic glue. I have one more layer to go, then I will attach the transom to my jig.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2016 7:45 pm
by cvincent
I stitched most of the boat together during the week and finished up today. Time to start tack welding with epoxy.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2016 7:51 pm
by Eric1
Looks great!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2016 10:36 pm
by MarkOrge
Nice work Man

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 11:56 am
by TomW1
Looking good, transom looks awesome in there.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 12:04 pm
by Jeff
Great progress!!! Keep the photos coming. Also, send us some transome photos once finished gluing. Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 11:09 pm
by willg
Looks real nice! Congrats!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 3:07 am
by BarraMan
Looks good!

What is the advantage of a composite transom?

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 10:04 am
by cvincent
Working with foam board is certainly new territory for me. When I started planning this project my thoughts were that the composite transom would save on weight, not require overdrill and backfill with epoxy for all penetrations, and of course not rot. One negative aspect I have realized about using foam is that it cost way more due to the additional glass/resin required and weight savings will not be there due to the additional materials required. I also plan to beef up the bracing on the transom interior which will add additional weight. In my opinion both materials wood and foam used for transom construction have their advantages and disadvantages. The use of foam vs wood all boils down to a personal preference in the end.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 7:41 pm
by jorgepease
What density foam are you using. Coosa 26 lb is what I used. 1.5 inch of coosa with 120oz glass on each side, could hold a 300 LOL!!!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 11:01 pm
by cvincent
I am using aqua plas 3 ftom piedmont plastics. According to the mds sheet it has a density of 0.58 to 0.62 gm cm3. Converted to pounds 0.58 x62.43 =36# density. Transom is 2". Wow if 11/2 inch 26# Coosa can support 300hp then I should be ok. Thanks for the info.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 2:36 pm
by cvincent
I have been chipping away on the boat. The exterior lamination to the foam transom is done 5 layers of 12oz biax and 5 layers of 10oz weave. The transom is very strong. I also taped the keel and chines. I hope to begin with bottom glass this week.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 3:17 pm
by Fuzz
Very nice looking work :!:

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 3:34 pm
by Jeff
Agree with Fuzz, very nice & clean work!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 7:48 pm
by cvincent
Thank you guys.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2016 7:33 pm
by cvincent
The biaxial fiberglass on the bottom and sides is complete. I fastened a temporary dam to the chines and filled with epoxy to make reverse chines. Next will be the fun part, filling and fairing the hull.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2016 7:50 pm
by Jeff
Cvincent, very clean build!! Looking really nice!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 7:00 am
by LGF
Cvincent, great work on your build, glad to see the Phantom family is growing.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 7:01 am
by LGF
PS, what did you use to fill up the temporary dams for your reverse chines?

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 1:41 pm
by cvincent
LGF, I used a mixture of wood flour, milled fibers, and fumed silica. This mixture was difficult to sand/shape, but I wanted a very hard chine. I spent the weekend sanding the high areas and shaping with a long board. If I did this again, I would consider using plywood cut at an angle like others here have done instead of using a dam with epoxy.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 9:32 pm
by cvincent
It was 90degrees this afternoon so I attempted to post cure the outside lamination on the transom. I used 2 electric heaters and a tarp and tried not to start a fire. I was only able to get the temperature in the tent up to 110degrees. I need to pick up a heater with more output and try again. I am debating adding a 2nd layer of 12oz biaxial to the bottom panel, but I am not certain that it is necessary.

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Picture of one of the reverse chines with dam removed and some shaping.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2016 1:41 am
by willg
Looks real nice and clean. Congrats!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 4:06 pm
by Wouter
Looking good. Keep it up!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 12:07 pm
by Jeff
Agree, you are really making some good progress!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2016 8:30 pm
by cvincent
I started filling the weave, the first coat went on Sunday. I used a loose slurry of epoxy and microballoons for the first round. I will most probably sand and do 4 more rounds of microballoons, then switch to quickfair to fill lows, then high build primer.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2016 10:29 pm
by pee wee
That looks textbook perfect! Thanks for sharing, looking good. What are you using to sand, longboard?

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 7:55 am
by Jeff
Cvincent, really nice work!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 9:18 am
by cvincent
Yes, I am using longboards for sanding. I will switch to a RO sander to finish up once I have the lows filled in. Thanks

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 4:20 pm
by TomW1
Looking real nice. Before your 3rd sanding put on a Guide coat. It can be a fast drying paint or printers powder. I used fast drying Krylon in a bright blue. Just keep the can moving to make dots on the surface. When you then use your long board you will be able to see your highs and lows and know how close you are. No use wasting epoxy if you are close enough to go to Quick Fair.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 9:55 pm
by cvincent
Tom the Krylon in bright blue is a great idea. I will give it a try after the next round or two of epoxy.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 9:52 am
by cvincent
I rolled the boat out of the garage and washed it down. I post cured the silvertip epoxy on the foam transom by taping a black garbage bag to the transom and allowing the sun to do its thing. I was able to maintain a surface temperature on the transom between 140-150 degrees for about 3 hours. I have two rounds of microballoon/epoxy on bottom and on the sides. I am done playing around will microballoons and will use quickfair the rest of the way.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 12:57 pm
by cvincent
I reached a point where the bottom is fair enough for me. Next I will apply epoxy to bottom and then flip the boat over. I am thinking of how to best support the bottom once flipped.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 2:24 pm
by peter-curacao
Looks great 8)

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 2:28 pm
by Jeff
Really looks great!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 2:55 pm
by Wouter
If it helps, I built the support for the bottom before I flipped. It fits on the original strong back.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 4:01 pm
by Jeff
Nice planning Wouter!! Happy holidays, Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 8:47 pm
by cvincent
Thanks for the compliments everyone. Wouter, I like your idea for the support brace. Thanks

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 4:35 pm
by cvincent
The bottom is coated with VC Performance Epoxy and the sides are primed System 3 primer. I am working on the support structure for the flip.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 4:39 pm
by Jeff
How did you like the System Three Yacht Primer? Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 4:45 pm
by cvincent
The system 3 primer is very easy to work with. It has a nice high build, cleans up with water, sands easily, and is very tough when cured. Thanks

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 6:55 pm
by Jeff
Thanks for the comments!!! Glad you like the primer!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 8:01 pm
by cvincent
This afternoon I had several friends over and we managed to get the boat turned over. We rolled the boat over in the yard and manhandled her back onto the jig. I fastened all of the bulkheads to the side panels with drywall screws at the level of the rubrail. I kept all of the stringers and bulkheads in place for the roll because I was afraid the hull would distort on the roll. Everything looks good, now the fun starts on the interior. I am having trouble posting pictures after the latest update.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 8:30 pm
by cvincent
Several interior pictures:

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2017 7:44 pm
by MarkOrge
Nice clean work ! Are you going to put "pillars" in between the inner and outer layers of glass where the engine bolts go through ? This was recommended for my build. Mine is all composite, transom is 2 x 1" PRX 300 with the recommended 4 layers 12 Oz biax each side, to of them are 1208, and they alternate 45/45 and 0/90. I had some 1708 left over so that was used instead of the 1208 to beef it up a little.

It will be nice to follow your thread, cheers.

Mark

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2017 10:04 pm
by cvincent
Hello MarkOrge,

Are the pillars inserts of a higher density foam where the bolts go through the transom? The aquaplas foam has a 30# density, so I was planning to use an aluminum backing plate on the inside prevent the bolts from digging in and to spread the load on the inside of the transom? I have additional foam, I was thinking about adding additional thickness on the interior where the transom bolts go through.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 3:32 am
by LGF
I am also planning to use a transom plate over and beyond the beefed-up transom for the same reason/s relating to the motor bolts.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 3:34 am
by LGF
PS love the cleanliness of your build and it is another thread/build that I am following with huge diligence and interest!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 9:55 am
by cvincent
LGF I look forward to watching your build progress, once you are able to get started. I am using 5 layers of 12oz biaxial alternating with 5 layers of 10 oz weave cloth for a total of 110oz on both sides. The weave provides the 0/90 glass required. This is my first experiment with foam for a transom.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 6:44 am
by MarkOrge
HI CV. The inserts for the transom bolts need to be a non compressible material. I used structural resin. When I flipped the hull I had the outer skin done to the paint ready stage. On the inside bare foam. So I then drilled pilot holes where my 4 engine bolts go. One needs to ensure these holes are square to the transom - both ways. The i used a 2" hole saw from the inside and stopped when the hole saw came up against the underside of the outer skin, where it meets the foam. So then I had a 2"hole in the foam but pilot holes only in the outer skin. Then I filled the 2"hole with structural resin. I forget the brand we use here from Bateau but West System Six10 in the caulking tube is easy to get in the hole - you do NOT want any voids. It is thick enough to wipe flat and even with the inside surface of the transom foam after slightly overfilling. A quick sand may be needed later. Once you have the inside skin done you just finish drilling the holes for your motor and there you go - rock solid and non compressible. Others may have better ideas but this worked for me.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 9:54 am
by cvincent
Thank you for the explanation and advice. I will do the same and overdrill and fill will structural epoxy. It makes sense that the foam core can be compressed with a 300+ pound outboard hanging on the back end.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 8:06 am
by cvincent
I marked the BIA bolt pattern on the transom and drilled the holes for inserts. I filled the holes with thickened epoxy. The inserts will act as piers to keep the foam from compressing when the outboard is bolted to the transom. The aquaplas is very tough and the piers are extra insurance to ensure the foam does not compress when the bolts are torqued down.Thanks for the advice MarkOrge.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 8:44 am
by Jeff
Nice work on the AquaPlas cvincent!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 9:42 pm
by cvincent
I laminated 10 layers alternating between biaxial and woven cloth fiberglass on the interior yesterday all wet on wet with staggered overlaps. I hope to tackle the interior biaxial cloth layup by next week.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 1:25 am
by Fuzz
She should have one tough butt :lol:
Really good looking glass work.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 3:39 pm
by cvincent
Thank you Fuzz. I am taking the approach that if the foam transom fails then I will cut it out and install a wood cored transom. I think it should hold up just fine, it feels very strong.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 4:36 pm
by Jeff
Really nice glass work, I am sure this is very strong!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:57 pm
by cvincent
I am making slow progress, baby steps. The stringers are tabbed in. I also routed out two areas near the last bulkhead for a shoot thru hull transducer and thru hull water pickup for the livewells. The circle I routed out is for the shoot thru hull transducer, this was filled in with multiple layers of glass/epoxy. The rectangular slot for the high speed pickup was filled with aquaplas high density foam. Both areas will be glassed over.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 10:13 am
by flyfishingmonk
cvincent wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:57 pm I am making slow progress, baby steps. The stringers are tabbed in. I also routed out two areas near the last bulkhead for a shoot thru hull transducer and thru hull water pickup for the livewells. The circle I routed out is for the shoot thru hull transducer, this was filled in with multiple layers of glass/epoxy. The rectangular slot for the high speed pickup was filled with aquaplas high density foam. Both areas will be glassed over.

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Wow. Great work and a clean build. I get epoxy everywhere and you seem to keep it under control.

I have a question about the through hull transducer. Where it is being glued did you state you are going to glass over the epoxy plug and then glue down the transducer? Meaning it will have to shoot through glass and then the plug and then the glass and then the paint to take a reading?

Thanks!

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 11:14 am
by Jeff
Very clean build!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 12:27 pm
by cvincent
Thanks Casey. Yes the hole for the thru hull tranducer was glassed with multiple layers fiberglass/epoxy equivalent to 1/4 inch. The thru hull transducer will shoot through the fiberglass, but it will lose some sensitivity.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 12:31 pm
by flyfishingmonk
cvincent wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2017 12:27 pm Thanks Casey. Yes the hole for the thru hull tranducer was glassed with multiple layers fiberglass/epoxy equivalent to 1/4 inch. The thru hull transducer will shoot through the fiberglass, but it will lose some sensitivity.
I visited Cracker Larry and looked at his boat, this was some time back, and he lost a lot of sensitivity going through about the same thickness of glass and epoxy. Something to consider.

I have two layers of glass (maybe 1/16 inch thick) and I am gluing my transducer directly on the glass, and then epoxying around the transducer to strengthen the hull - to reduce the loss of sensitivity. Maybe something to consider.

Looks great!

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 12:49 pm
by cvincent
Thanks Casey. I have not ruled out the possibility of installing an actual thru hull transducer vs a shoot thru hull transducer.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 8:35 pm
by flyfishingmonk
cvincent wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2017 12:49 pm Thanks Casey. I have not ruled out the possibility of installing an actual thru hull transducer vs a shoot thru hull transducer.
With a nice thick epoxy plug to go through that may be a good choice. I looked at doing that until the the system I purchased (Lowrence) came with two that are on the inside. Maybe I should consider the same.

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2017 8:28 pm
by cvincent
Stringers are glassed.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2017 10:12 pm
by texasmechanic
Very nice work!!!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 6:01 am
by Wouter
Good progress!!! Keep it up.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:38 am
by cvincent
I have made slow progress. I am one of the few people who has an allergy to epoxy resins so I have to limit my exposure by working with it periodically. I have the frames taped in.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 11:52 am
by Eric1
I'm sorry you are allergic, but your boat looks great!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 12:11 pm
by flyfishingmonk
Looking good!!!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 4:17 pm
by cape_fisherman
I know professional builders who have the allergy so bad that they can not even go into a boathouse any longer.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:34 pm
by cvincent
Thankfully I do not have side effects that are serious enough to keep from working with it. If I keep the room ventilated and avoid skin exposure i am good for a day or two, then I have to step away for few days.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 1:40 pm
by flyfishingmonk
What happens? Itchy eyes? I fear I will get the same problem so I try to always use gloves and of course I try to keep it off my fore arms.

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:58 am
by cvincent
Yes, generalized dermatitis, some swelling eyes & lips, headaches. I began with symptoms towards the end of my last boat build. I sold my last house which had a larger garage and moved into a house with a smaller garage so I have less area to dilute the fumes. We plan to build a new house (3rd one we have built) on a larger piece of property we purchased next year sometime. I will be building my dream garage 40 X 60 metal building on this property if everything goes as planned.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 12:05 pm
by flyfishingmonk
cvincent wrote: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:58 am Yes, generalized dermatitis, some swelling eyes & lips, headaches. I began with symptoms towards the end of my last boat build. I sold my last house which had a larger garage and moved into a house with a smaller garage so I have less area to dilute the fumes. We plan to build a new house (3rd one we have built) on a larger piece of property we purchased next year sometime. I will be building my dream garage 40 X 60 metal building on this property if everything goes as planned.
Interesting. So wear a mask. Copy that. To be honest I have been complacent on wearing a pretty serious mask, and was really good about it in the past, using a mask from MSA. I will start doing so again just to be safe.

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 12:17 pm
by Jaysen
One of the few advantages to working in an open air shop is the lack of fumes. I do miss the buzz some days though...

Hopefully the reaction won't get worse for you gents. It would be a shame to see fewer builders.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:26 pm
by cvincent
Today I had a present from speedy tanks on the porch when I got home.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:48 pm
by Fuzz
They sure do build a nice looking tank.
Looks like things are coming along nicely.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:50 pm
by flyfishingmonk
Very cool!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 9:23 am
by topwater
Yes they do build nice tanks 8)

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 6:05 pm
by Eric1
That's who I plan to get my tanks from. They look really nice!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 8:04 pm
by TomW1
That is the only place that CL got his tanks from. They are coated and will put the input, vent and output fittings where you want them. They are also pretty fast.

Tom

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 10:16 pm
by cvincent
I have not seen details of how fuel tanks are installed so I decided to post what I am doing. I decided not to foam the tank in place. For my fuel tank installation I mounted a deck like David Pascoe recommends http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm. I used 1/2 okume plywood with 2 layers of 12oz biaxial on each side. I did not mount fir ledger strips to the stringers, instead I bedded the deck in a very thick bead of epoxy parallel to the stringers. I then tabbed the deck to the stringers with 12 oz biaxial tape. I will through bolt the tank to the stringers using 3 welded on tabs on each side. All of the mounting holes were over drilled and filled with epoxy. The tank will also be glued to neoprene strips on the bottom. The fuel fill hose and vent hose will pass through frame B and the fill will be on the front deck.

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A side note, when my fuel tank was shipped the epoxy coating had a few chips. I think the tank was boxed and shipped before the coating was fully cured which caused some of the coating to rub off and chip. I lightly sanded the entire tank, cleaned with interlux solvent and applied VC performance epoxy over the finish. The final finish is great and is as tough as nails.

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I plan to use these 316 stainless bonding nuts. I will scratch them good and bond them in epoxy, then sand and apply fiberglass tape over the flanges. This will allow me to unbolt and remove the tank from inside of the stringers. I plan to have a small hatch large enough to fit the tank through with a doubler which will be bedded in 3m 4000. If I need to remove the tank for any reason, I can remove the hatch, back the bolts out from the inside and slide the tank out/replace without cutting the floor. I will also have a pie plate inspection port over the fittings.

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I started installing cleats for the floor.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 11:19 pm
by TomW1
I am a little concerned you didn't follow Pascoe's instructions. It is a tried and true method of installing tanks, but let us know how your method turns out.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 1:44 am
by Fuzz
Installing fuel tanks seems to cause some very divided opinions. I has seen where some very respected builders will foam in the tank and others say it is death to the tank. I have no dog in this fight but it would sure be nice if the "experts" would all tout the same thing.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 9:23 am
by cvincent
The depth in this space was limited so I had to bed the deck in epoxy vs fir ledger strips. Unfortunately I would have needed to raise the sole to install the ledger strips. If this were an offshore boat, I would have foamed the tank in place due to the beating that offshore boats take. There is certainly no consensus on the world wide web when it comes to fuel tank installation. Thanks

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 5:56 pm
by Browndog
Sounds like a good plan for the fuel tank. I will be faced with some of the same issues when I install my tank due to a very tight space under the sole. The fuel tank and the console design and placement have occupied a lot of my thinking and planning time lately.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 7:58 pm
by cvincent
Thank you Browndog. I have spent plenty of time thinking of different options for the fuel tank installation and console. It was important for me to keep the space under the front deck clear for storage. I had to make the installation of the fuel tank under the sole work. I have a production console that I plan to install. For the console I will prime and paint to match the rest of the boat.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 8:19 pm
by Eric1
I don't see why you'd have problems mounting the tank that way.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 10:09 pm
by TomW1
There are many ways to correctly mount a tank and it differs between metal and plastic tanks. Just do your research and follow what is said. Also since about 6 years ago you no longer have to vent the compartments for plastic tanks as the EPA and the boat building standards committee could not out gas. If you get a metal tank make sure it is coated.

Jeff do you still sell the coating for tanks?

Tom

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2017 7:53 am
by Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2017 8:23 pm
by cvincent
I have most of the cleats installed for the sole.

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I started filling the back compartment with 2 part foam. I am using cheap plywood for a template covered with plastic sheeting to keep the foam from expanding above the stringers.

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Last weekend my brother-in-law and I fished out of Cocodrie. We caught a nice pile of speckled trout :D

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2017 8:41 pm
by Aripeka Angler
Nice looking work and a nice pile of fish 8)

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 5:37 am
by Eric1
Nice cleats and good eats! :D

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2017 12:00 pm
by cvincent
I have the bilge compartment glassed and I am slowly working my way forward in the boat. I have not decided if I will foam in between the two center stringers. I have gone through almost 4 gallons of foam so far, with almost no waste. I am now thinking this boat will take at least 12 gallons of foam if not more to completely fill in all of the spaces.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2017 6:14 pm
by Aripeka Angler
Very nice looking work sir! This is one solid well built boat.
I'd go ahead and foam those last couple of compartments. You won't be happy if you stop short of a complete job :D

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2017 8:37 pm
by cvincent
You are correct, go big or go home. I will foam those compartments in. Thanks

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2018 7:55 pm
by cvincent
Its been quite awhile since I have posted. I have slowly made progress on the build, here are a few updated pictures:

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My scuppers will drain directly out the sides of the boat.
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I picked up a used Yamaha (2016). The motor only has 130 hours and looks brand new.
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Santa was very good to me, he dropped off two power poles
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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2018 8:04 pm
by Aripeka Angler
Santa was good to you! :D
Nice looking work.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2018 8:08 pm
by Jeff
Glad to see the progress!! Nice Christmas!! Good to hear from you!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 12:38 am
by Wouter
Looking good!

Those powerpoles sure are nice!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 3:14 pm
by cvincent
I started fitting the back deck and installing gutters for the hatches. I also glued down the center console with gelmatic and taped the outside flange.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 4:04 pm
by flyfishingmonk
Man looking awesome!!!

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 4:11 pm
by Wouter
Awesome!! Enough said!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 5:09 pm
by Jeff
Make three Awesomes!!!! Really well done!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 11:04 am
by cvincent
All three back hatches were clamped and glued with epoxy from the topside of the deck. I glassed the bottom of my decks with 10oz plain weave and glassed in the gutters from underneath. A pvc spigot will be glassed to the back corner of the gutters which will be drained directly into the motor well. I am also installing backing plates and anything else I can think of before permanently gluing down the decks. Here are a few pictures of my progress. I hope to splash this thing within the next 6 months; I know this goal is very ambitious.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2018 1:24 pm
by cvincent
I managed to get the back deck glued in place last weekend. I began fitting the front decks yesterday evening. I probably should have routed a 1/8" groove in the deck for the hatch gutter flanges to sit flush. Sometimes I do things the hard way. Just a few pictures of my progress:

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2018 2:33 pm
by Jeff
cvincent, nice work!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 1:26 pm
by cvincent
I spent several hours each night this week building the rub rail and toe rail. I am pretty satisfied with how it turned out. I plan to use a vinyl rub rail with a stainless steel insert.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 1:43 pm
by Wouter
Looking good! I like it!!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2018 8:02 am
by pee wee
Agreed! It's come together nicely. I also like how your shop looks like you've been doing work! Not cluttered, but used.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2018 9:29 am
by cvincent
Thank you guys. I started trimming the inwale yesterday. I know the kerfs look sloppy I did them freehand with a skill saw. My table saw is buried in a storage unit.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2018 11:01 am
by Jeff
Nice!!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2018 1:43 pm
by Browndog
Looks good to me.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2018 1:48 pm
by Wouter
Nothing some epoxy filler can't handle 8)

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 1:28 pm
by cvincent
Here are a couple pictures of my progress. Smoothing out every nook and cranny of the boat is a job that requires a lot of patience. I used my own mix of microballons and glass bubbles for the first round of fairing. For the next rounds of fairing I will be using quik fair. Last weekend we were able to make a quick trip offshore catch a few red snapper. A four man limit only took about 5 minutes to fill, snapper are scarce, yeah right.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 3:46 pm
by Eric1
Boat's looking great! Nice catch too!! :)

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 4:24 pm
by Jeff
Boat really looking good!! Red Snapper are one of my favorite fish and I agree, limit, just stupid!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 5:38 pm
by OrangeQuest
Looking really good! And the boat doesn't look to bad either! :D

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2018 8:20 pm
by cvincent
Today I used my router to recess the hinges. I have been fairing, fairing, and fairing. GEM has several of their friction hinges on sale for $5 a piece, they are normally $24 each.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2018 6:13 pm
by cvincent
I rolled on two coats of system 3 high build primer this weekend. I have a few pinholes and low areas to fix but overall I am happy with the finish. I plan to use EMC for the topcoat.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2018 8:54 pm
by wegcagle
Absolutely Stunning! 8)

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 7:26 am
by cvincent
Thank you Wegcagle

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 7:47 am
by Eric1
That's gonna dazzle Clarks Hill. :D :D

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 12:47 pm
by cvincent
Thank you Eric. Following your build has given me the inspiration to keep on sanding.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 1:08 pm
by Jeff
Beautiful work Cvincent!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 9:11 pm
by Browndog
Looking fantastic with that primer on! I used all Gemlux hinges and latches throughout my brother’s boat and the Gem friction hinges for the livewell and the baitwell lids. The hinges are so strong they ripped the screws right out of the lids and I had to through bolt the hinges to the deck and hatch lids. I also used their friction catches/snap latches for those lids and the hinges exert so much force that the lids do not lay perfectly flat. I need to add a shim for the catches to make the lids flush with the deck.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 9:53 pm
by cvincent
Thanks Browndog. I plan overdrill/fill and through bolt the friction hinges to the decks with T nuts on the underside and possibly add additional backing plates. I have been thinking about how to reinforce the hatch side. The hatches are cored with divinycell and I am concerned the bolts will pull through. The gemlux hinges are so stiff that I am unable to open and close them by hand. I am thinking about adding additional glass to the underside where the hinges will be bolted or possibly epoxy gluing a thin piece of aluminum and glassing over that as a backing plate.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 8:32 pm
by cvincent
I still have more fairing and priming to do but I decided to take a break. I started fitting the hinges, rubrail, and navigation lights. All holes were predrilled and overfilled with epoxy. Here are a few pictures of my progress.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 4:45 pm
by flyfishingmonk
Looking good!!!

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2018 5:57 am
by Eric1
Nice work!! :D

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 1:24 pm
by flyfishingmonk
I like that edge you have around the boat - up on the deck.

Looks good.

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 6:44 pm
by cvincent
Thank you for the compliment Casey. I have not posted on the forum for awhile. I have been busy with work and building a new man cave/boat building shop :). I painted the sides of the boat last weekend with EMC snow white and the finish is awesome! The paint was sprayed with a fuji 5 stage turbine hvlp. This unit does an excellent job of atomizing the EMC. It took some trial and error to get the mixture figured out but once I did the paint went on beautifully.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 6:46 pm
by flyfishingmonk
Hey the finish sounds nice, and cool shop!

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 9:17 am
by pee wee
Nice shop!! Is that a brick ledge you've got there?

Boat is looking good, too. Spray finish is great when you're set up to do it.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 1:44 pm
by cvincent
Thank you pee wee. The metal wall panels extend down into the notch.

The finished outside wall looks like this:

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2019 9:10 am
by pee wee
cvincent wrote: Fri Jan 18, 2019 1:44 pm Thank you pee wee. The metal wall panels extend down into the notch.

The finished outside wall looks like this:
Ah, okay, thanks. That looks strong, and highly wind resistant. How big is it? Looks about 20 x 40 in the photo.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2019 10:34 am
by cvincent
It's a 30 x 60 building rated for 135mph.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 9:42 am
by cvincent
This weekend I painted the upper decks of the boat. I plan add the EMC non-skid to the final coat. I am getting there one step at a time. Thanks

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 10:20 am
by piperdown
Looking really good! That glossy shine!
Did you spray or roll and tip?

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 11:19 am
by cvincent
The decks were sprayed, thinned 10% and used a 1.3 tip. I plan to roll under the gunnels and lower floor area.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 11:27 am
by flyfishingmonk
Amazing!!!!

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 11:34 am
by Fair WX Pilot
Absolutely amazing finish. Its going to look outstanding in the sun light.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 11:57 am
by cvincent
Thank you for the compliments. My wife walked into the shed yesterday and commented "I am stunned with what you have done with a pile of plywood". Yeah!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 1:14 pm
by Jeff
Really well done!!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 2:28 pm
by DAYTRIP
Man that looks really good! Hatches look familiar :o .Great attention to detail. Jim

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 3:45 pm
by glossieblack
She's sure looking pretty. :D

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 3:58 pm
by Fuzz
About the shop. Have you made any provision for overhead lifting? And I am sure you know the red iron is not rated for that :wink:

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 4:15 pm
by cvincent
Yes sir. Unfortunately an overhead lift was not within my budget for the building. I do not plan to lift anything using the beams. I will have to flip using manpower or turn on a jig.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 7:07 pm
by Aripeka Angler
Sweet paint job! Beautiful work sir.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 10:33 pm
by cvincent
Thank you all for the positive comments. I hope to wrap up the paint job within the next week or two and move the hull to a trailer.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 8:46 pm
by cvincent
I picked up a new trailer today made by ameratrail. This is a classic series with all stainless steel components, tortion axles, LED lights. I am very happy with this trailer. I made few adjustments to the boards and the trailer fits the boat like a glove.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 10:10 pm
by Bogieman
cvincent wrote: Mon Feb 04, 2019 9:42 am This weekend I painted the upper decks of the boat. I plan add the EMC non-skid to the final coat. I am getting there one step at a time. Thanks

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Wow! just beautiful

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 5:43 am
by OrangeQuest
That is a very nice finish!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 8:50 am
by Jeff
And a very nice trailer as well!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 11:23 am
by flyfishingmonk
Man this boat looks great! I really like the raised area around the edge of the deck, and hope to do something similar on my boat. Not sure what to call it... toe rail?

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 12:59 pm
by BassMunn
Very nice looking boat and nice trailer too 8)

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 7:39 pm
by cvincent
Old Christmas wrapping paper works really well for masking off areas. I originally planned to add non-skid to the paint but I have decided instead to use kiwi grip. The paint is too shiny and the kiwi grip will tone down the inside. Today I installed the rub rail and I am very happy with how it turned out. I went with the tessilmare sphaera rub rail. I requested to have the stainless steel cut to 8ft sections because UPS will ship items up to 8 feet long. This worked out to be much cheaper than freight charges for the standard 9ft stainless steel sections. Tessilmare has transitional pieces which allows for a seamless transition between the stainless pieces.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 8:28 pm
by Fuzz
Man that is one fine looking build :!:

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 9:26 pm
by TomW1
Your getting closer and closer to launch. The bass should be ready about the time you are. :D :D

Tom

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 9:41 pm
by cvincent
Thank you Fuzz and Tom. I hope to be completed by May and on the water. If the weather holds out this coming weekend I will pull the boat out of the garage and install the jackplate and rig the motor. Still have to tape off for kiwi grip, work on the electrical, install switch panel, batteries, hydraulic steering, power poles, Rhodan.. I am considering having a poling platform made but I cringe when I think about leaving the boat in someone else's hands.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 10:07 pm
by TomW1
cvincent wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2019 9:41 pm Thank you Fuzz and Tom. I hope to be completed by May and on the water. If the weather holds out this coming weekend I will pull the boat out of the garage and install the jackplate and rig the motor. Still have to tape off for kiwi grip, work on the electrical, install switch panel, batteries, hydraulic steering, power poles, Rhodan.. I am considering having a poling platform made but I cringe when I think about leaving the boat in someone else's hands.
There are many poling platforms that have been been built by builders. My wife went out on a PH18 where the builder had built his platform back in 2005 or 2006 at one of the Crystal River Boat builder meetings, you can see it at Muddler's photo's in the Builders Galleries. There are other builds and I believe Jeff has a source for them.

Tom

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 9:19 pm
by cvincent
I installed the jackplate, hung the motor, and installed the trim tabs. Here are a few pictures of my progress.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 9:28 pm
by Aripeka Angler
Fantastic work. 8) You are raising the bar for sure.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 9:33 pm
by BB Sig
Beautiful work! You should be extremely happy!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 9:57 pm
by cvincent
Thank you Aripeka Angler and BB Sig. I am happy with how the boat is turning out. I have threatened to pull it outside and burn it to the ground on a few occasions during the build. Even with all the extra glass I added the boat very light. It should haul ass with the 115.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2019 4:52 pm
by BassMunn
Wow that's a nice looking Phantom. My old PH16 with a 115 Johnny on it ran pretty good, you'll be pleased :D

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:23 pm
by TomW1
cvincent wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2019 9:57 pm It should haul ass with the 115.
I think you will find it does just fine. A C19 with a Yamaha 115 had a top speed of 42-43. You should be a little faster since the plain boat weighs less. Figure on 45 depending on prop. I can give you a rough idea when your ready.

Tom

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2019 9:08 am
by cvincent
Thank you BassMunn and TomW1. I have a powertech NRS4 13.25 x 17 prop. I will see how the boat performs with this prop and go from there.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2019 12:04 pm
by TomW1
cvincent wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2019 9:08 am Thank you BassMunn and TomW1. I have a powertech NRS4 13.25 x 17 prop. I will see how the boat performs with this prop and go from there.
Ran some rough numbers for you cvincent try your 17 pitch prop but you may need to drop as low as a 15 to get your revs up the the 6300 max revs that motor can run. Max speed at 6300 was 47 mph. You probably want to run with at least a top number of around 6100 for max performance. Anything above 5500 would be okay as that is where max HP is reached but your not reaching max performance of the engine till you reach 6300.

Looking forward to you getting that boat on the water.

Tom

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2019 2:43 pm
by cvincent
Thank you Tom for crunching rough figures on the prop. After a water test I will post the performance numbers here along with estimated weights. A local prop shop can take a few inches of pitch out if needed.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2019 6:07 pm
by DAYTRIP
Sure looks great. Very nice work

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 10:09 am
by cvincent
Thank you Daytrip.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 3:41 pm
by BassMunn
That 17 pitch will probably be low if you're looking for speed, but you'll get a nice holeshot.
It's not apples to apples as I had the 16ft Phantom with a 2 stroke, but I ran a 17 pitch BRP SS prop, topped out at 47mph GPS speed but I could get on plane in about 5ft :lol: That boat could have happily run a 21 pitch prop and peel your eyelids back.
For your rig I think the 17 will work just fine

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 9:20 pm
by cvincent
Thank you for the information BassMun. I reviewed your phantom thread and your boat was a fine setup.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 11:03 pm
by cvincent
I spent today fishing throttle cables, motor wiring harness, battery cables, etc.. through the motor rigging tube. I also installed my new switch panel. I plan to install the hydraulic steering tomorrow.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2019 7:21 am
by Browndog
A custom dash panel really makes a difference. It is one of the best upgrades I made for my brother’s boat.

Your boat is really looking sweet.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2019 1:43 pm
by cvincent
Thank you Browndog.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2019 3:37 pm
by BassMunn
Nice switch panel.
Are those proper Bocatech switches or the Chinamese copies? The reason I ask is that I have the Chinamese ones and they are supposed to be IP67 rated, Stainless steel and 5amp ratings, but just not sure how they are going to hold up and wondering if you have any experience with them?

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2019 8:37 pm
by cvincent
I had the switch panel made by New Wire Marine. The switches are bocatech. This is my first switch panel with bocatechs. I have no prior experience with these or the Chinese versions. For the price I sure hope they last a lifetime! :lol:

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2019 9:45 pm
by OrangeQuest
New Wire has some really nice switches. They have a few I wish I had room for like the "eject" button or the "Low Beer" warning light.

For the price your switches should come with a lifetime warranty! :D
Really a nice console you have there.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 9:49 am
by cvincent
I have been busy lately so I have not had much time to work on the boat. My hatch lids felt a little spongy when I stood on them so I added 20oz of plain weave underneath and refinished them. I am almost done with all the electrical work and I plan to tape off apply kiwi grip to the decks next week. The boat will be splashed soon!

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:42 am
by Jeff
Very nice hatches!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 2:03 pm
by cvincent
Thank you Jeff!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 4:40 pm
by Browndog
Hatches look great and the custom letters take it up a notch. Sweet!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 9:26 pm
by Aripeka Angler
Beautiful work!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 9:29 pm
by Bogieman
Looks better than a production boat! Very impressive

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 10:30 pm
by cvincent
Thank you Browndog, Aripeka Angler, and Bogieman. I can't wait to get some blood on the decks.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 10:58 pm
by cape man
Very very nice!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 12:46 am
by willg
Your boat is a work of art.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 2:12 am
by Wouter
Fantastic! Awesome job!!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 9:13 am
by cvincent
Thank you all for the compliments. it means a lot coming from the talented builders on this site.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 2:36 pm
by BassMunn
Wow that boat looks good!!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 1:04 am
by flyfishingmonk
Lookin good!!!

Casey

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 11:02 am
by cvincent
I spent time yesterday installing a Rhodan trolling motor. Removal of the motor is simple by pulling a pin and unplugging. I should be ready to hit the water soon.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2019 8:31 pm
by cvincent
After 3 years of work my phantom was splashed today. I did not take any on the water photographs because I was too busy fishing. I will take on the water photos next time out. The boat sits perfectly on her lines and is very stable. I was able to get into areas today that I could not think about going in a bay boat. With two men (450lbs), 27 gallons of gas, 40 pounds of ice, fishing gear, the boat ran 43-44mph wide open turning 5700 rpm. I need to have 1" of pitch removed from the prop (power tech NSR4 13.25 x 17). The boat was perfectly stable when running wide open. I crossed several large bays today and the boat was perfectly dry and ate the small chop up. The aquaplas foam core transom is solid as a rock. The boat definitely performed beyond my expectations.

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2019 1:51 am
by Fuzz
Really nice boat! and it caught fish on the first trip so it might just be a lucky one too :D

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2019 2:08 am
by Wouter
Awesome!! Congrats on the splash, now enjoy your boat!!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2019 6:43 am
by Browndog
Looks great and sounds like it performs well too. Congratulations on a job well done!

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2019 7:44 am
by Jeff
Congrats & beautiful work!!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2019 9:04 am
by cvincent
Here are a couple photos of my boat in my shop:

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Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2019 9:18 am
by Jeff
That is a beauty!!! Great job!! Would you email me some photos directly and I will use them on the website: jeff@boatbuildercentral.com

Again, beautiful work!!!! Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 10:44 pm
by Mike Garone
cvincent wrote: Sat Jan 20, 2018 3:14 pm I started fitting the back deck and installing gutters for the hatches. I also glued down the center console with gelmatic and taped the outside flange.

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Beautiful build! Where did you source the gutters and hatches?

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 3:54 pm
by peter-curacao
Gorgeous build, and a very nice shop 8)

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 12:38 pm
by cvincent
Thank you Peter. Daytrip who posted his Bertram rebuild on this site made the hatches.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Sun May 24, 2020 11:17 am
by fishmedic
Beautiful boat!! I will be starting a PH22 build in a couple of weeks. Is there anything you'd have done differently? For some reason your early hull pic's are no longer available to view (for me at least). Did you add chines to the hull or did you cut them in when cutting your bulkheads and transom? How is the handling? Does it dig into turns or slide? Thanks.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 5:31 pm
by cvincent
Sorry for the late response. I would add the small skeg as recommended in the plans. The boat does slide in sharp turns and you just have to slow down. It's not a big deal once you get used to the boat. I did build in reverse chines by making a dam and building up with epoxy/choppedstrand/cabosil mix. I believe wouter and several others built up reverse chines and I recommend checking out what they did which appears to require less sanding. The reverse chines do and excellent job of keeping the spray down. The boat gets up on plane with very little bow rise.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2020 9:06 pm
by cvincent
Here is a short video cruising in at 30mph.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/7DJBEXfxBj8[/youtube]

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2020 11:16 pm
by fallguy1000
I enjoyed the video. Are you on a jack or bracket or regular transom?

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 7:15 am
by cvincent
I am running a 6” bob’s jackplate.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 8:13 am
by Jeff
Looks like that 115 Yamaha pushes her right along!!! Congratulations, Jeff

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 2:13 pm
by Fuzz
Beautiful boat and great video! Boat seems to be hauling the mail in the video! You say it is going 30 so what is the top end?

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 2:54 pm
by TomW1
What's your rpm's and speed at top end?

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 8:14 pm
by cvincent
I had work done to my prop removed 1" of pitch and some cup removed and is now a13.25 x 16 NSR4 powertech. It turned 5900rpm with full 29 gallon tank, myself and bro in law. In the video turning 4600 at 30mph.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2020 8:19 pm
by cvincent
Top speed is 41-42mph plenty fast enough for me. For the most part I keep it at 30mph.

Re: Cvincent's PH18

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:11 am
by Jeff
Wow, that is too fast for me as well!! Great finish!!! Jeff